SOP Grip Strength Meter

 GRIP STRENGTH METER

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

The grip test is used to measure the maximal muscle strength (motor function) of forelimbs and combined forelimbs and hind limbs.

Set up and use of instrument:

1. Check that the connection of the sensor to the grid is tight.

2. Turn on the sensor. Select measurement mode which enables the measurement of the maximal strength developed by the animal.

3. The unit of measurement of the sensor is delivered in grams mode (by default).

4. Reset the display on the sensor to zero.

5. Remove a mouse from its home cage, gripping the base of the tail between the thumb and the forefinger.

Forelimb measurement:

1. Gently lower the mouse over the top of the grid so that only its front paws can grip the grid.

2. Allow the mouse to attach to the grid properly before pulling it away.

3. Keep the torso horizontal and pull the mouse back steadily and horizontally (not jerking) until the grip is released down the complete length of the grid.

4. When the animal releases the grid, the maximal grip strength value of the animal is displayed on the screen.

5. Record the value manually or automatically as appropriate.

6.Repeat this procedure to obtain a further successive two forelimb grip strength measurements

Forelimb and hind limb measurement:

1. Gently lower the mouse over the top of the grid so that both its front paws and hind paws can grip the grid.

2. Allow the mouse to attach to the grid properly before pulling it away.

3. Keep the torso parallel to the grid and pull the mouse back steadily and horizontally (not jerking) until the grip is released down the complete length of the grid.

4. Record the value manually or automatically as appropriate.

5.Repeat this procedure to obtain a further two successive measurement of  forelimb and hind limb grip strength.

6.At the end of the testing session, weigh the animal.

7. Clean the grid with 50% ethanol and dry with tissue, before testing each cage of
mice.