Tests of running performance do not predict subsequent spontaneous running in rats
M I Lambert1, C Van Zyl, R Jaunky
1Department of Physiology, University of Cape Town Medical School, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands, South Africa.
Physiology & Behavior
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Pretraining running performance tests do not predict spontaneous running distance in rats. However, post-training tests and muscle oxidative enzyme activity correlate with running behavior, suggesting adaptations influence activity levels.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Animal Behavior
- Skeletal Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Significant variability exists in spontaneous running distance among rats.
- The underlying physiological factors contributing to this variability are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether baseline running performance tests predict subsequent spontaneous running distance in rats.
- To examine the relationship between post-training physiological measures and spontaneous running behavior.
Main Methods:
- Long-Evans rats were divided into sedentary and spontaneous exercise groups.
- Running performance (maximal intensity, endurance, sprint speed) and oxygen consumption were assessed.
- Muscle contractile properties and citrate synthase activity were measured post-training.
Main Results:
- Initial running performance tests did not predict spontaneous running distance.
- Post-training, spontaneous running distance correlated with maximal intensity, endurance, sprint speed, and soleus muscle citrate synthase activity.
- Muscle peak force did not correlate with spontaneous running distance.
Conclusions:
- Pretraining physiological assessments cannot predict individual differences in spontaneous running activity.
- Post-training running performance and muscle oxidative capacity are associated with spontaneous running distance, indicating adaptive changes influence behavior.
