Acute effects of resistance exercise performed on ladder on energy metabolism, stress, and muscle damage in rats

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the acute effects of a resistance exercise session performed on ladder on energy metabolism, stress, and muscle damage in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in Exercise (E) (n=30) and Control (C) (n = 20) groups. The E group performed a resistance exercise session on a vertical ladder with weights on their tails. Blood samples were collected at rest and after each climb to analyze lactate levels and ten minutes after the last climb to analyze lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and corticosterone levels. Results: Blood lactate levels remained stable during exercise. Serum corticosterone, blood glucose, LDH and CK levels increased and glycogen content decreased in the E group, when compared to the C group. Conclusion: These results suggest that resistance exercise performed on ladder is a model of high-intensity exercise. However, the stabilization of lactate during the session suggests that the aerobic metabolism is an important factor during the intervals between climbs.