PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Widjaja, Josephine H.
AU  - Sloan, Douglas C.
AU  - Hauger, Joseph A.
AU  - Muntean, Brian S.
TI  - Customizable Open-Source Rotating Rod (Rotarod) Enables Robust Low-Cost Assessment of Motor Performance in Mice
AID  - 10.1523/ENEURO.0123-23.2023
DP  - 2023 Sep 01
TA  - eneuro
PG  - ENEURO.0123-23.2023
VI  - 10
IP  - 9
4099  - http://www.eneuro.org/content/10/9/ENEURO.0123-23.2023.short
4100  - http://www.eneuro.org/content/10/9/ENEURO.0123-23.2023.full
SO  - eNeuro2023 Sep 01; 10
AB  - Reliable measurements of motor learning and coordination in mice are fundamental aspects of neuroscience research. Despite the advent of deep-learning approaches for motor assessment, performance testing on a rotating rod (rotarod) has remained a staple in the neuroscientist’s toolbox. Surprisingly, commercially available rotarod instruments offer limited experimental flexibility at a relatively high cost. In order to address these concerns, we engineered a highly-customizable, low-budget rotarod device with increased functionality. Here, we present a detailed guide to assemble this rotarod using simple materials. Our apparatus incorporates a variation of interchangeable rod sizes and designs which provides for adjustable testing sensitivity. Moreover, our rotarod is driven by open-source software enabling bespoke acceleration ramps and sequences. Finally, we report the strengths and weaknesses of each rod design following multiday testing on cohorts of C57BL/6 mice. We expect explorations in deviant rod types to provide a foundation for the development of increasingly sensitive models for motor performance testing along with low-budget alternatives for the research community.