TSE Systems Enclosed Treadmill for Rodent Exercise Physiology
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Enclosed Treadmill |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The TSE Systems Enclosed Treadmill is an engineered platform designed for standardized, controlled assessment of locomotor activity, endurance capacity, and cardiorespiratory responses in laboratory rodents—primarily rats and mice. It operates on the principle of forced treadmill running within a fully enclosed, environmentally regulated chamber, enabling simultaneous measurement of oxygen consumption (VO₂) and carbon dioxide production (VCO₂) when interfaced with metabolic monitoring systems (e.g., indirect calorimetry modules). The system features a continuous-loop belt driven by a precision DC motor equipped with an optical encoder, ensuring high-resolution speed control and repeatability across experimental sessions. Its compact, low-mass mechanical architecture minimizes operational noise and vibration—critical for minimizing stress-induced confounds during physiological recording.
Key Features
- Enclosed, airtight chamber compatible with gas exchange analysis (VO₂/VCO₂), supporting respirometry integration per ASTM E1903-22 and ISO 8573-1 standards for clean air delivery.
- DC motor-driven treadmill belt with optical encoder feedback, delivering stable, programmable speeds from 0 to 100 m/min in 0.1 m/min increments.
- Adjustable inclination (grade) via manual lever or external analog/digital controller—enabling graded exercise protocols aligned with NIH-defined rodent treadmill testing guidelines.
- Integrated electroshock stimulus module (optional, IEC 61000-4-2 compliant) for motivation-based protocols; output parameters configurable within safety limits defined by the European Directive 2010/63/EU.
- Removable, autoclavable stainless-steel sliding floor plate for rapid decontamination between subjects—designed to meet GLP-compliant animal facility hygiene requirements.
- Low-acoustic operation (<45 dB(A) at 1 m distance), reducing auditory stress artifacts during behavioral or electrophysiological co-recordings.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The system accommodates standard adult Sprague-Dawley rats (200–500 g) and C57BL/6 mice (20–35 g) without modification. Chamber dimensions (W × D × H: 120 × 300 × 150 mm) provide unobstructed gait kinematics while maintaining laminar airflow for reliable gas sampling. All materials contacting animals are USP Class VI-certified polymers or 316L stainless steel, ensuring biocompatibility and resistance to common disinfectants (e.g., 70% ethanol, 1% Virkon®). The device complies with Directive 2010/63/EU Annex VIII requirements for animal housing and equipment, and supports audit-ready documentation for AAALAC-accredited facilities.
Software & Data Management
TSE’s proprietary TreadScan Pro software (v4.2+) provides real-time speed/grade control, stimulus timing synchronization, and event logging with timestamped metadata export (CSV, HDF5). Data streams integrate natively with third-party platforms including LabChart (ADInstruments), Spike2 (CED), and MetaScreen (Sable Systems). Audit trails, user access levels, and electronic signatures conform to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed in regulated preclinical studies. Raw encoder pulse data is logged at ≥1 kHz sampling rate, enabling post-hoc stride cycle analysis.
Applications
- Evaluation of aerobic capacity and fatigue onset in models of heart failure, obesity, or mitochondrial myopathy.
- Pharmacodynamic assessment of exercise-enhancing therapeutics (e.g., AMPK activators, PPARδ agonists).
- Longitudinal monitoring of functional decline in neurodegenerative models (e.g., APP/PS1 mice, SOD1-G93A rats).
- Combined VO₂ kinetics + ECG telemetry studies under controlled thermal conditions (chamber temperature range: 20–30°C, ±0.5°C stability).
- Standardized stress-testing protocols for cardiovascular phenotyping per AHA Scientific Statement 2021-028.
FAQ
Is the enclosed chamber compatible with commercial metabolic carts?
Yes—the chamber includes standardized 6-mm and 12-mm gas inlet/outlet ports (ISO 8573-7 compliant) and mates directly with Sable Systems, Promethion, and Oxymax systems.
Can treadmill speed be programmed dynamically during a run?
Yes—via TreadScan Pro’s protocol editor, users define multi-stage velocity ramps, step changes, or sinusoidal modulation profiles with millisecond-level trigger accuracy.
What safety mechanisms prevent overheating or overexertion?
The system incorporates thermal cutoff sensors (max 35°C internal ambient), automatic belt stop upon subject immobility (>3 s), and configurable shock duration/pulse width limits per institutional IACUC protocols.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Motor speed calibration is NIST-traceable via encoder pulse count verification against a calibrated laser tachometer (certified to ISO/IEC 17025). Annual recalibration services are available through TSE’s EU service network.
