Fitness of Eventing Horses Submitted to Interval Training
Fitness in Horses
Keywords:
equine, field test, exercise physiology, incremental testAbstract
The fitness of eventing horses was assessed in field tests through the use of heart and respiratory rates and blood biochemical parameters. The first stage (S1) lasted three days and consisted of the following three tests: the incremental speed test (IST), the incremental jumping test (IJT), and the jumping course (JC). Following the first stage, horses were submitted to a six-week interval training program and were then submitted to another evaluation, the second stage (S2), of the same tests as in the first stage. Lower heart rate (HR) values were observed during the incremental speed test in S1 than in S2. The enzymes creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed significant speed-related reductions in the second stage in comparison with the first stage. HR increased significantly during the incremental jumping test in the upper obstacle heights (55 and 70 cm). Respiratory rate showed a significant decrease in the last two laps and at 10 min after exercise in the second stage, compared to the first stage. Values of LDH were lower in the second stage than in the first stage, and AST values were significantly lower at 55 cm and 10 min after exercise in S2. During the jumping course, RR had better recovery in the second stage than in the first stage, and glucose decreased during the course in both stages. The enzymes CK and AST presented higher levels at 10 min after exercise in the second stage than in the first stage. The field tests can be utilized for evaluating the fitness of eventing horses.
References
Assenza A, Arfuso F, Fazio F, Giannetto C, Rizzo M, Zumbo A, et al. Effect of gender and jumping exercise on leukocyte number, dopamine and prolactin levels in horses. The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine 2018;48:95–101.
Seeherman HJ, Morris EA. Application of a standardised treadmill exercise test for clinical evaluation of fitness in 10 thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J Suppl 1990:26–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1990.tb04730.x.
Bitschnau C, Wiestner T, Trachsel DS, Auer JA, Weishaupt MA. Performance parameters and post exercise heart rate recovery in Warmblood sports horses of different performance levels. Equine Vet J Suppl 2010:17–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00260.x.
Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Giudice E, Fazio F, Panzera M, Piccione G. Peripheral Modulators of the Central Fatigue Development and Their Relationship with Athletic Performance in Jumper Horses. Animals 2021;11:743. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030743.
Evans D. Exercise testing in the field. In: Hinchcliff KW, Geor RJ, Kaneps AJ, editors. Equine Exercise Physiology, Edinburgh: W. B. Saunders; 2008, p. 12–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-070202857-1.50004-4.
Boffi FM. [Training Principles]. In: Boffi FM, editor. [Exercise Physiology in Equines]. 1a ed., Buenos Aires, Argentina: Inter-Médica; 2007, p. 223–41.
McArdle WD, Katch FI, Katch VL. [Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance]. 3rd ed. Rio de Janeiro (RJ): Guanabara Koogan; 1992.
Trilk JL, Lindner AJ, Greene HM, Alberghina D, Wickler SJ. A lactate-guided conditioning programme to improve endurance performance. Equine Vet J Suppl 2002:122–5. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05403.x.
Thomassian A, Watanabe MJ, Alves ALG, Hussni CA, Nicoletti JLM, Fonseca BP. [Blood Lactate Concentrations and v4 Determination of Arab Breed Horses during Progressive Exercise Test on High Speed Treadmill]. Arch Vet Sci 2005;10. https://doi.org/10.5380/avs.v10i1.4086.
Harris P, Marlin DJ, Davidson H, Rodgerson J, Gregory A, Harrison D. Practical assessment of heart rate response to exercise under field conditions. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology 2007;4:15–21. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478061507736459.
Lindner A. Use of blood biochemistry for positive performance diagnosis of sport horses in practice. Revue de Medecine Veterinaire 2000;151:611–8.
Agüera EI, Rubio D, Vivo R, Santisteban R, Agüera S, Muñoz A, et al. Heart rate and plasma lactate responses to training in andalusian horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 1995;15:532–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0737-0806(07)80423-0.
Teixeira-Neto AR, Ferraz GC, Moscardini ARC, Balsamão GM, Souza JCF, Queiroz-Neto A. Alterations in muscular enzymes of horses competing long-distance endurance rides under tropical climate. Arq Bras Med Vet Zootec 2008;60:543–9. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352008000300004.
Ferraz GC, Soares O a. B, Foz NSB, Pereira MC, Queiroz-Neto A. The workload and plasma ion concentration in a training match session of high-goal (elite) polo ponies. Equine Veterinary Journal 2010;42:191–5. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00278.x.
Munk R. Effects of 3 Different Interval Training Programs on Horses Used for Show Jumping. Evaluation Based on Blood Lactate Concentration, Heart Rate, Obstacle Faults, Technique and Energy Level While Jumping 2010.
Cavalcanti PC. [Complete Final Riding Competition]. 1st ed. São Paulo, Brasil: Nobel Editora; 2009.
Marlin DJ, Nankervis K. Equine Exercise Physiology. Oxford, United Kingdom: Blackwell Science; 2002.
Babusci M, López EF. [Cardiovascular System]. In: Boffi FM, editor. [Exercise Physiology in Horses]. 1a ed., Buenos Aires, Argentina: Inter-Médica; 2007, p. 123–32.
Gehlen H, Marnette S, Rohn K, Ellendorff F, Stadler P. Echocardiographic comparison of left ventricular dimensions and function after standardized treadmill exercise in trained and untrained healthy warmblood horses. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology 2006;3:3–11. https://doi.org/10.1079/ECP200573.
Ainsworth DM. Chapter 3.2 - Lower airway function: responses to exercise and training. In: Hinchcliff KW, Geor RJ, Kaneps AJ, editors. Equine Exercise Physiology, Edinburgh: W. B. Saunders; 2008, p. 193–209. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-070202857-1.50011-1.
Art T, Amory H, Desmecht D, Lekeux P. Effect of show jumping on heart rate, blood lactate and other plasma biochemical values. Equine Veterinary Journal 1990;22:78–82. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1990.tb04740.x.
Cittar JS. [Respiratory System]. In: Boffi FM, editor. [Exercise Physiology in Horses]. 1a ed., Buenos Aires, Argentina: Inter-Médica; 2007, p. 41–60.
Azevedo JFD. [Minimum Lactate Test in Full-Competition Field Riding and High Speed Treadmill Horses]. Dissertation. the Federal Rural University of Rio De Janeiro, 2012.
Soares OAB. [Evaluation of Tests to Measure the Physical Conditioning of Jumping Horses]. Thesis. the Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences – Unesp, Campus De Jaboticabal, 2012.
Moffarts B de, Kirschvink N, Erck E van, Art T, Pincemail J, Lekeux P. Assessment of the oxidant–antioxidant blood balance in a field exercise test in Standardbredand eventing horses. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology 2005;2:253–61. https://doi.org/10.1079/ECP200567.
Gomide LMW, Martins CB, Orozco CAG, Sampaio R de C de L, Belli T, Baldissera V, et al. [Blood Lactate Concentrations in Horses during the End-to-End Event of the Complete Riding Competition]. Cienc Rural 2006;36:509–13. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782006000200022.
Bronsart LL, Sides RH, Bayly WM. A comparative study of interval and continuous incremental training in Thoroughbreds. Comparative Exercise Physiology 2009;6:49–57. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1755254009990080.
Andrews FM, Geiser DR, White SL, Williamson LH, Maykuth PL, Green EM. Haematological and biochemical changes in horses competing in a 3 Star horse trial and 3-day-event. Equine Vet J Suppl 1995:57–63. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb05009.x.
Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Spierenburg AJ, van den Broek ETW. The workload of riding-school horses during jumping. Equine Vet J Suppl 2006:93–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05520.x.
Pritchard JC, Burn CC, Barr ARS, Whay HR. Haematological and serum biochemical reference values for apparently healthy working horses in Pakistan. Research in Veterinary Science 2009;87:389–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2009.05.003.
Muñoz A, Riber C, Santisteban R, Lucas RG, Castejón FM. Effect of training duration and exercise on blood-borne substrates, plasma lactate and enzyme concentrations in Andalusian, Anglo-Arabian and Arabian breeds. Equine Vet J Suppl 2002:245–51. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05427.x.
Soares JCM, Zanella R, Bondan C, Alves LP, de Lima MR, da Motta AC, et al. Biochemical and Antioxidant Changes in Plasma, Serum, and Erythrocytes of Horses before and after a Jumping Competition. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2011;31:357–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2011.03.017.
Santiago JM, Almeida FQ, Silva LLF, Miranda ACT, Azevedo JF, Oliveira C a. A, et al. [Hematology and Serum Biochemistry of Competition Horses in Training]. Arq Bras Med Vet Zootec 2013;65:383–92. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352013000200013.
McGowan CM, Golland LC, Evans DL, Hodgson DR, Rose RJ. Effects of prolonged training, overtraining and detraining on skeletal muscle metabolites and enzymes. Equine Vet J Suppl 2002:257–63. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05429.x.
Powers SK, Howley ET. [Exercise Physiology]. 3rd ed. Manole; 2000.
Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Wensing T, Barneveld A, Breukink HJ. Value of standardised exercise tests and blood biochemistry in the selection and training of breeding stallions. Vet Rec 1991;129:356–9. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.129.16.356.
Munk R, Møller S, Lindner A. Effects of training with different interval exercises on horses used for show jumping. Comparative Exercise Physiology 2013;9:33–41. https://doi.org/10.3920/CEP12016.
Lindner AE, Boffi FM. [Exercise Tests]. In: Boffi FM, editor. [Exercise Physiology in Equines]. 1a ed., Buenos Aires, Argentina: Inter-Médica; 2007, p. 243–54.
Ferraz GC, D'Angelis FHF, Teixeira-Neto AR, Freitas EVV, Lacerda-Neto JC, Queiroz-Neto A. Blood lactate threshold reflects glucose responses in horses submitted to incremental exercise test. Arq Bras Med Vet Zootec 2008;60:256–9. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352008000100035.
Arfuso F, Giudice E, Panzera M, Rizzo M, Fazio F, Piccione G, et al. Interleukin-1Ra (Il-1Ra) and serum cortisol level relationship in horse as dynamic adaptive response during physical exercise. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2022;243:110368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2021.110368.
Rose RJ, Hodgson DR. An overview of Performance and Sports Medicine. In: Rose RJ, Hodgson DR, editors. The Equine Athlete: Principles and Practice of Equine Sports Medicine, Philadelphia, USA: Saunders; 1994, p. 3–25.
Fonteque JH, Kohayagawa A, Lopes RS, Balarin MRS, Laposy CB. [Evaluation of Glycemia and Serum Activity of Aspartate Aminotransferase, Creatine Kinase, Gamma-Glutamyltransferase and Lactate Dehydrogenase in Thoroughbred English Horses (PSI) Submitted to Exercises of Different Intensities]. Semina: Ciências Agrárias 2005;26:211–8.
Gollnick PD, Bayly WM, Hodgson DR. Exercise intensity, training, diet, and lactate concentration in muscle and blood. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1986;18:334–40. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198606000-00015.
Kingston J. Hematologic and serum biochemical responses to exercise and training. Equine Exercise Physiology, 2004, p. 939–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7020-2671-3.50046-5.
Rudolph, Goic M, Matta S, Segovia P. [Variation of Lactate Dehydrogenase Isoenzymes after Exercise in Thoroughbred Race Horses with Different Training Periods]. Archivos de Medicina Veterinaria 1993;25:57–65.
Hinchcliff KW, Geor RJ. The horse as an athlete: a physiological overview. In: Hinchcliff KW, Geor RJ, Kaneps AJ, editors. Equine Exercise Physiology, Edinburgh: W. B. Saunders; 2008, p. 2–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-070202857-1.50003-2.
Piccione G, Giannetto C, Fazio F, MAURO S, CAOLA G. Haematological response to different workload in jumper horses. Bulg J Vet Med 2007;10.
Buhl R, Meldgaard C, Barbesgaard L. Cardiac arrhythmias in clinically healthy showjumping horses. Equine Vet J Suppl 2010:196–201. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00185.x.
Munsters CCBM, van Iwaarden A, van Weeren R, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM. Exercise testing in Warmblood sport horses under field conditions. The Veterinary Journal 2014;202:11–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.07.019.
Bazzano M, Giudice E, Rizzo M, Congiu F, Zumbo A, Arfuso F, et al. Application of a combined global positioning and heart rate monitoring system in jumper horses during an official competition - A preliminary study. Acta Vet Hung 2016;64:189–200. https://doi.org/10.1556/004.2016.019.
Curtis RA, Kusano K, Evans DL. Observations on respiratory flow strategies during and after intense treadmill exercise to fatigue in thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J Suppl 2006:567–72. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05606.x.
Padilla DJ, McDonough P, Kindig CA, Erickson HH, Poole DC. Ventilatory dynamics and control of blood gases after maximal exercise in the Thoroughbred horse. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2004;96:2187–93. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00998.2003.
Thiel M, Tolkmitt G, Hörnicke H. Body temperature changes in horses during riding: time course and effects on heart rate and respiratory frequency. Equine Exercise Physiology 1987;2:183–93.
Foreman JH. Thermoregulation in the horse exercising under hot and humid conditions. Pferdeheilkunde 1996;12:405–8. https://doi.org/10.21836/pem19960406.
Fazio F, Casella S, Assenza A, Arfuso F, Tosto F, Piccione G. Blood biochemical changes in show jumpers during a simulated show jumping test. Veterinarski Arhiv 2014;84:143–52.
Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Fazio F, Panzera F, Piccione G. Training Program Intensity Induces an Acute Phase Response in Clinically Healthy Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2020;88:102986. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102986.
Bond SL, Greco-Otto P, Sides R, Kwong GPS, Léguillette R, Bayly WM. Assessment of two methods to determine the relative contributions of the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems in racehorses. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019;126:1390–8. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00983.2018.
Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Interlandi C, Giudice E, Bruschetta A, Panzera MF, et al. Dynamic Metabolic Response, Clotting Times and Peripheral Indices of Central Fatigue in Horse Competing in a 44 Km Endurance Race. J Equine Vet Sci 2021;106:103753. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103753.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2022 Juliana Azevedo Gonçalves, Nelson Alexandre Kretzmann Filho, Rafael Rodrigues, Willian Jadoski, Bruna Beretta, Ana Carolina Bahi Aymone , Adriana Pires Neves
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain the copyright of their manuscripts, and all Open Access articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original work is properly cited.
