Simple motor and sensorimotor tests

Rotation provides a very simple measure of the asymmetry in motor activation associated with dopamine lesions. However, PD patients have a more complex range of motor deficits, not just in akinesia and rigidity, but in the initiation of voluntary and purposive movement, and in fine motor control. To develop the validity of the animal models, we need to determine the extent to which dopamine denervation in experimental animals produces comparable impairments in simple motor behaviors not dependent on pharmacological activation, and in more complex behaviors whilst controlling for confounding effects of simple performance deficits. 

6-OHDA lesion deficits in contralateral performance on this test are not alleviated by STN lesions (Henderson et al., 1999). 

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