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Meal-feeding and physical effort. 1. Metabolic changes induced by exercise training
R Curi1, N S Hell, C Timo-Iaria
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Physiology & Behavior
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Meal-fed rats that exercised daily showed increased food intake and maintained weight. Despite intense exercise, they conserved hepatic glycogen and experienced less stress compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Metabolism
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Meal-feeding induces adaptations for energy substrate conservation.
- Chronic exercise demands significant energy expenditure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic and physiological consequences of combining meal-feeding with exercise.
- To assess how exercise impacts energy substrate utilization and stress response in meal-fed rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to a 2-hour feeding/22-hour fasting schedule.
- Daily 30-minute swimming exercise was performed for four weeks.
- Metabolic parameters, body weight, and adrenal ascorbic acid content were measured.
Main Results:
- Meal-fed exercised rats increased food intake and did not lose weight.
- Hepatic glycogen was initially mobilized but conserved by week four.
- Slight hyperglycemia, reduced free fatty acid mobilization, and lower adrenal ascorbic acid were observed.
Conclusions:
- Combining meal-feeding with exercise promotes energy conservation and reduces exercise-induced stress.
- Meal-fed exercised rats exhibit unique metabolic adaptations to balance energy intake and expenditure.