Mobility & Pain Platform
We offer specialized platforms for evaluating the effects of your product on mobility and pain. These platforms allow us to assess the efficacy of your product in improving symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders.
Our Expertise
Electronic Von Frey (pain)
The Electronic Von Frey is a handheld instrument used to determine the mechanical sensitivity threshold in rodents (mice and rats). The stimulation is usually applied on the rodent’s hind paws but could be applied to any specific area of the animal’s body. The force is measured in grams with a resolution of 0.1g, and the researcher records the point at which the animal withdraws or exhibits a pain response. This provides a quantitative and repeatable measure of an animal’s sensitivity to mechanical stimulation, helping assess pain intensity and progression.
DWB (pain / lameness) and GAIT4DOG
Dynamic Weight Bearing (DWB) utilizes a specialized walkway equipped with pressure sensors all over the cage (rodents). As the animal walks across the cage, the sensors measure the weight distribution on each paw. This data helps researchers identify subtle changes in gait or weight distribution, potentially indicating pain or lameness. Unlike static weight-bearing tests, DWB offers a more realistic assessment of pain during movement. Similar to DWB, Artialis is also evaluating the mobility and pain in Dogs by using the Gait4dog device.
SMALGO (pain)
The small animal algometer (SMALGO) is dedicated to small animals, this device is a pressure-based analgesimeter dedicated to evaluate sensitivity threshold when applying a progressive force. This quick quantitative assessment allows to obtain insights into pain sensitivity and can be used to track treatment efficacy.
Grip and hanging test (muscular strength)
Grip Test: This test utilizes a horizontal or vertical bar with a textured surface. The researcher records the time the animal can maintain a grip with its forelimbs or hindlimbs. Grip strength can be affected by pain, muscle weakness, or certain neurological conditions.
Hanging Test: In this test, the animal is placed on a mesh grid and allowed to hang using its forelimbs or all four limbs. The duration the animal can maintain its grip is recorded. Similar to the grip test, hanging ability can be affected by pain, muscle weakness, or coordination issues. This quantitative assessment allows to obtain insights on muscular strength and ageing and allow to evaluate efficacy of treatments.
Treadmill (mobility)
The treadmill allows researchers to evaluate various aspects of an animal’s mobility. By adjusting speed, incline, and duration, researchers can assess:
Gait analysis: Observing the animal’s walking or running pattern can reveal abnormalities potentially caused by pain or neurological disorders.
Endurance: Recording the distance or time the animal can maintain a specific speed on the treadmill helps assess overall fitness and fatigue levels.
Coordination: Observing how the animal navigates the treadmill under different conditions provides insight into coordination and potential balance issues.
Veterinary clinical questionnaire evaluation
This assessment complements the objective data obtained from other devices. A veterinarian or trained professional observes the animal’s behavior, searching and scoring any signs of pain or mobility limitations. Additionally, information is collected from animal handlers or owners regarding the animal’s activity level, behavior changes, and any observed discomfort. This qualitative data questionnaire helps to create a more comprehensive picture of the animal’s condition.
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