Objective:To probe the effect of the "staircase test" evaluating the forelimb reaching and grasping function of rat model with focal cerebral ischemia.Method:The 18 SD rats were divided into 3 groups randomly:normal group

sham-operation group

and operation group

6 in each group.Normal group got no operation

sham-operation group just got the ligation of external carotid artery

and operation group was made to the model of focal cerebral ischemia by suture methods.To compare the reaching and grasping effect of the 3 groups forelimb

The removable staircase test made of plexiglas would compare the reaching and grasping effect of the 3 groups rat forelimb.Result:All the rats finished the"staircase test"through suitable exercise.There is no statistical significance among the three groups on the 7th day (P>0.05);there is no statistical significance about grasping abilities between normal group and sham-operation group at 3 time points(P>0.05);the grasping ability of the operation group on the 7th and 14th after operation is more significant than the one of the fist day before operation(P<0.05)

but the grasping ability on the 7th and the 14th is no statistical significance after operation(P>0.05). Conclusion:The "staircase test" can evaluate the forelimb independent reaching ability of the rat model with focal cerebral ischemia effectively and simply

it also is credible parameter index for the forelimb reaching ability of rat model with focal cerebral ischemia and one of methodology for researching intervening rats model with focal cerebral ischemia by experiment for resumption.