A method for the routine assessment of fore- and hindlimb grip strength of rats and mice.

A technique to measure the fore-and hindlimb grip strength of rats (adult and preweanling) and mice is described. the procedure utilizes inexpensive equipment, is rapid and efficient, and provides continuous level data. As a means of validating the sensitivity of the test, the effects of phenobarbital and chlordiazepoxide on the grip strength of adult Fisher strain and Sprague-Dawley derived adult rats were investigated. Dose-related decreases in fore- and hindlimb grip scores were observed in both strain of rats. The interanimal variability in this test was less in Fisher rats than in Sprague-Dawleys. The technique appears to have a great deal of potential in studies concerning the neuromotor effects of environmental and psychopharmacological agents.