A method for promoting regular exercise

in rabbits involved in orthopedics research.

Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science. 37(8): 77-80,1998.

Oyen-Tiesma, M, Atkinson, J, Haut, R.C.

ABSTRACT:

Animal models are sometimes used in orthopaedic research projects, particularly when it is critical to monitor the long-term in vivo response of a joint to an injury or surgery. To more closely simulate the clinical responses of humans, who often have aggressive therapy and active lifestyles, a method was developed to train rabbits to exercise regularly. Flemish Giant rabbits are trained to run on standard exercise treadmills fitted with custom designed Plexiglas run enclosures. Cereal is placed in a trough at the front of the run, and is used both in the initial training and also to encourage the rabbit to exercise. Animals typically run with the treadmill speed set at 0.3 mph ten minutes per day, five days per week once they are acclimated to the exercise program. This level of exercise has been shown to significantly affect the outcome of an experiment when compared to a similar protocol where only cage activity is permitted.

Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratories,

College of Osteopathic Medicine,

Michigan State University,

East Lansing, Michigan 48824

Please address correspondence to:

Roger C. Haut, Ph.D.,

Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory,

College of Osteopathic Medicine,

A414 East Fee Hall,

Michigan State University,

East Lansing, MI 48824,

Tel: (517)355-0320,

Fax: (517)353-0789,

E-mail: haut@msu.edu