The staircase apparatus provides a simple, efficient and easy way to quantify the testing of skilled paw reaching for both the rat and the mouse (see Model 80301). Two food pellets are placed onto each step of two staircases located one on either side of a central platform (two widths supplied). The animals are placed in a box relevant to their size and can reach down either side of the platform to grasp, lift, and retrieve food pellets from the steps of the staircase. The numbers of pellets removed provides a quantifiable measure of the distance and efficiency of reaching skill.

The design allows separate measurements of reaching capacity with the left and right paws, and does not require any constraint or restriction of the contralateral limb to measure performance on the two sides separately. The test is sensitive to unilateral lesions of the striatum, forebrain dopamine systems, sensorimotor cortex, as well as focal ischaemia.

The specifications of our Staircase have been determined through extensive trials. These specifications are set to ensure good reaching and grasping motion and to minimize the spillage of pellets. These specifications affect the stair height and the size and depth of the well, which is critical to the efficacy of the test. The Staircase dimensions were based on a rat model of 150 grams to 250 grams to ensure the animal cannot turn around once it has entered the test area; however, larger animals up to 450 grams have been tested regularly. The overall dimensions of the unit are 360mm x 120mm (14 x 4.75 inches).