The combination of social and environmental stressors significantly influences psychological and physical health in males and females, and contributes to both depression and cardiovascular diseases. Animal models support these findings. Voluntary exercise may protect against some forms of stress; however, the protective effects of exercise against social stressors require further investigation. This study evaluated the influence of exercise on the impact of combined social and environmental stressors in socially monogamous prairie voles. Following a period of social isolation plus additional chronic environmental stress, prairie voles were either allowed access to a running wheel in a larger cage for 2 weeks or remained in sedentary conditions. A behavioral stress task was conducted prior to and following exercise or sedentary conditions. Heart rate (HR) and HR variability were evaluated after exercise or sedentary conditions. Group‐based analyses indicated that exercise prevented elevated resting HR and promoted autonomic control of the heart. Exercise was also effective against social and environmental stress‐induced forced swim test immobility. Some minor sex differences in behavior were observed in response to exercise intensity. This research informs our understanding of the protective influence of physical exercise against social and environmental stressors in male and female humans.

中文翻译：

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运动对草原田鼠对社会和环境综合压力反应的保护作用


社会和环境压力源的结合显着影响男性和女性的心理和身体健康，并导致抑郁症和心血管疾病。动物模型支持这些发现。自愿锻炼可以防止某些形式的压力;然而，运动对社会压力源的保护作用需要进一步研究。本研究评估了运动对社会一夫一妻制草原田鼠社会和环境综合压力源影响的影响。经过一段时间的社会隔离和额外的慢性环境压力后，草原田鼠要么被允许在更大的笼子里使用轮子 2 周，要么保持久坐不动的状态。在运动或久坐不动的情况下之前和之后进行行为压力任务。评估运动或久坐条件后的心率 （HR） 和 HR 变异性。基于小组的分析表明，运动可防止静息心率升高并促进心脏的自主神经控制。运动对社会和环境压力诱导的强迫游泳测试不动也有效。在响应运动强度时观察到一些细微的行为性别差异。这项研究为我们了解体育锻炼对男性和女性社会和环境压力源的保护作用提供了信息。