The cylinder test is a technique used to evaluate spontaneous motor behavior in rodents. During this test, the percentage of use of each forelimb is assessed while the animal engages in vertical exploratory behaviors or makes contact with the cylinder walls.
This behavioral test serves as a measure of forelimb preference or asymmetry, and can provide insights into motor deficits, recovery, or asymmetrical impairments following unilateral dopaminergic denervation.