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Measuring Grip Strength

1,135 bytes added, 17:20, 14 February 2014
wrote grip protocol
==Materials==
* Grip Strength Meter: Use the Metek DFE Grip Meter from the Neuroscience Institute Behavioral Core
* Mice: You can either do it downstairs or bring the mice upstairs. If you move the mice then make sure they have some time to settle first.
* Prepare a data sheet with one row per animal and space for 3-5 measurements per animal.

==Protocol==
* Make sure the meter is charged or plugged in and sitting stably on the bench
* Turn it on, click on the top left button (MODE) until the measurement display says T-PK (Peak Tension) not NORMAL or C-PK (Compression Peak)
* Zero the reading by pressing ZERO, the reading should be at or near 0.00 N (measure force in Newtons unless a compelling reason to do this otherwise)
* Pick up the mouse from the cage, and determine its ear tag number.
* Place the mice on the grate so that is securely grips with all four paws, holding it by the tail.
* Gently pull the mouse horizontally by the tail away from the sensor until the mouse lets go.
* Record the peak grip on your data sheet
* Let the mouse recover for 2-3s, then repeat 3-5 times in total
* Move on to the next mouse

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