ALTEX :: Alternatives to Animal Experiments

1996, Volume 4

Replacement of the Frog Test in Physiology Teachings by the Myograph: Practical Validation in Germany

Franz Paul Gruber1 and Horst Spielmann2

1FFVFF (Stiftung Fonds für versuchstierfreie Forschung), CH-Zürich; 2ZEBET (Zentralstelle zur Erfassung und Bewertung von Ersatz- und ErgSnzungsmethoden zum Tierversuch, im BgVV), D-Berlin

SUMMARY

The myograph is a newly developed instrument to replace the classical frog experiments in physiology teaching by testing on volunteers, usually by self-testing of the students. First experiences with the myograph obtained during physiology teaching at four universities in Germany are summarized and evaluated. The myograph was tested in four additional universities. The myograph proves to be superior to the classic frog experiments both from the scientific and educational point of view. Costs of purchasing and maintaining the myograph will not be an obstacle for introducing the new teaching device into higher education. Technical development and practical evaluation of the myograph were funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research BMBF.

Keywords: education, physiology, frog experiments, replacement, volunteers