Introduction of Grip Strength Test
The grip strength test is a simple and rapid noninvasive method widely used in scientific research to assess the muscle force of forelimbs/hindlimbs in vivo. The animal is lowered toward the platform and is allowed to grasp a horizontal metal bar or grid with its forelimb/hindlimbs and then pulled backward by the experimenter until it releases its grip. The bar or grid is attached to a transducer and the force produced during the animal pulling is repeatedly measured at intervals (e.g., weekly) during experimental protocol. Forelimb and hindlimb assessments can be measured simultaneously using dual sensor models or in separate trials using single stand model. The values are expressed in pounds, kilograms, or newtons. …show more content…
Therefore, it is a useful tool to objectively quantify the muscular strength of rodents (mouse and rat), and to assess the effect of drugs, toxins, muscular (i.e. myopathy) and neurodegenerative diseases on muscular degeneration.
When the test is performed in a continuous manner, the animals do not lose interest in the test over the time period.
This is an in vivo test and shows a certain level of variability and requires good experience to achieve the best