Rotarod performance test

[2] In the test, a rodent is placed on a horizontally oriented, rotating cylinder (rod) suspended above a cage floor, which is low enough not to injure the animal, but high enough to induce avoidance of fall.

The length of time that a given animal stays on this rotating rod is a measure of their balance, coordination, physical condition, and motor-planning.

The advantage of this test is that it creates a discretely measurable, continuous variable (length of time) that can be used for statistical purposes to quantify the effects of different drugs, conditions, and procedures.

[9] Testing of genetic knockout animals may help determine the genes most responsible for maintaining mammalian balance and coordination.

[10] Comparing the performance of different animals with specific brain lesions helps scientists map which structures are critical for maintaining balance.