Effects of Exercise on Growth, Resting Metabolism, and Body Composition of Fischer Rats

SummaryYoung Fischer rats allowed to exercise grow at a faster rate than litter mates confined to small quarters. The bodies of both groups of rats contain the same amount of water. The growth of the parts studied is proportional to body size except for the adrenal glands and the quadriceps-femoris group of muscles. These grow at a greater rate than the body as a whole. The basal metabolism in the rats allowed to exercise is higher than that of the controls.