title: An experimental model for resistance exercise in rodents.
abstract: This study aimed to develop an equipment and system of resistance exercise (RE), based on squat-type exercise for rodents, with control of training variables. We developed an operant conditioning system composed of sound, light and feeding devices that allowed optimized RE performance by the animal. With this system, it is not necessary to impose fasting or electric shock for the animal to perform the task proposed (muscle contraction). Furthermore, it is possible to perform muscle function tests in vivo within the context of the exercise proposed and control variables such as intensity, volume (sets and repetitions), and exercise session length, rest interval between sets and repetitions, and concentric strength. Based on the experiments conducted, we demonstrated that the model proposed is able to perform more specific control of other RE variables, especially rest interval between sets and repetitions, and encourages the animal to exercise through short-term energy restriction and "disturbing" stimulus that do not promote alterations in body weight. Therefore, despite experimental limitations, we believe that this RE apparatus is closer to the physiological context observed in humans.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Applied Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Physical Education and Sports, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. nicastro@usp.br
authors.forename: Humberto
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nicastro
authors.forename: Nelo Eidy
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Zanchi
authors.forename: Claudia Ribeiro
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: da Luz
authors.forename: Daniela Fojo Seixas
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Chaves
authors.forename: Antonio Herbert
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Lancha
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001835:Body Weight; D004867:Equipment Design; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*