Development of Novel Continuous and Interval Exercise Programs by Applying the FITT-VP Principle in Dogs

Abstract

Although proper exercise training induces positive physiological effects, improper exercise can lead to injury, fatigue, and poor performance. The frequency, intensity, time/duration, type, volume, and progression (FITT-VP) are the essential components of exercise training to maintain or improve physical fitness and health. The purpose of this study was to develop specific exercise programs by applying the FITT-VP principle and to examine the effects on heart rate (HR) and hematological and biochemical parameters in dogs. The healthy male Beagles (n = 4) included in this study performed continuous and interval exercises, comprising 12 protocols. The HR monitoring elicited an affirmative response to activities but varied depending on the protocols. The hematologic parameters (e.g., red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were within the reference ranges both before and after exercise. The creatine kinase level significantly increased, and the cholesterol level decreased after exercises. In conclusion, the continuous and interval exercise program elicits an appropriate HR reaction, has no adverse effects on the serum parameters, and provides valuable insight for healthcare in dogs.

Increased Total Serum Alkaline Phosphate Is Associated With Enhanced Bone Mineral Density in Dogs With Interval Exercise Training

“…Our results are consistent with our previous ndings of normal physiological and behavioral responses to treadmill exercise 26 . This may be because the dogs had a su cient adaptive period on the treadmill, a well-designed exercise program was used, and adequate animal care was provided by the study veterinarians and researchers.…”

The dog as an exercise science animal model: a review of physiological and hematological effects of exercise conditions

“…Studies on treadmill exercises in dogs focused on walking, trotting, and running continuously or with intervals [ 11 , 12 , 14 - 15 ] ( Table 1 ). Piccione et al analyzed the physiological and hemodynamic parameters in seven healthy male beagles using sequential exercises: walking (3.8 km/h, 10 min), trotting (7.2 km/h, 20 min), and walking (3.8 km/h, 10 min) on a motorized treadmill.…”

“…Recently, Lee et al [ 12 ] developed a scientific exercise program applying the frequency, intensity, time/duration, type, volume, and progression (FITT-VP) principles and examined its effect on physiological, hematological, and serum parameters. Four healthy, 2-year-old male beagles underwent continuous and interval treadmill exercises.…”

“…In contrast, these exercises induced significant differences in creatine kinase and cholesterol levels. The HRs observed in the early exercise protocols (protocols 1–6) showed irregular patterns; however, in the latter protocols (protocols 7–12), the HRs showed regular patterns according to changes in exercise intensity [ 12 ]. Since dogs are easily distracted at low treadmill speeds and HR is sensitive to surrounding conditions [ 18 ], these results are meaningful.…”

Efficacy of high‐intensity interval training compared with moderate‐intensity continuous training on maximal aerobic potency in dogs: Trial protocol for a randomised controlled clinical study

“…17 There is hardly any research in this area. 20 Because of the nature and trainability of dogs, this method is feasible and could be used to enhance physical fitness. The physiological adaptations to this type of training in dogs need to be documented.…”