Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
A Simple and Inexpensive Running Wheel Model for Progressive Resistance Training in Mice
Published on: April 28, 2022
Effects of Swimming and Running Exercise-Induced Changes in Muscle Fibers, Bone Structure, and Oxidative Stress in
Mahmut Sürmeli1, Fikret Gevrek2, Elif Azize Özşahin Delibaş3
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Türkiye.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing aerobic exercises on bone morphometry, muscle fiber types, and oxidative stress markers.
Methods:
Eighteen 15-month-old male rats were divided into control, swimming, and running groups (n = 6 each). After a 2-week adaptation period, the exercise groups underwent 8 weeks of moderate-intensity swimming or running. Blood, gastrocnemius muscle, and femur bone samples were collected postexercise. Parameters analyzed included total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI) in blood, muscle fiber types by immunohistochemistry, and bone characteristics by histostereology.
Results:
OSI values were similar across groups (P > .05), but oxidative stress was elevated in the exercise groups. The ratio of type I fibers was higher in the exercise groups compared to controls (P < .05) and similar between swimming and running groups (P > .05). Type IIa fiber ratio was highest in the control group and lowest in the running group (P < .05). Bone surface area, trabecular thickness, and cortical thickness were greater in the running group than in controls (P < .05). The swimming group had a higher distal femur bone area and trabecular width than controls (P < .05), but no significant differences were found between the exercise groups (P > .05).
Conclusions:
Weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing exercises had a significant effect on muscle fiber composition, bone structure, and oxidative stress in elderly rats. Running particularly enhanced bone surface area and thickness, while swimming also benefited bone health. Both exercises increased oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity.
More Related Videos
12:59Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
10:19Getting to Compliance in Forced Exercise in Rodents: A Critical Standard to Evaluate Exercise Impact in Aging-related Disorders and Disease
Published on: August 22, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:26Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...