Influence of simulated microgravity on the exercise performance of Fischer 344 rats

Measurements from mission specialists after space flights or from subjects subjected to head down tilt experiments have demonstrated a decrease in exercise performance. Similar decreases have been reported for rats that have participated in simulated microgravity studies using the head down-tail suspended method of Morey-Holton (HDS). Because it is unclear whether older animal populations would exhibit similar responses, we undertook a HDS study with Fischer 344 male rats.