Noldus recently developed a new feature in EthoVision 3.0: mobility detection. This parameter can be used to score the behavior of animals in the Porsolt Swim Test (PST) automatically.
In ongoing research at Utrecht University, Saskia C. Berndsen and Laus M. Broersen tested this module and compared the results to data obtained by traditional hand scoring of the subjects from videotapes. In the experiment, the effects of chronic administration of either the tricyclic antidepressant Desipramine or its vehicle, Saline, on activity in the PST were evaluated.