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Moderate physical training is often associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness in athletes and the general population. In animals, studies are designed to investigate basic physiology that could be invasive and uncomfortable for humans. The standardization of an exercise training protocol for rats based on maximal consumption of oxygen ([latin capital V with dot above]O2max) is needed. This study validated a program of moderate physical training for Wistar rats based on [latin capital V with dot above]O2max determined once a week. A 10-stage treadmill running test was developed to measure [latin capital V with dot above]O2max through an indirect, open circuit calorimeter. Thirty male Wistar rats (210-226 g) were randomly assigned to either a nontrained group or a trained group. The animals were evaluated weekly to follow their [latin capital V with dot above]O2max during 8 weeks of moderate training and to adjust the intensity of the protocol of training. The soleus muscle was removed for determination of citrate synthase activity. Trained animals maintained their values of [latin capital V with dot above]O2max during a moderate running training and showed a significant less body weight gain. An increase of 42% in citrate synthase activity of the soleus muscle from trained rats was found after the training program. Our study presents a protocol of moderate physical training for Wistar rats based on [latin capital V with dot above]O2max. Peripheral adaptations such as the values of citrate synthase activity also responded to the moderate training program imposed as observed for [latin capital V with dot above]O2max. Other studies can use our protocol of moderate training to study the physiologic adaptations underlying this specific intensity of training. It will provide support for study with humans.

(C) 2007 National Strength and Conditioning Association