Long-term locomotion regimens affect EEG paroxysmal activity, behaviour and sex hormone secretion in female rats

The study deals with the changes of the excitability of CNS in the course of the ovarial cycle under the influence of long-term locomotion regimens. The excitability of the CNS was evaluated by the spontaneous EEG paroxysmal activity and by the changes in certain behavioural states (alertness, exploration and quiet wakefulness). The changes of the excitability (as assessed by EEG and behavioural features) were correlated with the effects of the locomotor regimens on the serum levels of ovarial hormones. The results suggest that long-term locomotion regimens alter the excitability of the CNS during the ovarial cycle. Running exercise was found to ameliorate the functional state of the nervous system by increasing the activation threshold, whereas restricted locomotion increases the sensitivity of the CNS.