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Author Takahashi, T.; Kasashima, Y.; Eto, D.; Mukai, K.; Hiraga, A.
Title Effect of uphill exercise on equine superficial digital flexor tendon forces at trot and canter Type Journal Article
Year (up) 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 36 Pages 435-439
Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Forelimb/physiology; Hoof and Claw/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Male; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*methods/*physiology; Tarsal Joints/*physiology; Tarsus, Animal; Tendon Injuries/etiology/prevention & control/veterinary; Time Factors
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: One cause of overstrain injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in horses is the force loaded on the SDFT during repeated running. Therefore, decreasing this force may reduce SDFT injury. It has been reported that strain on the SDFT decreases with a toe-wedge shoe. Uphill courses are used for training of racehorses, and the angle of hoof-sole to the horizon during uphill running is similar to that of the toe-wedge shoe. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of uphill exercise on the force on the SDFT during trotting and cantering. METHODS: Arthroscopically implantable force probes (AIFP) were implanted into the SDFT of the left or right forelimb of 7 Thoroughbred horses and AIFP output recorded during trotting and cantering on a treadmill inclined at slopes of 0, 3 or 8%, and then 0% again. Superficial digital flexor tendon force was calculated as a relative value, with the amplitude of AIFP output voltage at initial 0% slope equal to 100. RESULTS: Out of 14 sets of experiments, AIFP data were analysed successfully in 9 at the trot, in 3 at the canter in the trailing forelimb on a slope of 3 and 8%, and in 2 at the canter in the leading forelimb on a slope of 3%. Increasing the incline from 0-8% tended to decrease peak force in the SDFT at the trot, and in the trailing forelimb at the canter. However, force in the SDFT was unchanged in the leading forelimb at the canter on the 3% incline. CONCLUSIONS: The force in the SDFT trotting or cantering uphill is unchanged or lower than that loaded at the same speed on a flat surface. Because at similar speeds the workload for uphill exercise is greater than on the flat, uphill running increases exercise intensity without increasing force in the SDFT. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Uphill exercise may reduce the risk of SDFT injury as both running speed and SDFT force are decreased on an incline as compared to the flat, even when exercise intensity is the same. Further study is needed to confirm these findings at canter in a larger population of horses.
Address Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 321-4 Tokami-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 320-0856, Japan
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Notes PMID:17402462 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4005
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Author Winkelmayr, B.; Peham, C.; Fruhwirth, B.; Licka, T.; Scheidl, M.
Title Evaluation of the force acting on the back of the horse with an English saddle and a side saddle at walk, trot and canter Type Journal Article
Year (up) 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 36 Pages 406-410
Keywords Animals; Back/*physiology; Back Pain/etiology/veterinary; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Gait/physiology; Horse Diseases/etiology; Horses/*physiology; Humans; Locomotion/physiology; Male; Movement/*physiology; *Physical Conditioning, Animal/instrumentation/methods/physiology; *Pressure; Weight-Bearing/*physiology
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Force transmission under an English saddle (ES) at walk, trot and canter is commonly evaluated, but the influence of a side saddle (SS) on the equine back has not been documented. HYPOTHESIS: Force transmission under a SS, with its asymmetric construction, is different from an ES in walk, trot and canter, expressed in maximum overall force (MOF), force in the quarters of the saddle mat, and centre of pressure (COP). The biomechanics of the equine back are different under a SS compared to ES. METHODS: Thirteen horses without clinical signs of back pain ridden in an indoor riding school with both saddles were measured using an electronic saddle sensor pad. Synchronous kinematic measurements were carried out with tracing markers placed along the back in front of (withers, W) and behind the saddle (4th lumbar vertebra, L4). At least 6 motion cycles at walk, trot and canter with both saddles (ES, SS) were measured. Out of the pressure distribution the maximum overall force (MOF) and the location of the centre of pressure (COP) were calculated. RESULTS: Under the SS the centre of pressure was located to the right of the median and slightly caudal compared to the COP under the ES in all gaits. The MOF was significantly different (P<0.01) between saddles. At walk, L4 showed significantly larger (P<0.01) vertical excursions under the ES. Under the SS relative horizontal movement of W was significantly reduced (P<0.01) at trot, and at canter the transversal movement was significantly reduced (P<0.01) . In both trot and canter, no significant differences in the movement of L4 were documented. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The results demonstrate that the load under a SS creates asymmetric force transmission under the saddle, and also influences back movement. To change the load distribution on the back of horses with potential back pain and as a training variation, a combination of both riding styles is suitable.
Address Department V, Clinic of Orthopaedics in Ungulates, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
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Notes PMID:17402456 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4007
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Author Hada, T.; Ohmura, H.; Mukai, K.; Eto, D.; Takahashi, T.; Hiraga, A.
Title Utilisation of the time constant calculated from heart rate recovery after exercise for evaluation of autonomic activity in horses Type Journal Article
Year (up) 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 36 Pages 141-145
Keywords Animals; Atropine/pharmacology; Autonomic Nervous System/drug effects/*physiology; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Male; Oxygen Consumption/*physiology; Parasympatholytics/*pharmacology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Physical Fitness/physiology; Propranolol/pharmacology
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Heart rate (HR) recovery immediately after exercise is controlled by autonomic functions and the time constant (T) calculated from HR recovery is thought to be an index of parasympathetic activity in man. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether it is possible to evaluate autonomic function using the time constant in horses. METHODS: Five Thoroughbred horses were subjected to a standard exercise test. Following pre-medication with saline, atropine and/or propranolol, the horses ran for 2.5 min at a speed of 8 m/sec at a 10% incline and T was calculated from HR after the exercise. Secondly, 7 Thoroughbred horses were then trained for 11 weeks and T and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) measured at intervals of 1 or 2 weeks. In 6 horses, T with atropine pre-medication was also measured before and after the whole training period. Furthermore, the HR variability at rest was evaluated by power spectral analysis at intervals of 3 or 4 weeks. RESULTS: Time constant was increased by atropine and/or propranolol pre-medication, decreased with the progress of training and inversely correlated with VO2max during training (r = 0.43, P<0.005). Parasympathetic blockade significantly decreased T only after and not before, the training; however, T was lower in post training than in pretraining, irrespective of parasympathetic blockade. On the other hand, parasympathetic activity at rest was attenuated and sympathetic activity became predominant following the training. CONCLUSION: Heart rate recovery is affected by sympathetic withdrawal and parasympathetic reactivation in horses and suggests that physical training hastened HR recovery by improving the parasympathetic function after exercise with aerobic capacity. However, the effects of other factors need to be considered because the training effect appeared on T even under parasympathetic blockade. The parasympathetic activity at rest is in contrast to that after exercise, suggesting that T does not reflect parasympathetic activity at rest. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: If demonstrated how HR recovery is controlled after exercise, its analysis will be important in the evaluation of physical fitness in horses.
Address Equine Science Division, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, 535-13 Nischicha, Urakawa-cho, Uraakawagun, Hokkaido, Japan
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Notes PMID:17402409 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4010
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Author Gramkow, H.L.; Evans, D.L.
Title Correlation of race earnings with velocity at maximal heart rate during a field exercise test in thoroughbred racehorses Type Journal Article
Year (up) 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 36 Pages 118-122
Keywords Animals; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Geographic Information Systems; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Linear Models; Male; Oxygen Consumption/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*economics/*physiology; Physical Fitness/physiology; Running; Sports/economics
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Running ability of Thoroughbred racehorses is correlated with maximal oxygen uptake, and the velocity at maximal oxygen uptake is highly correlated with the velocity at maximal heart rate (VHRmax). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between VHRmax and racing performance, expressed as 'peak dollars earned per race start'. METHODS: Heart rate (HR) and velocity were recorded in 25 Thoroughbred racehorses during trotting and subsequent fast gallops in the field at velocities of 15-16 m/sec. Velocity was recorded by a global positioning system (GPS). Maximal HR (HRmax) and maximal velocity (Vmax) were identified, and a linear regression of HR on velocity for trotting and galloping data was constructed to derive VHRmax. Horses followed the training programme designed by one trainer, had at least 6 race starts and were clinically sound at the time of testing. Race earnings were expressed as the peak dollars per start in the horse's race career. Data were normalised using the results for the square root of 'peak dollars earned per race start' and the significance of associations between variables was determined by correlation coefficient and least square analyses. RESULTS: Horses with higher VHRmax earned significantly more dollars per race start (r = 0.41, P<0.05), and horses with VHRmax less than 14.5 m/sec had mean earnings of less than A$2500 per race. There were no correlations between race earnings and either HRmax or Vmax. CONCLUSION: Field studies of the relationship between HR and velocity with a GPS enable identification of horses with limited earnings. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates that a field test of fitness of Thoroughbred racehorses that correlates with retrospective racing ability is feasible. The technique has potential application in commercial training environments assisting with decisions concerning racing careers of individual racehorses.
Address Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Notes PMID:17402405 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4012
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Author Leleu, C.; Cotrel, C.
Title Body composition in young standardbreds in training: relationships to body condition score, physiological and locomotor variables during exercise Type Journal Article
Year (up) 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 36 Pages 98-101
Keywords Adipose Tissue/metabolism; Animals; Body Composition/*physiology; Body Constitution/*physiology; Body Weight/physiology; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Gait/physiology; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Lactates/blood; Male; Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Body composition is an essential factor in athletic performance of human sprinters and long distance runners. However, in horses, many questions remain concerning relationships between body composition and performance in the different equine activities. OBJECTIVES: To determine relationships between body composition, body score, physiological and locomotor variables in a population of young Standardbreds in training. METHODS: Twenty-four 2-year-old Standardbreds were studied, body condition on a scale 0-5 and bodyweight recorded, and height at withers measured. Percentage of fat (%F), fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) were estimated echographically. During a standardised exercise test on the track, velocity, heart rate, respiratory frequency and blood lactate concentrations were measured. V4 and V200 (velocity for a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l and velocity of 200 beats/min) calculated. Basic gait variables were measured at 3 different speeds with an accelerometric device. RESULTS: Body composition variables: %F and FM were significantly related to body condition score and physiological variables. Body score was highly correlated to %F (r = 0.64) and FM (r = 0.71). V4 was negatively correlated to %F (r = -0.59) and FM (r = -0.60), P<0.05. V200 was also negatively related to %F and FM, (r = -0.39 and r = -0.37, respectively, P<0.1). No relationships were found between body composition and gait characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition was closely related to indirect measurements of aerobic capacity, which is a major factor of athletic performance in middle distance running horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: As in human athletes, trainers should take special note to evaluate optimal bodyweight and body composition of race horses to optimise performance.
Address Pegase Mayenne, Departement de Medecine du Sport, Centre Hospitalier, 53 015 Laval, France
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Notes PMID:17402400 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4015
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Author Turner, K.K.; Nielsen, B.D.; O'Connor, C.I.; Burton, J.L.
Title Bee pollen product supplementation to horses in training seems to improve feed intake: A pilot study Type Journal Article
Year (up) 2006 Publication Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition Abbreviated Journal J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl)
Volume 90 Issue 9-10 Pages 414-420
Keywords *Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Antibody Formation; Bees; Detergents; Dietary Fiber/metabolism; Dietary Supplements; *Digestion; Eating/*drug effects; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Heart Rate/drug effects/physiology; Horses/blood/immunology/*physiology; Leukocyte Count/*veterinary; Male; Oxygen Consumption/drug effects/physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Pilot Projects; *Pollen; Random Allocation
Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of supplementation of Dynamic Trio 50/50, a bee pollen-based product, to improve physical fitness, blood leukocyte profiles, and nutritional variables in exercised horses. Ten Arabian horses underwent a standardised exercise test (SET), then were pair-matched by sex and fitness and randomly assigned to BP (receiving 118 g of Dynamic Trio 50/50 daily) or CO (receiving 73 g of a placebo) for a period of 42 days. A total collection was conducted from days 18 to 21 on six geldings to determine nutrient retention and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility. Horses were exercise conditioned and completed another SET on day 42. V160 and V200 were calculated from SET heart rates (HR). Lactate, glucose, haematocrit (HT) and haemoglobin (HB) concentrations were determined from SET blood samples. Total leukocyte count, and circulating numbers of various leukocytes and IgG, IgM and IgA concentrations were determined in rest and recovery blood samples from both SETs. Geldings on BP (n = 3) ate more feed than CO. BP had less phosphorus excretion, and tended to retain more nitrogen. BP tended to digest more NDF and ADF while having lower NDF digestibility and tending to have lower ADF digestibility. No treatment differences existed for V160 and V200, HR, lactate, HT and HB. There was a trend for lymphocyte counts to be lower in BP than CO on day 42. Dynamic Trio 50/50 supplementation may have a positive effect on performance by helping horses in training meet their potentially increased nutrient demands by increasing feed intake and thus nutrient retention.
Address Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. kturner@uga.edu
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Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN 0931-2439 ISBN Medium
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Notes PMID:16958799 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4237
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