Rodden, Gregory Robert2017-01-122017-01-122015-07-21vt_gsexam:5951http://hdl.handle.net/10919/74274Background: Resistance wheel running (RWR) can promote resistance-like training adaptations in mouse skeletal muscle (SkM), but its endurance-training effects are lesser known. Methods: Voluntary RWR was modulated as an exercise model to increase mouse hind-limb plantar-flexor torque and to promote endurance-training adaptations. Thirty male mice (cohort 1, n= 16; cohort 2, n= 14), were trained on a prototype RWR system that applied resistance relative to body mass (BM). Mice were sequentially, (1) screened for running ability (screening; 3-days); (2) trained with incremental adjustments to wheel loads (pre-training; 8-weeks); (3) grouped into cage-activity only (CA), and constant Low-0%, Med-15%, or High-25% BM resistance conditions (static training; 5-weeks); (4) trained with resistance adjusted in real-time (dynamic training; cohort 1, 7-weeks; cohort 2, 10-weeks); and (5) sacrificed for various assays. Plantar-flexor torque was determined during each training phase. After dynamic training, resistance runners in each cohort were sub-grouped post-hoc by work tertiles. Results: Wheel running distance varied between cohorts (cohort 2 > 1). During dynamic training, wheel running (±added-resistance) improved plantar flexor torque normalized to BM by 19% only in cohort 2 (p= 0.007). Muscle mass and cross-sectional area were unchanged. Runners in both cohorts (±added-resistance) improved maximal running capacity vs. CA-controls (+69% and +115%; both p < 0.05), but metabolic training adaptations were less evident. Conclusions: Wheel running promoted SkM strength and endurance, but there was a greater increase in endurance capacity than strength. This outcome may be due to adaptive signaling interference.ETDIn CopyrightExerciseResistance Wheel RunningSkeletal MuscleHypertrophyThe Effects of Resistance Wheel Running on Skeletal Muscle Function and Adaptation in C57BL/10SnJ MiceThesis