Animal models of resistance exercise and their application to neuroscience research

Abstract

Background Numerous studies have demonstrated that participation in regular resistance exercise (e.g., strength training) is associated with improvements in mental health, memory, and cognition. However, less is known about the neurobiological mechanisms mediating these effects. The goal of this mini-review is to describe and evaluate the available animal models of resistance exercise that may prove useful for examining CNS activity. New Method Various models have been developed to examine resistance exercise in laboratory animals. Comparison with Existing Methods Resistance exercise models vary in how the resistance manipulation is applied, either through direct stimulation of the muscle (e.g., in situ models) or through behavior maintained by operant contingencies (e.g., whole organism models). Each model presents distinct advantages and disadvantages for examining central nervous system (CNS) activity, and consideration of these attributes is essential for the future investigation of underlying neurobiological substrates. Results Potential neurobiological mechanisms mediating the effects of resistance exercise on pain, anxiety, memory, and drug use have been efficiently and effectively investigated using resistance exercise models that minimize stress and maximize the relative contribution of resistance over aerobic factors. Conclusions Whole organism resistance exercise models that (1) limit the use of potentially stressful stimuli and (2) minimize the contribution of aerobic factors will be critical for examining resistance exercise and CNS function.

Sex differences in exercise efficacy to improve cognition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in older humans

“…Further support is seen in a recent study in young adult female rats that showed that combined AT and RT enhanced spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze and conditioned avoidance memory compared to controls, and performance correlated with increases in hippocampal neurogenesis [128]. However, it is important to note that most current in vivo rodent models of RT employ significant aerobic components in their protocols [36], thus limiting their ability to disentangle the mechanisms underlying AT versus RT.…”

Resistance exercise reduces memory impairment induced by monosodium glutamate in male and female rats

“…The positive impact of physical exercise on many aspects of human health is well established (Mammen & Faulkner;2013). Not only aerobic exercise (Strickland & Smith, 2016) but also resistance exercise (Cassilhas et al 2007;Liu-Ambrose et al 2010) has been reported to have beneficial neurobiological effects in animals and humans. In humans, resistance exercise confers cognitive and mental health benefits (Cassilhas et al 2007;O'Connor et al 2010).…”

Muscle hypertrophy and ladder‐based resistance training for rodents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…On the other hand, resistance training for rodents has always been a reason for debate (Cholewa et al., 2013; Krause Neto, Silva, Ciena, Anaruma, & Gama, 2016; Strickland & Smith, 2016). Such controversy was generated from the apparent differences found between the equipment used for the training of rodents and humans.…”