Rigorous Validation of Paw Preference Using Three Complementary Behavioral Assays in Sprague Dawley Rats.

ABSTRACT: Paw preference, or handedness, is a widely studied behavioral trait used to assess lateralization and motor function in rodents. This study aimed to determine the consistency and reliability of three commonly used behavioral tests to rigorously assess paw preference: the Collins Test, the Staircase Test, and the Pawedness Trait Test. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats (12-48 weeks; 20 females, 10 males) were subjected to all three behavioral tests. Paw uses were recorded, and the laterality index was calculated for each test. Additional cohorts of younger rats (6-9 weeks; 45 females, 45 males) and older rats (12-48 weeks; 38 females, 45 males) were tested to assess the effects of age and sex on paw preference. ANOVA, Fleiss' and pairwise Cohen's Kappa were used for statistical analysis. All three

SUBMITTER: Pokharel D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12918835 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature