Qualitative Assessment of Reaching Movement pattern using Reach-To-Grasp Task on Albino Wistar Rat Fed with Fufu

Fufu is a popular food in West Africa made from fresh or fermented cassava. As a product of cassava, when not properly processed may lead to some neurological impairment. This study investigated the physical and neurological effects of fufu in male wistar rats. Two groups of animals were used for this study. Group 1 (control group N=10) received the normal rat feed while group 2 (n=10) received the fufu produce. Both were administered for about 5 weeks after which a reach-to-grasp experiment was carried out using the reaching apparatus. Their physical appearances were observed and it was seen that the group fed with fufu experienced some hair loss and other physical changes. Qualitative assessment of their reaching movements showed that the group fed with fufu performed poorly in the reach-to-grasp experiment than the control group. In the observation of the movement pattern of both groups, it was clearly seen that the group fed with fufu had difficulties aiming and grasping as well as withdrawing of food pellets during the experiment and they also showed signs of weakness due to the fact that they were not able to lift their limbs properly in order to reach the pellets on the pedestal, therefore showing under reaching movements. Conclusion: the prolonged consumption of not properly processed fufu has both physical and neurological effects on the albino wistar rat.