This paper describes a microprocessor-assisted method for measuring physiological parameters in rodents during spontaneous exercise, avoiding the stress associated with forced exercise models.
Species-specific voluntary running patterns in rodents warrant tailored protocols; leaves open optimal models for spontaneous exercise physiology.
When examining physiological parameters during exercise in rodents most techniques use forced exercise on treadmills or forced swimming which undoubtedly will employ stress to the animals. This paper describes a convenient method to measure physiological parameters during spontaneous exercise in rodents. Hamsters and rats develop a spontaneous running pattern in wheels. The hamsters are reaching maximal activity almost immediately. In contrast, rats increase their running activity with time and need about 4 weeks to reach an average of about 7 km/day. The amount of running is measured by a microprocessor system. With this technique pain threshold, blood pressure and heart rate for example could be measured for extended periods of time, without changing the environment of the animals.
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Shyu et al. (1984) studied this question.
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