Y-maze and Vertical Pole Performance Correlate with Fine Motor Learning in Mice

When a new memory is consolidated, it can leave behind a residual trace that affects the formation of subsequent memories for similar tasks. However, the relationships between distinct abilities and their interdependencies during memory tasks and motor learning activities are not clear. An important question is whether being proficient in memory or motor learning tasks also translates into better performance in another, similar task - reflecting potential generalization of motor learning abilities. To investigate the correlation between memory performance and motor learning in mice, we used a combination of behavioral tasks that assess general exploratory behavior, declarative memory, and fine motor learning. For the exploratory behavior, we used the Open Field task, and assessed declarative memory using the Novel Object Recognition and Y-maze. Motor learning was assessed through the Vertical Pole and Pellet Reaching task. We found a negative correlation between the Vertical Pole task and the motor learning task, where a shorter time for an individual to turn on a pole correlated with an increased number of attempts to reach a sugar pellet in the motor learning task. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the Y-maze and the motor learning task, where a higher exploration rate indicated a higher success ratio in the pellet reaching task. These results can be used to conduct a pre-study for challenging motor tasks that include pre-behavioral procedures on mice. Our study indicates that both the Vertical Pole and the Y-maze can be suitable predictors of motor learning performance and activity.