Grip Strength Protocol

General Overview
The grip strength is a task designed to assess neuromuscular function and muscular strength by sensing the peak amount of force that is required to make a mouse release its grip. Forelimb grip strength is measured as tension force using a computerized grip strength meter (GSM).

Apparatus
The Grip Strength Meter (GSM) consists of a baseplate, a trapezoidal stainless steel grip, and a force sensor connected to a computer for recording all data (TSE systems, Inc., Midland, MI). Our GSM has been specially outfitted with a custom designed Single Axis Grip Strength Alignment Tool (SAGSAT) used to complement a TSE GSM or similar devices. The SAGSAT is an axis engaged sliding platform with a z-axis adjustable rod used for creating a center line of force upon a single load cell. The product minimizes the potential error in all three axes when a laboratory animal is used with the GSM or similar devices.

Procedure Lift the mouse over the baseplate by the tail so that its forepaws are allowed to grasp onto the steel grip. The tail of the mouse is then placed in the center of the SAGSAT and the mouse is then gently pulled backward by the tail until the grip is released. The GSM measures the maximal force before the mouse releases the bar. Three trials are performed for each mouse with a 1-minute resting period between trials.

Data:
 
Figure 1. Average range of scores for all mice tested on the Grip Strength meter. Counterbalanced for bar inclusion (N=14).