Using training impulse and monotony methods to monitor aerobic training load in rats.

This study is the first to apply training impulse (TRIMP) and Training Monotony (TM) methodologies, within the realm of sport science, in animal model studies. Rats were divided into Sedentary (SED, n=10) and Training (TR, n=13). TR performed a four-week moderate-intensity interval training with load progression. Lactate kinetics, lactate training impulse (TRIMPLac), maximal speed training impulse (TRIMPSmax) and TM were utilized to develop and monitor training protocol. TR showed an 11.9% increase in time to exhaustion at the second maximum incremental test and a 17.5% increase at the third test. External work was increased by 17.8% at the second test and 30.3% at the third. There was a 10.6% increase in external work at the third test compared to the second for TR. No difference in TRIMPLac between the 1st week (94±9 A.U) and 3rdweek (83±10 A.U) were seen. TRIMPSmax was 2400 A.U. in the 1st week, 2760 A.U. in the 2nd and 3rd weeks, and 3120 A.U. in the 4th week. The TM remained at 1.24 A.U throughout the protocol and there was no dropouts. TRIMPLac and TRIMPSmax contributed to the development and monitoring loads, demonstrating their potential to improve the accuracy of training protocols in animal model research.