Investigating the intervention of long-term aerobic exercise on the passive avoidance memory in male rats

Abstract

Background: The effect of endurance training on improving the performance of the hippocampus can be considered with emphasis on learning and memory. The purpose of this study was further investigation of this role in short-term memory and avoidance learning. Methods: 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10, including aerobic training, sham, and control groups. The rats ran on the treadmill with the intensity of the submaximal for 20 to 60 minutes, 5 days a week, for ten weeks. Passive avoidance memory and learning were measured using shuttle box. The mean changes in learning and avoidance memory were compared at the beginning, and zero, 12 and 24 hours after electric shock in three groups using repeated measures and one-way ANOVA. Findings: Aerobic exercise intervention showed significant changes between passive avoidance memory at 12 and 24 hours after electrical shock. At 12 hours after shock, there were significant differences between control and exercise group (P < 0.010), and the sham and exercise group (P < 0.001). In addition, at 24 hours after shock, there were significant differences between the control and exercise groups (P < 0.050), and the sham and exercise groups (P < 0.010). There were not significant differences in exercise group within group comparison between zero, 12, and 24 hours after electrical shock (P > 0.050 for all). Conclusion: It seems that endurance exercise with the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) of 55-75 percent has a positive effect on the stabilization of passive avoidance memory and learning in male rats; which probably shows the improvement of brain function (hippocampus). © 2018, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.