Grip Strength

The grip strength test measures the muscle strength of the forelimbs as well as the combined fore and hind limbs grip strength in rodents. An abnormal grip strength indicates improper neuromuscular functioning or defects in the cerebral region of the brain. Grip strength is measured using a commercially available (Bioseb) Grip Strength Meter apparatus which measures the gripping strength of mice or other small laboratory animals. The system is supplied with a grid which connects to the sensor. Animals are held by the base of the tail above the grid and gently lowered down until the front paws grasp the grid. Hind limbs are kept free from contact with the grid (for forelimb-only grip testing), the animal is brought to an almost horizontal position and pulled back gently but steadily until the grip is released. The maximal force achieved by the animal is displayed on the screen and noted. Measuring grip strength on all four paws is carried out as above except that all limbs make contact with and grasp the grid initially. Each animal should undergo 5 trials testing front paws-only grip strength and 5 trials on all four paw grip strength measurements.