Abdelhalim, Rana2024-01-042024-01-04http://hdl.handle.net/10393/45790http://dx.doi.org/10.20381/ruor-29994Accurate assessment of sensorimotor function in rodent models of stroke is essential for understanding how brain reorganization or plasticity contribute to functional recovery. We recently developed the Home-cage Automated Skilled Reaching Apparatus (HASRA) that allows automated training and assessment of mice engaged in a skilled reaching task. To validate the HASRA as a sensitive tool for assessing post-stroke performance, group-housed mice were trained on the reaching task for 14-21 days, followed by an M1 photothrombotic stroke or sham procedure, after which performance was monitored for 4 weeks. Performance at baseline, acutely, and at endpoint was compared. Stroke mice had a significantly reduced performance acutely compared to baseline but improved by endpoint. The stroke group was divided into two sub-groups: 1) high endpoint success and 2) low endpoint success groups. We found that training success, acute success, and learning rate were significant predictors of endpoint success. Furthermore, using a novel semi-automated lesion localization workflow, we were able to find that the percentage of damage in the secondary motor area was also a predictor of endpoint performance. Overall, using automated tools like the HASRA for the quantification of poststroke motor impairments and semi-automated tools for the quantification of lesion location are essential for investigating potential predictors of stroke recovery and designing effective therapies.enAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/StrokeMotor LearningForelimb DeficitsAutomated ReachingThesis