A device used for study of postural reactions in the quadruped

Abstract

A device used for study of postural reactions associated with placing movement in the quadruped is described. The apparatus consists of three basic components; a set of 4 strain gauge platforms on which the quadruped is trained to stand, a restraining device to keep the animal positioned over the strain gauge platforms and two mobile plates which mechanically stimulate the left or the right forelimb to produce the placing movement. The contact placing reaction consists of an early phase of preparatory positioning of the body (a postural adjustment) and a later phase of limb displacement, superimposed on a postural stance, during which the animal lifts its forepaw from the ground and then replaces it on top of one of the mobile plates.