A new video path analyzer to monitor travel distance, rearing, and stereotypic movement of rats.

A new video path analyzer, described herein, monitors travel distance, rearing, stereotypic movement, rotation, and speed of rats simultaneously. The video path analyzer was equipped with a cage (black background, 50 cm long x 50 cm wide x 50 cm high), camera, television screen, computer, and printer. A detailed description of this equipment is included. While studying the known activating effects of d-amphetamine on rats' behavior, we also evaluated the equipment for its maximum and accurate contribution to this study. Results indicate that this equipment compared to photocell equipment produced reliable data and offered the advantages of lower cost. It is expected to gain more popularity in the near future.