Abstract
This study was carried out with a 3-fold aim: 1) to standardize a maximal load test
(MLT) on ladders for prescription of resistance exercise training (RET) in rats, 2)
to prescribe moderate-intensity RET based on this MLT and 3) to test the effect of
this RET in diabetic ovariectomized rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into control
(C), diabetic ovariectomized sedentary (DOS) and trained (DOT) groups. The MLT was
standardized with increased load applied to the rat tail for each climb, and blood
lactate was measured to identify lactate threshold in C rats. MLT was applied in the
1st, 4th and 8th week of the protocol. After 8 weeks of RET, the arterial pressure was directly recorded.
DOS group reduced performance in MLT, body weight, left ventricular, plantar and soleus
muscles mass (vs. C). DOT rats showed an improvement in MLT associated with plantar
muscle mass increased (vs. C and DOS), with attenuation of hypotension and bradycardia
(vs. DOS). In conclusion, the results provide a useful method for determining the
maximal load and applying RET in rats. Moreover, this study showed that moderate intensity
RET improves hemodynamic status in diabetic ovariectomized rats, thereby reinforcing
the role of RET in diabetes management.
Key words
resistance exercise training - maximal load test - rat - menopause - diabetes - ladder