title: A rat model of progressive isometric strength training.
abstract: This study presents an isometric model of strength resistance training in rats. Seven rats were trained for five weeks with increasing load, once a day for six days per week while seven rats served as control group. Mechanical strength of the hindlimb muscle group was measured on anaesthetised rats with a force transducer linked to the Achilles tendon after electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. Training resulted in a 74 +/- 2% strength gain in experimental (E) vs control (C) rats and in a reduction of fatigability with no change in gastrocnemius, soleus and extensor digitorum longus weights. The fibres composition of the gastrocnemius showed a 50% increase of IIA fibres and a 17% fall of IIB fibres. Consequently, this new model of isometric training is suitable for physiological studies.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de la Performance Motrice, UFR STAPS, Aubiere, France. glac@cicsun.univbpclermont.fr
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lac
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cavalie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000502:physiology; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009929:Organ Size; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013746:Tetany / Q000503:physiopathology; D016474:Weight-Bearing