The present study used a computerised technique to assess the behavioural effects on locomotor activity of i.p. cocaine administration in the rat. This computerised method provides considerable information about various behavioural responses, as well as accuracy by measuring the frequency and duration of every behavioural event. Cocaine induced an increase in behavioural events related to motor activity, such as moving, sniffing and rearing, while standing was reduced. Cocaine increased the frequency of the behavioural responses recorded, but decreased their mean duration. No stereotyped behavioural element, such as head swinging, head bobbing, licking, stereotyped mouth moving or stereotyped sniffing, was recorded after cocaine treatment. Cocaine, unliked-amphetamine, induced a specific behavioural pattern characterised predominantly at all doses by a stimulated motor activation involving an increase in moving and sniffing and a decrease in standing behaviour.