Voluntary resistance running induces increased hippocampal neurogenesis in rats comparable to load-free running

► Voluntary resistance running (RWR) induced adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). ► RWR-induced AHN is similar to that of voluntary running (WR). ► RWR produced higher work levels with shorter distances than did WR. ► There is no stress effect with RWR (at a maximum load of 30% of body weight).