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Is based on 5-point Tarlov scale

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Analyzes hind-limb movements of a rat in an open field

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Is a 21-point scale used to assess locomotor coordination

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Rates parameters such as joint movements, the ability for weight support, limb coordination, foot placement, and gait stability

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Small changes in tissue correlate to large changes on the scale

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Assesses walking, not other movements requiring coordinated spinal cord activity

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Does not assess pain, bowel, bladder, or sexual function

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Is an adaptation of rat BBB scale to examine the recovery of hind-limb locomotor function

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Assesses walking, not other movements requiring coordinated spinal cord activity

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Does not assess pain, bowel, bladder, or sexual function

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Assesses MEPs or SSEP

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Stimulates corresponding cortical areas of the brain and records response in target nerves to see if connections are still functional

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Correlates to impairment of locomotor activity

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Is noninvasive

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Neuronal activity may not correlate with functional changes

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Hard to assess subtle but critical improvements to circuitry

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Does not directly assess pain, bowel, bladder, or sexual function

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Investigates recovery of heat perception

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The forepaw is placed on a heat block and the time that it takes for the animal to withdraw it is measured

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Forepaw withdrawal requires motor function

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Does not assess pain, bowel, bladder, or sexual function

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Looks at coordinated limb and muscle movement

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Requires rats to reach under a barrier and pick up food with forepaws

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Limited scale for assessment

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Does not assess pain, bowel, bladder, or sexual function

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Is used to look at the morphology of axons and assess the degree of tissue sparing, injury, and recovery