Neuroscience and actometry: An example of the benefits of the precise measurement of behavior

Zarcone, Troy J.

doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.04.009

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 77 publications

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“…Studies using the actometric platform on different animal models have shown that this apparatus can analyze several parameters of locomotor manifestations, including distance traveled, rotations, low mobility bouts, rearing, jumping, ataxia, and tremor. 28 We have previously used force-plate actometers to quantify locomotor behaviors 17,29 , tremor [19][20][21] , and ataxia 19,22 , and we have used actometer-derived data to support deep learning-based quantification of video-based tremor analyses 20 . The work reported herein expands the body of reported capabilities of actometric data in animal models of tic disorders as applied to grooming stereotypies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A novel naïve Bayes approach to identifying grooming behaviors in the force-plate actometric platform

Anderson,

Cadeddu,

Anderson

et al. 2023

Preprint

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BackgroundSelf-grooming behavior in rodents serves as a valuable model for investigating stereotyped and perseverative responses. Most current grooming analyses primarily rely on video observation, which lacks standardization, efficiency, and quantitative information about force. To address these limitations, we developed an automated paradigm to analyze grooming using a force-plate actometer.New MethodGrooming behavior is quantified by calculating ratios of relevant movement power spectral bands. These ratios are then input into a naïve Bayes classifier, trained with manual video observations. To validate the effectiveness of this method, we applied it to the behavioral analysis of the early-life striatal cholinergic interneuron depletion (CIN-d) mouse, a model of tic pathophysiology recently developed in our laboratory, which exhibits prolonged grooming responses to acute stressors. Behavioral monitoring was simultaneously conducted on the force-place actometer and by video recording.ResultsThe naïve Bayes approach achieved 93.7% accurate classification and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.894. We confirmed that male CIN-d mice displayed significantly longer grooming durations compared to controls. However, this elevation was not correlated with increases in grooming force. Notably, haloperidol, a benchmark therapy for tic disorders, reduced both grooming force and duration.Comparison with Existing MethodsIn contrast to observation-based approaches, our method affords rapid, unbiased, and automated assessment of grooming duration, frequency, and force.ConclusionsOur novel approach enables fast and accurate automated detection of grooming behaviors. This method holds promise for high-throughput assessments of grooming stereotypies in animal models of tic disorders and other psychiatric conditions.

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