Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, cilt.11, sa.6, ss.44-55, 2008 (Scopus)
The aim of present study is to evaluate the running performance and behavior of Wistar rats on a motorized treadmill in two separated exercise protocols. Protocol 1 was composed of a 5-day adaptation and 3-day resting preceding an acute exercise with the speed of 15 m/min, duration of 90-110 min, and 10° inclination. Protocol 2 included short term training with the speed of 20-25 m/min, duration of 100 min and 10° inclination for three consecutive days following a 10-day adaptation and 3-day resting period. The duration of the exercise and the first penalty time were used as performance criteria. In protocol 1, the first penalty time and duration showed positive correlation (r = 0.745; p<0.001) making them reasonable performance indicators. Body weights were recorded before and after adaptation and exercise. Exercise decreased body weight of animals significantly in both protocols (p<0.001). This diminution may be caused by body fluid loss or systemic stress during the exertion. There was no correlation between body weight and the first penalty time. But the group weighting 249g-287g in protocol 1 showed the best performance (p<0.05 for both first penalty time and duration). This confirms our hypothesis that certain weight range leads to good running capacity.