Rotarod series 8 instrument

Overall motor function in each mouse was assessed every 2 weeks using a rotarod series 8 instrument (IITC Life Science) as previously reported (Seaberg et al., 2015 (link)). Briefly, training started 4 days after the mice arrived, and the first measurement was recorded the day after when they were aged 35 days. Mice were first exposed to a constant speed of 4 rpm for 5 min. Next, the rotarod was accelerated at 0.1 rpm s^–1 from a starting speed of 4 rpm, up to a maximum of 30 rpm for 5 min. The time to fall was recorded. There were 10-min rest periods between three total trials, which were used to calculate an average rotarod performance. Time to fall per mode was normalized to individual weight, which was recorded weekly. Forelimb grip strength was evaluated biweekly for each animal using a grip strength meter with a single sensor and a standard pull bar and software (Columbus Instruments) (Seaberg et al., 2015 (link)). The peak force normalized to body weight was recorded in three consecutive trials and used to report an average grip strength.

Mice were weighed weekly and assessed for grip strength and agility on a rotarod over time as previously described (19 (link)). For forelimb grip strength, a grip strength meter with a single sensor and a standard pull bar and software were used (Columbus Instruments). Motor function and agility were assessed using a Rotarod series 8 instrument (IITC Life Science).