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A program of moderate physical training for Wistar rats based on maximal oxygen consumption
Carol Góis Leandro1, Adriana Cristina Levada, Sandro Massao Hirabara
1Escola Superior de Educação Física, Universidade de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil. carolleandro22@yahoo.com
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|August 10, 2007
Summary
This study developed a moderate physical training protocol for rats using maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Trained rats maintained VO2max and showed increased citrate synthase activity, supporting its use in human exercise research.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Animal Models
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Background:
- Moderate physical training enhances cardiorespiratory fitness in humans.
- Animal studies investigating physiology can be invasive.
- A standardized exercise protocol for rats based on VO2max is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a moderate physical training program for Wistar rats.
- To establish a protocol based on weekly VO2max measurements.
- To investigate peripheral adaptations to moderate exercise intensity.
Main Methods:
- A 10-stage treadmill test measured VO2max using indirect calorimetry.
- Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into trained and untrained groups.
- Soleus muscle citrate synthase activity was measured post-training.
Main Results:
- Trained rats maintained VO2max throughout the 8-week program.
- Trained rats exhibited significantly less body weight gain.
- Citrate synthase activity in the soleus muscle increased by 42% in trained rats.
Conclusions:
- A validated protocol for moderate physical training in rats based on VO2max was established.
- Peripheral adaptations, including citrate synthase activity, respond to this training intensity.
- This protocol can aid future research on exercise physiology in humans.
