Speed threshold
Samples at or below the configured speed threshold can be classified as immobile after smoothing. The appropriate threshold depends on scale, frame rate, tracking noise and the study protocol.
Minimum bout duration
A minimum duration prevents isolated slow frames from becoming episodes. Report both threshold and duration so another researcher can reproduce the classification.
Smoothing window
A rolling median can reduce high-frequency centroid jitter. Longer windows also reduce temporal sensitivity, so the value should be chosen before group comparison and disclosed.
Tracking gaps
Missing detections interrupt activity classification and episodes. Do not treat absent coordinates as immobility. Review coverage and gaps in the tracking interface.
Interpret carefully
Immobility may reflect several behavioral or technical conditions. Interpret it alongside trajectory, speed, video review and the experimental context.
This guide describes measurement concepts and the current RodentMetrics workflow. It is not a universal protocol, clinical guidance or evidence that a single metric represents a psychological state.