A model for quantitative strength training of hindlimb muscles of the rat.
Rats were taught to lift up a lever to train the plantar flexors. After 2 wk of adaptation the rats were trained for 36 wk. The mass of weights on the lever rose by 85% over the 36-wk period (P less than 0.05) The estimated force that the plantar flexors had to develop to lift the lever rose by 32% (P less than 0.05), just as the work per lift rose by 28% (P less than 0.05). For the trained group of rats the soleus muscles of the right and the left limb were 34% (P less than 0.05) and 31% (P less than 0.05) heavier, respectively, after the training period than those of the control group. Similarly, the plantaris muscles of both the right and the left limb were 24% heavier (P less than 0.05). For the trained group the maximum twitch and tetanus tensions of the soleus were 63% (P less than 0.05) and 65% (P less than 0.05) higher, respectively. Relative to the plantaris these measures were 79% (P less than 0.05) and 37% (P less than 0.05), respectively. The described model, therefore, seems appropriate for the study of the skeletal muscles' adaptation to usage.
Klitgaard
H
H
August Krogh Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
D000064:Acclimatization; D000818:Animals; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic; D006614:Hindlimb; D008722:Methods; D009042:Motivation; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D009929:Organ Size; D005082:Physical Exertion; D051381:Rats