Endurance Race Research Articles

Endurance Exercise Ability in the Horse: A Trait with Complex Polygenic Determinism.

Endurance horses are able to run at more than 20 km/h for 160 km (in bouts of 30–40 km). This level of performance is based on intense aerobic metabolism, effective body heat dissipation and the ability to endure painful exercise. The known heritabilities of endurance performance and exercise-related physiological traits in Arabian horses suggest that adaptation to extreme endurance exercise is influenced by genetic factors. The objective of the present genome-wide association study (GWAS) was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to endurance racing performance in 597 Arabian horses. The performance traits studied were the total race distance, average race speed and finishing status (qualified, eliminated or retired). We used three mixed models that included a fixed allele or genotype effect and a random, polygenic effect. Quantile-quantile plots were acceptable, and the regression coefficients for actual vs. expected log10 p-values ranged from 0.865 to 1.055. The GWAS revealed five significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) corresponding to 6 SNPs on chromosomes 6, 1, 7, 16, and 29 (two SNPs) with corrected p-values from 1.7 × 10−6 to 1.8 × 10−5. Annotation of these 5 QTL revealed two genes: sortilin-related VPS10-domain-containing receptor 3 (SORCS3) on chromosome 1 is involved in protein trafficking, and solute carrier family 39 member 12 (SLC39A12) on chromosome 29 is active in zinc transport and cell homeostasis. These two coding genes could be involved in neuronal tissues (CNS). The other QTL on chromosomes 6, 7, and 16 may be involved in the regulation of the gene expression through non-coding RNAs, CpG islands and transcription factor binding sites. On chromosome 6, a new candidate equine long non-coding RNA (KCNQ1OT1 ortholog: opposite antisense transcript 1 of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 gene) was predicted in silico and validated by RT-qPCR in primary cultures of equine myoblasts and fibroblasts. This lncRNA could be one element of the cardiac rhythm regulation. Our GWAS revealed that equine performance during endurance races is a complex polygenic trait, and is partially governed by at least 5 QTL: two coding genes involved in neuronal tissues and three other loci with many regulatory functions such as slowing down heart rate.

Reported Hydration Beliefs and Behaviors without Effect on Plasma Sodium in Endurance Athletes.

Purpose: Little information is available on the association of hydration beliefs and behaviors in endurance athletes and exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH). The aim of the present study was to determine hydration beliefs and behaviors in endurance athletes.Method: A 100 and 38 recreational athletes [107 mountain bikers (MTBers) and 31 runners] competing in seven different endurance and ultra-endurance races completed pre- and post-race questionnaires, and a subgroup of 113 (82%) participants (82 MTBers and 31 runners) also provided their blood samples.Result: More than half of the participants had some pre-race (59%), mid-race (58%), and post-race (55%) drinking plan. However, the participants simultaneously reported that temperature (66%), thirst (52%), and plan (37%) affected their drinking behavior during the race. More experienced (years of active sport: p = 0.002; number of completed races: p < 0.026) and trained (p = 0.024) athletes with better race performance (p = 0.026) showed a more profound knowledge of EAH, nevertheless, this did not influence their planned hydration, reported fluid intake, or post-race plasma sodium. Thirteen (12%) hyponatremic participants did not differ in their hydration beliefs, race behaviors, or reported fluid intake from those without post-race EAH. Compared to MTBers, runners more often reported knowledge of the volumes of drinks offered at fluid stations (p < 0.001) and information on how much to drink pre-race (p < 0.001), yet this was not associated with having a drinking plan (p > 0.05). MTBers with hydration information planned more than other MTBers (p = 0.004). In comparison with runners, more MTBers reported riding with their own fluids (p < 0.001) and planning to drink at fluid stations (p = 0.003). On the whole, hydration information was positively associated with hydration planning (n = 138) (p = 0.003); nevertheless, the actual reported fluid intake did not differ between the group with and without hydration information, or with and without a pre-race drinking plan (p > 0.05).Conclusion: In summary, hydration beliefs and behaviors in the endurance athletes do not appear to affect the development of asymptomatic EAH.

Neurosensory and Cognitive Modifications in Europe's Toughest RandoRaid Competition: the Transpyrénéa Extreme Study.

Introduction: Given the wide proliferation of ultra-long endurance races, it is important to understand the physiological response of the athletes to improve their safety. We evaluated the cognitive and neurosensory effects on ultra-endurance athletes during the Transpyrénéa (866 Km, 65,000 m positive slope), held on the French Pyrenees.Materials and Methods: 40 athletes were enrolled (age 43.8 ± 8.8 years; 36 males). Olfactory and cognitive tests were performed before the race (T0, n = 40), at 166 kms (T1, n = 28), at 418 kms (T2, n = 20), and after the race (T3, 866 kms, n = 13). The effect of dehydration and sleep deprivation on cognitive features were also studied.Results: Olfactory function decreased during the race (T0: 24.9 ± 4.3 vs. T3: 22.8 ± 3.5, z = -2.678, p = 0.007), language fluency increased (T0: 10.8 ± 2.9; T1: 11.4 ± 2.7; T2: 12.9 ± 2.8; T3: 12.9 ± 3.0; χ2 = 11.132, p = 0.011 for combined samples), whereas the Trail Making Test did not show any changes between pre- and post-race (T0 vs. T3 p = 0.697 for TMT-A, p = 0.977 for TMT-B). The mean aggregate sleeping time was 9.3 ± 5.4 h at T1, 22.4 ± 10.0 h at T2, 29.5 ± 20.5 h at T3, with a correlation with olfactory function (r = 0.644, p = 0.018), while Total Body Water (TBW) was not correlated with olfactory or cognitive scores.Conclusion: Physical activity and sleep restriction in ultra-endurance could transiently affect olfactory function, while verbal fluency improved, demonstrating a dissimilar mechanism of activation/deactivation in different cortical areas. Body water loss was uncorrelated to cognition. Further studies should clarify whether cognitive and sensory deficits occur even in absence of sleep restriction.

From Team Hoyt to I'll Push You: An Embodied Prophetic Message

ABSTRACTThe authors explore stories of people with disabilities in sport settings that do more than inspire: they indicate how all people respond to the need and desire for both play and challenge. In 2014, Justin Skeesuck, with no use of his arms or legs, completed the 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, pushed by his best friend Patrick Gray. This duo followed the 40-year-old legacy of Dick and Rick Hoyt, who have together completed over 1,000 endurance races, with Dick pushing and pulling his quadriplegic son Rick. Understanding play as fundamental to human life regardless of disability, these examples take the form of sport and extreme physical challenge. Through their fully embodied participation, Justin and Rick display fundamental anthropological and theological characteristics. Their disability sport stories illustrate not only their own personal determination to overcome obstacles, but also a prophetic witness to the true shape of human courage, self-sacrifice, and love, so easily missed due to the societal bias against those with disabilities.

Frequency of Chronic Gastrointestinal Distress in Runners: Validity and Reliability of a Retrospective Questionnaire.

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms may affect up to 90% of competitors during endurance races. Studies have typically assessed GI symptoms retrospectively or only over an acute timeframe, and information on the validity and reliability of the questionnaires employed is lacking. This investigation aimed to estimate the frequency of GI distress experienced by runners over 30 days and to establish the validity and reliability of a retrospective GI symptom questionnaire. Runners (70 men, 75 women) recorded GI symptoms with a prospective journal for 30 days. Retrospective GI symptom data were then collected after the 30-day period on two occasions within one week. GI symptoms were rated on a 0-10 scale. Descriptive statistics for GI symptoms are reported as medians (interquartile ranges) because of nonnormal distributions. Men and women experienced at least one GI symptom on 84.0% (59.8-95.1%) and 78.3% (50.0-95.2%) of runs, respectively. Moderate-to-severe GI symptoms (score of ≥5) were experienced on 13.8% (6.7-37.3%) and 21.7% (5.3-41.2%) of runs for men and women. Spearman's rho correlations between journal ratings and retrospective questionnaire ratings ranged from 0.47 to 0.82 (all p < .001), although they were highest when journal ratings were quantified as mean 30-day values (all rho ≥ 0.59). Reliability of the retrospective questionnaire ratings was high (rho = 0.78-0.92; p < .001). In comparison with tracking GI symptoms with a daily journal, retrospective questionnaires seem to offer a convenient and reasonably valid and reliable method of quantifying GI symptoms over 30 days.

The Use of a Metabolic Disorder Index as a Predictor for Metabolic Eliminations in Endurance Horses

The equine endurance race involves both aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms of the horse. The intense physical activity over an extended period often causes susceptible horses to develop metabolic signs or problems resulting in elimination from races. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a method for prediction and validation of a metabolic disorder index (MDI) to be used before endurance races. Three hundred seventy-five Arabian (n = 152) and Arabian cross (n = 223) endurance horses aged from 6 to 15 years and weighing between 350 and 450 kg were selected for the study in Malaysia. Blood samples were collected at pre- and post-race periods. The significant (P < .05) findings in horses with metabolic disorder were packed cell volume (0.50 ± 0.06 LL−1), creatine kinase (1,275.89 ± 121.45 UL−1), interleukin-6 (2.01 ± 0.89 ng/mL), decreased glutathione reductase (26.57 ± 3.95 ng/mL), and chloride (94.98 ± 8.12 mmol/L). A new method called MDI was developed as a predictor for horses with the potential to develop metabolic disorders in endurance races. The MDI indicated a higher value greater than 5.5 for those eliminated and lower value below 5.5 for those that completed the race successfully, this proved to be accurate in the prediction of metabolic disorder in endurance horses. The MDI is an innovative and simple method used as a prediction method that will assist the equine endurance society to reduce the rate of elimination and to safeguard against serious medical problems during endurance races in the tropics.

“It’s an Endurance Race”: An Indicator-Based Resilience Analysis of the Energy Transition in the Allgäu Region, Bavaria

Abstract The Allgäu region in the state of Bavaria is one of the pioneering regions in the energy transition in Germany. To analyse the resilience of the transition process itself, we developed an indicator set for diversity and connectivity, two key elements to characterise the resilience of a system in transition.The energy transition currently taking place in Germany is recognised as being one of the most ambitious socio-technical transitions at the present time. Scholars have so far mostly studied the resilience of the current or future state of the energy system. They have neglected to analyse the resilience of the transition process itself. We present an interdisciplinary way of analysing the resilience of the energy transition operationalised as a socio-technical transition, using an indicator set for diversity and connectivity. For the case of the Allgäu region in the state of Bavaria, we measured these indicators in a semi-quantitative way, and found that the diversity indicators point to a resilient transition process. The connectivity indicators, however, show that the region is in a state such that the transition could stagnate. For the future of this transition process, connectivity should thus be increased, for example, by involving the tourism sector in the actor network. Our research confirms the need for an interdisciplinary analysis of the resilience of an energy transition.

Heat Shock Protein 90 Alpha Genes Are Up-regulated by Acute Exercise

This study was designed to further determine the expression pattern and role of heat shock protein 90 alpha genes in pre and post acute exercise amongst young male undergraduates in Nnewi, Nigeria. Twenty five (25) healthy young male undergraduate students with an average age of 24.3± 3 years and body mass index of 22.7± 1.8(Kg/m²) participated fully in the study. The subjects took part in an endurance race using the Bruce treadmill protocol for sub-maximal exercise for a maximum of 21 minutes. Blood samples were collected from the participants before commencement of the study, at 1 hour, 4 hours and 24 hours post exercise. Heat shock protein 90 alpha genes expression patterns were detected using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method. The expression pattern of heat shock protein 90 alpha genes was up-regulated at 1 hours post exercise and sustained till 24 hours post exercise at 200bp in all the exercised subjects when compared with the pre-exercise stage. Post exercise stress activates the release of heat shock protein 90 alpha genes which are needed to restore cellular homeostasis.

Effects of the Water Consumption on the Performance of Congolese Middle-Distance Running Veteran’s Athletes

<i>Objective</i>: Appreciate the effect of the water intake on the performance of Congolese veteran middle distance runners. Methods: The study took place from 16 March to 16 May 2015 in Brazzaville (Congo). (30) middle distance athletes belonging to the category of veterans formed the sample of it. Their average age was 35.93 ± 5,05years old. These athletes have been practicing endurance racing and had been tested twice; the Sargent and Cooper test. These tests were conducted in two phases: the first, without water intake (WO. W. I.) and the second, with water intake (W. W. I). <i>Results</i>: Our sample was 30 subjects. Events selected during our study focused on 800 meter (n = 08), 1500 meter (n = 14), 3000 meter (n = 02) and 5000 meter (n = 06). Body mass index (BMI) (weight / height²) was 20.33 ± 2.14. Regarding performance, the difference was significant (P&gt; 0.05) in the Cooper test with water intake (W. W. I) from Without Intake (WO. W. I). On the other hand, no difference was observed in the Sargent test in both moments (without water intake and water intake). Conclusion: Water, considered vital, had a positive effect in Cooper's test and had no benefit in the Sargent test where performance was declining after consumption.

Elimination in long-distance endurance rides: insights from the analysis of 7,032 starts in 80 to 160 km competitions

In equine long-distance endurance competitions, nearly 40% of the starters are eliminated at a veterinary control. Excessive racing speed, the nature of the race venue and the distance covered have been identified as risk factors for elimination. The objective of the present study was to assess whether speed, venue country and the horse’s age are risk factors for elimination, on the basis of individual electronic timing datasets collected during long-distance endurance competitions. Data were obtained for 7,032 horses entered in 80 to 160 km endurance rides in four countries. For each horse and each competition, the datasets included the distance covered, age, average speed, cardiac recovery time and heart rate measured at Vet gate for each phase of the race, and the outcome of the race (i.e. qualification or elimination). For eliminated horses, the reason and phase of elimination were also recorded. An analysis of variance was used to identify and compare variability factors and differences in recorded variables in qualified vs eliminated horses. In the study population, 39% of the starters were eliminated – mostly due to lameness (64%) or metabolic reasons (15%). The eliminated horses displayed a higher speed and worse recovery during the first phases of the race (P&lt;0.05). The mean speed was higher in events organised in the United Arab Emirates, in 2-star rides and in intermediate/mature horses; these factors were associated with slower cardiac recovery and a greater risk of elimination. Our results confirm that excessive speed is a major risk factor for elimination in endurance rides and further indicate that factors such as the venue country, the event distance and the horse’s age are also involved. With a view to increasing completion rates and reducing fatal injuries in endurance races, preventive measures should take these factors into account.

The Expression Pattern and Role of Interferon Gamma Genes in Exhaustive Exercise

This study is aimed at determining the expression patterns of interferon gamma genes, white blood cell recruitment capacity and the hormonal adaptation process in exercise exhausted young male undergraduate students. Twenty-five young male undergraduate students of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, aged 24.3 ± 3 years participated in this study. The subjects took part in an endurance race using the Bruce treadmill protocol for sub-maximal exercise for a maximum of 21 minutes. Blood samples were collected from the participants before commencement of the study, at 1 hour, 4 hours and 24 hours post exercise. The blood samples were used for follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone using enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay methods while white blood cell count was estimated using the Sysmex Automated Hematology analyzer methods. Interferon gamma genes expression patterns were detected using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method. Interferon gamma genes were expressed in all the participating students as from 4 hours post exercise and the expressions were sustained in all the participants for 24 hours post exercise. There were significant variations between pre and post exercise Mean ±SD values of absolute lymphocyte counts (cells/I¼l) (P = 0.000], absolute neutrophil counts (cells/I¼l) (P = 0.000], follicle stimulating hormone (nmol/L) (P = 0.000], luteinizing hormone (nmol/L) (P = 0.000]. Post exercise stress enhances the release of interferon gamma gene which modulates the immune responses of stressed individuals.

Clinical, histopathological and metabolic responses following exercise in Arabian horses with a history of exertional rhabdomyolysis

A previous report suggests a substantial incidence of exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) in Arabian horses performing endurance racing. This study compared formalin histopathology and clinical and metabolic responses to a standardised field exercise test (SET) between Arabians with and without ER. Arabian horses with (n = 10; age 15.4 ± 5.6 years) and without (n = 9; 12.9 ± 6.1 years) prior ER were stall-rested for 24–48 h, after which paired ER and control horses were fitted with a telemetric ECG and performed a 47 min submaximal SET. Plasma glucose, lactate, electrolyte and total protein concentrations and packed cell volume were measured before and immediately after exercise. Blood and percutaneous gluteal muscle samples were also obtained before and 3 h after exercise for measurement of plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity and muscle glycogen concentration, respectively. Histopathologic analysis of formalin-fixed pre-exercise muscle sections was performed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and non-parametric tests (P < 0.05).No horses displayed clinical signs of ER during exercise, and plasma CK increased similarly in ER and control Arabians. Muscle glycogen, heart rate, and remaining plasma variables did not differ between horses with ER and control horses. Horses with ER had more internalised nuclei in mature myofibers, more aggregates of cytoplasmic glycogen and desmin, and higher myopathic scores than control horses. Although many horses with ER had histopathologic evidence of chronic myopathy, muscle glycogen concentrations and metabolic exercise responses were normal. Results did not support a consistent metabolic myopathy or a glycogen storage disorder in Arabians with ER.

Female Endurance Racing: The Case for Equality

ABSTRACT WOMEN RACE SHORTER DISTANCES THAN MEN IN CERTAIN ENDURANCE SPORTS, INCLUDING EVENTS IN RUNNING, NORDIC SKIING, AND CYCLING. OUTDATED RATIONALES FOR DIFFERENCES IN RACE STANDARDS BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN ARE NOT BASED ON CURRENT KNOWLEDGE OF THE FEMALE ENDURANCE ATHLETE'S PHYSIOLOGY. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO EXAMINE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS THE ARGUMENT THAT ATHLETES OF BOTH SEXES SHOULD COMPETE WITHIN THE SAME RACE STANDARDS.

Selected electrolytic, haematological and enzymatic parameters in horses during endurance races

Selected electrolytic, haematological and enzymatic parameters in horses during endurance races

SAE Baja Front Suspension and Steering

The SAE Baja Competition is an off road competition in which a student made buggy must traverse various types of off-road conditions. The front suspension and steering team must design and fabricate a robust suspension that can handle the demanding needs of the competition. While saving weight we are trying to decrease buggy turn radius and create a steering system that will maintain proper wheel angle through full suspension travel. The combination of front suspension and steering is a highly dynamic system that must handle the changing conditions of the endurance race course. The suspension must be robust enough to endure the entirety of the race, but must to light enough to meet the weight restraints that were set for this year's vehicle. Our student designed suspension and steering system will decrease weight and provide a robust platform to help the University of Wyoming SAE Mini Baja team successfully compete in competition.

Hematological changes and resistance of erythrocytes of crimean horses in response to 32 km races

Aim. The aim of the present study was to investigate the alterations of some hematological parameters (hae- matocrit (HCT), haemoglobin concentration (HGB), the count of red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red cell distribution width (RDW), as well as resistance of erythrocytes to urea and hydrogen peroxide in horses after 32 km endurance race. Methods. Seven horses from Crimea region (Bilohirsk, Crimean region) were involved in this study. Haematological parameters (haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin concentration (HGB), the count of red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red cell distribution width (RDW)) were determined with use of hematological and biochemical methods. Blood samples have been investigated by centrifugation at 3,000 g for 15 min. The peroxide and osmotic resistance of erythrocytes were determined spectrophoto- metrically at 540 nm by monitoring the rate of erythrocytes disintegration by hydrogen peroxide. Endurance h orses used in this study are trained and conditioned to perform over long distances at moderate speeds. The prolonged exercises were used in endurance race. The walk about 3 km/h for 20 min, the trot about 7 km/h for 15 min, and the canter about 5 km/h for 15 min) and the walk about 1 km were repeated for 1 h (phase I); rest in an outdoor paddock without access to water for 30 min. And phase II: the walk about 3 km/h for 20 min, the trot about 7 km/h for 15 min, and the canter about 5 km/h for 15 min) and the walk about 1 km was repeated for 1 h. Results. The results of the present study showed that adequate endurance race of low intensity could im- prove oxygen-dependent respiratory function in horses from Crimean region. Furthermore, the non-signifi cant increase of red blood cells indices in endurance horses indicate about good athletic level after 32 km endur- ance ride. Statistically signifi cant differences in the percentage of hemolyzed erythrocytes between pre- and post-ride period were observed and thereby signifying an oxidative stress-dependent impairment of erythrocyte stability. Conclusions. The haematological changes caused by various physical efforts refl ect changes in the functions of different systems and can be used for health control and diagnosis of diseases. It also allow the evaluating the level of sport performance, the accuracy of training, and physiological condition of horses.

Comparison of Some Hematological Parameters Between Horses in an Endurance Competition

This study conducted to comparison of some blood constituents between horses participated an endurance racing. Jugular vein puncture was done to collect blood from15 horses (1 gelding, 2 mares, and 12 male). These horses had been classified to three breeds include 12Kurd, 1 pure Arab, 2cross-breed and participated in the endurance racing of 0 (before competition), 15 (After first loop) and 30 km (final loop). Horses were classified in three age-groups include below 5(n=1), 5-10 (n=10) and above 10years of age (n=4). Hematocrit and Hemoglobin percentage, Total protein concentration, Red blood cell and White blood cell counting, glucose and cortisol level were measured at before starting competition (0), 15 and 30 km. Data was analyzed by SPSS (version 22). Results showed significant difference in glucose level after 30 km (P 0.05). No significant difference was observed between cortisol concentration and age groups (P>0.05) but, there was significant difference between cortisol concentration and gender (P 0.05). HT and WBC counting were higher in Arab, cross breed and Kurd respectively. Hemoglobin percentage was found higher in Arab, Kurd and Cross breed respectively. Total protein concentration in Arab was higher than Cross breed and Kurd. In conclusion, in short distance endurance competition of horses, stress is not effect on metabolism of animal, furthermore, gender and breed could important in blood parameters alterations.

Quantifying the "Slosh Stomach": A Novel Tool for Assessment of Exercise-Associated Gastroparesis Symptoms in Endurance Athletes.

Introduction. We describe a novel scale and its field use for evaluation of exercise-associated gastroparesis in the endurance athlete. Methods. A scale was created based on gastroparesis tools previously described in the medical literature. Surveys of the tool were administered to runners participating in a 210 km multiday foot race in Sri Lanka. Results. Use of this novel scale was demonstrated to be useful in assessing gastroparesis severity scores of athletes and how these symptoms affected their race performance. Of the 27 race participants who completed the survey, 27 felt that the tool adequately captured their symptoms. Conclusions. This novel survey tool was able to assess the presence and severity of exercise-associated gastroparesis symptoms in endurance racers in a remote location. This tool may be helpful with further research of the identification and management of gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal upset in the endurance race environment.

Inter-individual variability in right ventricle adaptation after an endurance race.

Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction has been described in athletes after endurance races. We aimed to understand and characterize the RV response to endurance exercise, the impact of individual variability and the effects of the amount of exercise. Echocardiography was performed in 55 healthy adults at baseline and after a three-stage trail race: short (14 km; n = 17); medium (35 km; n = 21); and long (56 km; n = 17). Standard and speckle tracking echocardiographic assessment of the RV was performed with global and separate analysis of the RV basal (inflow) and apical regions. Although no change was observed in the short distance runners, the RV systolic deformation decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after both the medium length and long races (Δ% RV global strain -7.6 ± 20.1 and -8.7 ± 21.8, respectively) with significant RV dilatation (Δ% RV volume +10.6 ± 9.9 and +15.3 ± 12.8, respectively). The RV basal segment made a major contribution to stroke volume during exercise, showing larger increases in size and strain compared with the apex. Various patterns of RV adaptation to exercise, ranging from increases in both RV segmental strains and sizes to an insufficient increase in size and a decrease in strain, were identified; this individual variability was not correlated with prior training. An acute RV impairment was demonstrated after a trail-running race and was related to the amount of exercise. A high inter-individual variability was observed. Differences in RV adaptation patterns were independent of prior training, suggesting the influence was due to other individual factors.

Serum concentration of gastrin, cortisol and C-reactive protein in a group of Norwegian sled dogs during training and after endurance racing: a prospective cohort study.

BackgroundHigh incidences of gastritis and gastric ulceration are observed in sled dogs participating in endurance races. Exercise-induced increases in hormones like gastrin and cortisol have been suggested as possible contributing factors. An increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) has also been observed in canines during physical exercise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long distance racing on the serum concentration of gastrin, cortisol and CRP in a group of sled dogs, by comparing the results achieved early in the training season and after participating in a long distance race; “Femundløpet”. Dogs that only trained to the race, but did not compete in the race, were used as control dogs. Sixty-five sled dogs participated in the study; 46 competing dogs (25 completing and 21 non-completing the race) and 19 non-racing dogs (control dogs). The blood samples were collected in October 2012 and February 2013.ResultsThe post-race serum concentration of gastrin, cortisol and CRP was significantly elevated in sled dogs participating in the race (both completing and non-completing dogs) when compared to the results from training. However, no significant differences were observed between the two sampling dates in the control dogs. Post-race results for completing and non-completing dogs were also compared. This demonstrated a significant elevation in gastrin in non-completing versus completing dogs, and a significant elevation in cortisol in completing compared to non-completing dogs.ConclusionsParticipation in a long distance race was associated with a significant increase in serum gastrin, cortisol and CRP in sled dogs.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13028-016-0204-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.