Home › Analytical Chem › A Novel Method for Assessing Proximal and Distal Forelimb Function in the Rat: the Irvine, Beatties and Bresnahan (IBB) Forelimb Scale
Analytical Chem JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

A Novel Method for Assessing Proximal and Distal Forelimb Function in the Rat: the Irvine, Beatties and Bresnahan (IBB) Forelimb Scale

DOI: 10.3791/2246-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Perform the IBB forelimb scale assessment on rats to quantify proximal and distal function
  • ✓ Score digit movements, wrist motion, and grasping behaviors from video recordings
  • ✓ Detect forelimb recovery using natural feeding behavior without extensive training
Protocol

Here we will describe a rodent behavioral assay that can detect recovery of both proximal and distal forelimb function including digit movements during a naturally occurring behavior that does not require extensive training or deprivation to enhance motivation.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~5–10 min per rat per session (video collection); scoring ~10–15 min per video
Model organism
Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Steps

1
Train rodents for forelimb assessment

Acclimate rats to the testing environment and establish baseline feeding behavior. No deprivation or extensive conditioning is required.

▶ 02:33
2
Record and assess behavioral video

Capture video of the rat performing natural feeding behavior, then review recorded footage systematically for scoring structural and functional features.

▶ 03:45
3
Score predominant elbow joint position

Observe and classify the elbow's primary positioning during proximal forelimb movement. This reflects proximal limb control.

▶ 04:36
4
Assess proximal forelimb movement patterns

Evaluate the quality and extent of movement at the shoulder and elbow joints during feeding or exploration.

▶ 05:10
5
Evaluate contact non-volar support

Score the dorsal (non-volar) surface contact of the forepaw with objects or substrate during manipulation.

▶ 05:51
6
Classify predominant forepaw position

Determine the primary position of the paw (supinated, neutral, or pronated) during functional tasks.

▶ 06:37
7
Score volar support contact

Assess the presence and quality of ventral (volar) surface contact of the forepaw during object interaction.

▶ 07:21
8
Assess wrist movement during manipulation

Evaluate the range and control of wrist flexion/extension and rotation while the rat manipulates food or objects.

▶ 08:06
9
Score cereal adjustments as control

Use natural cereal adjustments during feeding as a reference behavior to validate the assessment methodology.

▶ 08:55
10
Quantify presence of digit movements

Score individual finger/digit flexion and extension during grasping and manipulation tasks.

▶ 09:48
11
Evaluate grasping method and quality

Classify the type of grasp (palmar, lateral, or precision) and assess the strength and consistency of digit coordination.

▶ 10:31
💬 Comments coming soon