Balance Beam Walking Test for mice

The Balance Beam Walking Test is a classical behavioral assay designed to measure coordination, balance and motor learning in rodents.

During the test, the mouse is placed on a narrow elevated beam and motivated to traverse it toward a safe box or home cage. The experimenter records the traversal time, speed, number of foot slips, stops, falls and others. They represent a reliable indicator of sensorimotor performance.

This test is particularly valuable for detecting subtle motor impairments in neurological or neurodegenerative models, such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, cerebellar ataxia or stroke, where other tests like the Rotarod may lack sensitivity.

Different beam widths, shapes (eg. circular or square) and textures can be used to modulate task difficulty, and video tracking can be integrated for objective data collection for at least the speed, the time taken, the falls. Automatically tracking paw slips is still challenging.

Features & Benefits

• Non-smooth surface: To ensure sufficient grip to the mouse while walking on the beam
• Variable beam dimensions: To adjust the difficulty of the Balance Beam walking test
• Detachable magnetic boxes: Easy to clean
• Transparent starting box: To encourage the mouse to walk towards the dark box
• Adjustable safety net positioned below the beam: Reduces anxiety and stress levels in the animal, promoting more natural motor behavior. Prevents injuries in case of falls, ensuring safe testing conditions
• Compatible with automated video tracking systems: Enables hands-free, objective data collection, reducing operator bias

Applications

The Balance Beam Test is widely used in neuroscience and motor function research to study:

• Motor coordination and balance recovery after lesions or pharmacological treatments
• Progressive motor impairment in neurodegenerative diseases
• Sensorimotor learning and adaptation
• Effects of aging, fatigue, or experimental therapies on gait stability

It is often performed alongside complementary tests such as the Rotarod, Gait Analysis and Grip Strength Test for a complete assessment of locomotor abilities.

Optional Extended Warranty (UB Care)

In addition to the one-year Regular Warranty and in addition to the one-year product registration extended warranty, Ugo Basile offers an Optional Extended Warranty that extends the warranty period for the product for additional one or two years called “UB Care12”/“UB Care24”. Customers may purchase the “UB Care” at the maximum of 3 months after buying. For more detailed information, please contact your local representatives. Read more