High-speed Treadmill Research Articles

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SCORING OF AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF POST-TRAUMATIC OSTEOARTHRITIS IN THE EQUINE CARPUS.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive imaging modality to detect the early changes of osteoarthritis. Currently, there is no quantifiable method to tract these pathological changes over time in the horse. The objective of this experimental study was to characterize the progression of MRI changes in an equine model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis using a semiquantitative scoring system for whole-organ evaluation of the middle carpal joint. On day 0, an osteochondral fragment was created in one middle carpal joint (OCI) and the contralateral joint (CON) was sham-operated in 10 horses. On day 14, study horses resumed exercise on a high-speed treadmill until the completion of the study (day 98). High-field MRI examinations were performed on days 0 (preosteochondral fragmentation), 14, and 98 and scored by three blinded observers using consensus agreement. Images were scored based on 15 independent articular features, and scores were compared between and within-groups. On days 14 and 98, OCI joints had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher whole-organ median scores (29.0 and 31.5, respectively), compared to CON joints (21.5 and 20.0, respectively). On day 14, OCI joints showed significant increases in high-signal bone lesion scores, and osteochondral fragment number and size. On day 98, high-signal bone lesion, low-signal bone lesion, osteophyte formation, cartilage signal abnormality, subchondral bone irregularity, joint effusion, and synovial thickening scores were significantly increased in OCI joints. Study results suggest that the MRI whole-organ scoring system reported here may be used to identify onset and progression of pathological changes following osteochondral injury.

Adaptação metabólica de equinos suplementados com óleos vegetais em testes de longa duração

Suplementação com óleos vegetais tem sido usada frequentemente na dieta de equinos atletas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o metabolismo lipídico em testes de longa duração em equinos suplementados com óleo de soja ou óleo de arroz. Doze equinos da raça Árabe, não treinados, foram distribuídos em dois grupos, e cada grupo foi suplementado com óleo de soja ou de arroz por um período de seis semanas. Antes e após esse período, esses animais foram submetidos a um teste de longa duração (TLD) em esteira, quando foram coletadas amostras de sangue antes, durante e após o exercício. No TLD houve aumento nos valores séricos de ácidos graxos livres (AGL) e redução nos valores de triglicérides nos animais após suplementação nos dois grupos (P<0,05). Em ambos os grupos não houve alterações significativas nos valores de HDL no TLD após a suplementação. Nos animais após suplementação com óleo houve aumento da disponibilidade de energia no exercício de longa duração por meio do aumento de AGL e da manutenção dos níveis de lactato. As alterações no metabolismo lipídico causadas pela suplementação com óleo vegetal podem favorecer o desempenho desses animais em testes de longa duração.

Effect of training on plasma myeloperoxidase concentrations measured before and following intense exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses

Exercise in horses induces neutrophil degranulation and subsequent increases in plasma myeloperoxidase concentrations (MPO). It is not known whether this response is affected by training or the sampling time in relation to exercise. Our objective was to evaluate plasma MPO concentration at different time points in response to exercise in Thoroughbreds before and following high-intensity training and to evaluate relationships between plasma MPO concentration, physiological measurements and performance. Throughbred racehorses in active training and racing (n=26) performed an exercise test on a high-speed treadmill at least once at the beginning (first three months), middle (second three months) or end (last three months) of a nine month training period with training intensity (number of fast work sessions) collated for each period. Heart rate, speed and distance were recorded and venous blood collected before (T0), during and up to maximal speed (TVmax), 5 min (T5min) and 4 h (T4h) following exercise for measurement of plasma lactate, serum creatine kinase concentration, plasma MPO concentration, white blood count (WBC), neutrophil count (Neut), lymphocyte count and neutrophil percentage (%Neut). WBC increased above T0 values at all sampling points with no training effect. Neut and %Neut increased above T0 values at T4h, while values at TVmax, T5min and T4h increased as training duration increased. Plasma MPO concentration increased above T0 values at all sampling points in response to exercise with all values increasing as training duration increased. Training intensity did not affect any of the measurements, correlations were not identified between any of the biological markers including MPO and physiological and training measurements and no differences were identified between elite versus non-elite horses. It was concluded that plasma MPO concentration is affected by exercise and training duration, and that further investigation of plasma MPO as an assessor of fitness and readiness for competition is warranted.

The revolution of overground respiratory video-endoscopy in exercising horses

The revolution of overground respiratory video-endoscopy in exercising horses

A Comparison of an Integrated Three-dimensional Biomechanical Analysis of High-speed Incline and Level Treadmill running in Elite Football Players

ABSTRACT Purpose Recent sprint training regimens have used high-speed incline treadmill running to provide enhanced loading of muscles responsible for increasing forward running speed. The purpose of this study was to determine the standard alterations in the lower-limb joint kinematics and gait parameters resulting from changes in treadmill slope during the use of the treadmill as a medical reference. Subjects The subjects of this study were 20 normal, healthy elite football players without any orthopedic, respiratory, or cardiovascular system problems. Materials and methods The running gait of subjects was analyzed using motion analysis system on an inclined treadmill with three running trials, each for 3 minutes. The gait was measured at incline of 0, 9, and 18%. The speed of the treadmill was fixed at 4.0 m/s in order to maintain a constant running speed. Results The subjects’ gait parameters were observed to change significantly between slopes of 0 and 18%. The results showed greater maximum knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and total hip range of motion (ROM) in incline treadmill running compared to level running. Conclusion The results of this study can be put in as a predesigned rehabilitation program for sprint training on a treadmill, especially for treadmills with adjustable gradients. How to cite this article Singh A, Arvind DN, Sandhu JS. A Comparison of an Integrated Three-dimensional Biomechanical Analysis of High-speed Incline and Level Treadmill running in Elite Football Players. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2016;50(4):185-189.

Hemogasometry of eventing horses before and after intense exercise on a high speed treadmill

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemogasometric changes in horses and their metabolic acid–base status after intense exercise. The study was carried out at the Equine Performance Evaluation Laboratory at the Brazilian Army Cavalry School, Rio de Janeiro. Fourteen Brazilian Sport Horses, between 4 and 6 years old, at the beginning of Eventing training were used. The incremental speed test on a treadmill consisted of a 10-min warm-up and then galloping from 5.0m/s with speed increases every 1min until 8m/s, after which the horses galloped until they were unable to maintain this latter speed, indicating the end of the test. Recovery was carried out at walking speed. Hemogasometric samples were collected 6h before the test began, i.e. at rest, and immediately after the exercise test, and analyzed on a portable i-Stat (Roche®) device. The mean value of HCO3− after the test was lower (P<0.05) compared to the mean value before the test, 21.0±2.6 and 28.6±1.5mmol/L, respectively. The pH value was also lower after the incremental speed test, with a mean value of 7.26±0.06, compared to the mean value before the test, of 7.40±0.03 (P<0.05). The lactate concentration increased from 0.4±0.1 at rest to 11.8±5.5mmol /L at 8m/s (P<0.05) at the end of the test. The mean partial pressure values of O2 and CO2 before exercise were 33.0±2.8 and 46.2±3.7mmHg, respectively. At the end of the test, there was an increase in pO2 to 41.0±5.9mmHg due to the high oxygen uptake. However, the mean value of pCO2, at 47.8±2.5mmHg, remained the same suggesting a compensatory hyperventilation when the test was stopped due to fatigue and the samples were collected. The values of oxygen saturation did not differ before or after exercise (P>0.05), 63.0±6.2 and 58.0±10.3%, respectively, even for the horses that had an increased body temperature and a drop in pH after the exercise. The effort during the tests reduced blood pH and HCO3−, without reaching metabolic acidosis, which showed that the horses stopped galloping before any marked changes in the hemogasometric took place. The values of pCO2 did not change, probably due to hyperventilation at the end of the test.

Design and testing of a high-speed treadmill to measure ground reaction forces at the limit of human gait

Investigations focused on the gait and physiological limits of human speed have been on-going for more than a century. However, due to measurement limitation a kinetic understanding of the foot-ground collision and how these dynamics differ between individuals to confer speed and limit gait has only recently begun to come forth. Therefore, we designed and tested an instrumented high-speed force treadmill to measure the forces occurring at the limits of human performance. The treadmill was designed to maximize flexural stiffness and natural frequency by using a honeycomb sandwich panel as the bed surface and a flexible drive shaft between the drive roller and servo motor to reduce the mass of the supported elements which contribute to the system's response frequency. The functional performance of the force treadmill met or exceeded the measurement criteria established for ideal force plates: high natural frequency (z-axis = 113 Hz), low crosstalk between components of the force (Fx/Fz = 0.0020[SD = 0.0010]; Fy/Fz = 0.0016[SD = 0.0003]), a linear response (R2 > 0.999) for loading with known weights (range: 44–3857 N), and an accuracy of 2.5[SD = 1.7] mm and 2.8[SD = 1.5] mm in the x and y-axes, respectively, for the point of force application. In dynamic testing at running speeds up to 10 m s−1, the measured durations and magnitudes of force application were similar between the treadmill and over-ground running using a force platform. This design provides a precise instrumented treadmill capable of recording multi-axis ground reaction forces applied during the foot ground contacts of the fastest men and animals known to science.

59 Extent of vitamin K absorption from the equine hindgut

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 35 (2015) 400e417 409 Muscle glycogen is a potentially limiting substrate for horses during intense exercise. Low-starch, high-fat concentrates have become popular for performance horses, but their effect on muscle glycogen usage and repletion is unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) intake on substrate utilization and glycogen repletion in thoroughbreds during training and following multiple bouts of intense exercise. Six fit Thoroughbred geldings (BW 555.2 ± 29.9 kg) aged 8.2 ± 0.9 years were used in a replicated 3 3 Latin square design. Horses were fed isocaloric, isonitrogenous rations that supplied high (HS), medium (MS) or low (LS) NSC intake. The horses were fed 1.25% BW/d grass-hay and 1.0% BW/d concentrate. The HS concentrate consisted of oats, corn, and molasses. The MS concentrate was a pelleted mix of dehydrated corn germ meal (GoldenMax) and alfalfa meal. The LS concentrate contained wheat middlings, soy hulls, vegetable oil, and beet pulp. The HS, MS and LS concentrates contained 65.2, 46.5, and 12.3% NSC and 4.8%, 7.8% and 14.3% fat (DM basis), respectively. These rations provided 45, 36, and 18% of total digestible energy (DE) from NSC; 11, 15, and 23% of total DE from fat; and 30, 33, and 45% of total DE from fiber. During each 1-mo period, horses were trained for 3 weeks on a high-speed treadmill followed by a 3 d glycogendepletion period. On d 1 of the glycogen depletion period, horses performed an incremental exercise test (IET) on an inclined treadmill (3 ), consisting of a 5 min walk, 2 min at 4, 6 and 8 m/s and 1 min at 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 m/s. On d 2 and 3 of the depletion protocol, horses performed an interval-training exercise bout consisting of 4 series of 5-min trot (4 m/s) alternated with 2-min gallop (10 m/s) and a cooling-off period of 5-min trot (4 m/s) and 5-min walk. Muscle biopsies were taken before and 0, 24, 48 and 72 h post-depletion. One horse suffered a rhabdomyolysis episode during period 1 and was removed from the trial. All data reported are from the 5 remaining horses. During the IET, lactate was lower in LS compared to MS or HS (P < 0.05). Heart rate, plasma glucose, VO2, VCO2 were unaffected by treatment. Muscle glycogen depletion averaged 33%, 30%, and 36% in the HS, MS and LS treatments. At 72 h muscle glycogen averaged 94%, 94%, and 63% of pre-depletion levels in the HS, MS and LS treatments, respectively. Muscle glycogen repletion was significantly lower in the LS group 72 h post-depletion (P < 0.05). Low NSC concentrates may not provide enough substrate for glycogen repletion following multiple bouts of intense exercise.

Efeito da suplementação com vitamina E sobre os metabolismos oxidativo e cardíaco em equinos submetidos a exercício de alta intensidade

A suplementação antioxidante visa prevenir os danos oxidativos induzidos pelo exercício físico em diversos tecidos, como o miocárdio. Nesse contexto, este estudo objetivou avaliar os marcadores cardíacos e a lipoperoxidação em equinos no teste de exercício de rápida aceleração e curta duração (TRA), em esteira de alta velocidade, antes e após a suplementação com vitamina E. Para tanto, foram utilizados 10 equinos sem treinamento, que realizaram o primeiro TRA (TRA1) com carga de trabalho fundamentada no consumo máximo de oxigênio individual (VO2max) e que induziu a concentração de lactato maior que 4mmol/L, sendo considerado predominantemente anaeróbico. Em seguida, os equinos receberam vitamina E (dl-alfa-tocoferol) na dose de 1.000UI/dia, por via oral, durante 52 dias, e, posteriormente, realizaram um segundo TRA (TRA2) com o mesmo protocolo de TRA1. As amostras de sangue foram colhidas nos momentos antes do exercício, imediatamente após o término do teste e em 1h, 3h, 6h, 12h e 24h subsequentes. Determinou-se o malondialdeído (MDA) plasmático como índice de lipoperoxidação, e as concentrações séricas de troponina I cardíaca (cTnI), isoenzima MB da creatinoquinase (CK-MB) e mioglobina, como marcadores cardíacos. Como efeito do exercício, observou-se aumento discreto de MDA, de cTnI e de CK-MB, sendo significativo apenas para CK-MB. A suplementação foi capaz de amenizar a produção das espécies reativas de oxigênio, evidenciada pela menor concentração de MDA em TRA2, em 24h, além de causar um efeito protetor no miocárdio, devido ao menor valor de cTnI em 6h no TRA2 em relação ao TRA1. Não houve grandes alterações na concentração de mioglobina. Concluiu-se que o exercício de alta intensidade promoveu estresse no miocárdio nos equinos avaliados, bem como houve efeito benéfico da vitamina E na proteção miocárdica e sobre a lipoperoxidação.

Palatal dysfunction in horses: where next?

PALATAL dysfunction, the term which describes both intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate and palatal instability, is one of the most commonly identified causes of upper airway obstruction in...

Are running speeds maximized with simple-spring stance mechanics?

Are the fastest running speeds achieved using the simple-spring stance mechanics predicted by the classic spring-mass model? We hypothesized that a passive, linear-spring model would not account for the running mechanics that maximize ground force application and speed. We tested this hypothesis by comparing patterns of ground force application across athletic specialization (competitive sprinters vs. athlete nonsprinters, n = 7 each) and running speed (top speeds vs. slower ones). Vertical ground reaction forces at 5.0 and 7.0 m/s, and individual top speeds (n = 797 total footfalls) were acquired while subjects ran on a custom, high-speed force treadmill. The goodness of fit between measured vertical force vs. time waveform patterns and the patterns predicted by the spring-mass model were assessed using the R(2) statistic (where an R(2) of 1.00 = perfect fit). As hypothesized, the force application patterns of the competitive sprinters deviated significantly more from the simple-spring pattern than those of the athlete, nonsprinters across the three test speeds (R(2) <0.85 vs. R(2) ≥ 0.91, respectively), and deviated most at top speed (R(2) = 0.78 ± 0.02). Sprinters attained faster top speeds than nonsprinters (10.4 ± 0.3 vs. 8.7 ± 0.3 m/s) by applying greater vertical forces during the first half (2.65 ± 0.05 vs. 2.21 ± 0.05 body wt), but not the second half (1.71 ± 0.04 vs. 1.73 ± 0.04 body wt) of the stance phase. We conclude that a passive, simple-spring model has limited application to sprint running performance because the swiftest runners use an asymmetrical pattern of force application to maximize ground reaction forces and attain faster speeds.

Does the speed of the treadmill influence the training effect in people learning to walk after stroke? A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of high-speed treadmill training and progressive treadmill training for stroke patients. Design: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Participants: A total of 61 ambulatory stroke patients. Interventions: Patients in both groups underwent treadmill training for 30 minutes with conventional intervention. The progressive training group (n = 31) was trained to walk on a treadmill with a stepwise increase of speed over the treatment period. The high-speed training group (n = 30) trained to begin at 1.2–1.3 m/s, which is faster than the mean speed of stroke patients. All participants underwent 20 training sessions for five weeks. Main measures: Timed up-and-go test, 10-m walk test, 6-minute walk test, and both step lengths and cadence. Results: There were significant improvements in the results of the timed up-and-go test (−1.96 vs. −5.02 seconds), 10-m walk test (0.30 vs. 0.47 m/s), 6-minute walk test (38.35 vs. 64.40 m), and in the step length of the affected side (0.14 vs. 0.19 m) and the unaffected side (0.10 vs. 0.12 m) in the high-speed training group compared with those in the progressive training group (p < 0.05). Step width was not changed in either group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that high-speed training is an effective method for improving the walking ability of stroke patients.

Furosemide Administration Affects Mineral Excretion in Exercised Thoroughbreds

IntroductionFurosemide is widely administered to Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses to reduce the incidence and severity of EIPH. The magnitude and duration of mineral loss following furosemide administration has not previously been measured in horses.MethodsSix fit Thoroughbreds (age 6.8 ± 1.2 y; bwt 585 ± 19 kg) were used in a 3 x 3 Latin square design trial to measure the effect of furosemide on urinary and fecal mineral excretion for 24 h before (−24 h) and 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after a standardized exercise test (SET) on an inclined (3o) high speed treadmill. The treatment groups consisted of an untreated control (C) and two groups (F and FE) which received furosemide (0.5 mg/kg, IV) 4 h before the SET. C and F were fed 60 g/d NaCl and (FE) was fed 200 g/d of an electrolyte mix (14 g K, 37.7 g Na and 43.3 g Cl) for 21 days before the SET. Following the SET the FE group was supplemented with an additional 10 g/d Ca and 10 g/d Mg.ResultsUrinary Ca, P, Na and Cl excretion increased 24 h post treatment in the F and FE groups (P&lt;0.05). 72 h Ca and Cl balance was decreased in F (P&lt;0.05) and 72 h Mg and Cl balance was decreased in FE (P&lt;0.05). The digestibility of P and Mg was decreased in FE (P&lt;0.05) and Na digestibility was increased in F and FE (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionsA single dose of furosemide negatively affected calcium balance in horses for 72 h post administration. Further research is needed to assess the effect of chronic furosemide use in racehorses on mineral balance and soundness.Ethical Animal ResearchStudy approved by the Kentucky Equine Research Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Sources of funding: Kentucky Equine Research. Competing interests: none.

Mitochondrial Respirometry in Skeletal Muscle of Exercising Eventing Horses Run to Exhaustion

IntroductionMitochondria play a central role in energy metabolism during muscle contraction and in the balance of anaerobic and aerobic energy production. This study evaluated mitochondrial respirometry in skeletal muscle of eventing horses before and after an intense effort.MethodsFourteen Brazilian Sport Horses 4 to 6 years old performed an incremental velocity test on a high speed treadmill inclined to 3% and galloped at speeds up to 8 m/s until exhaustion. Biopsies from the gluteus medius muscle were obtained before and immediately after the end of the test. Mitochondrial respiration was assessed by O2K oxygraph of high resolution (Oroboros). The results were standardized by minute and per gram of wet weight of muscle and expressed as mean ± SD. Plasma lactate was measured using a spectrophotometer. Results were compared by paired t–test (P&lt;0.05).ResultsThe maximal respiration value of mitochondria did not change in gluteus medius muscle of horses at exhaustion. However, there was an increase in stage 3 mitochondrial respiration with pyruvate/malate substrate, and also an increase of non‐mitochondrial respiration after exercise. Lactate values before and after exercise were 0.4 ± 0.1 mmol/L and 12.1 ± 4.6 mmol/L, respectively.ConclusionsThere is little change in mitochondrial respirometry in the gluteus medius muscle after intense exercise indicating predominantly anaerobic metabolism in the muscle of the eventing horses, as supported by the high plasma lactate concentrations after the test. The increase of oxidase reactions after intense exercise is related to an increase in non‐mitochondrial respiration.Ethical Animal ResearchAll procedures were approved by the Board of Ethical Research of Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro: number 264/2012. Sources of funding: Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – CNPq; PRONEX and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro – FAPERJ. Competing interests: none.

Dynamic upper respiratory abnormalities in Thoroughbred racehorses in South Africa.

Upper airway endoscopy at rest has been the diagnostic method of choice for equine upper respiratory tract (URT) conditions. Development of high-speed treadmill endoscopy improved the sensitivity of URT endoscopy by allowing observation of the horse's nasopharynx and larynx during exercise. However, treadmill exercise may not always accurately represent the horse's normal exercise as track surface, rider, tack and environmental variables are altered. Recently, the development of dynamic overground endoscopy (DOE) has addressed some of these shortcomings. A retrospective study was undertaken to describe the URT abnormalities detected during DOE in racehorses presenting with poor performance and/or abnormal respiratory noise. Patient records of Thoroughbred racehorses undergoing DOE from November 2011 to August 2012 were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, primary complaint, distance exercised, maximum speed and dynamic airway abnormalities detected. Fifty-two horses underwent DOE for investigation of poor performance and/or abnormal respiratory noise. The main abnormalities detected included axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (40%), vocal cord collapse (35%), abnormal arytenoid function (33%) and dorsal displacement of the soft palate (25%). A total of 40 horses were diagnosed with one or more abnormalities of the URT (77%). Fifteen horses (29%) had a single abnormality and 25 horses (48%) had multiple abnormalities. This study showed that DOE is a useful technique for investigating dynamic disorders of the URT in racehorses in South Africa. The total number and type of dynamic pathological conditions were comparable with those identified in similar populations in other geographical locations.

Evaluation of physiological responses of cardiac and blood parameters after incremental exercise on field and laboratory tests in eventing horses

This study was carried out to model data of plasma lactate and glucose concentrations, heart rate and haematocrit in eventing horses after incremental speed tests on the field and on a high speed treadmill. The experimental design was a duplicate Latin square, with two tests, on the field and on a treadmill. Eight eventing Brazilian Sport Horses were used, five males and three females, with mean age of 7.4 years old, and average body weight of 479 kg. The protocol for the incremental speed test on the treadmill consisted of 10 minutes of warm up walking and trotting; followed by gallops at initial speed of 5.0 m/s, with increments of 1.0 m/s every minute up to 10.0 m/s. The treadmill inclination was 4% during the gallops. At the end of the test, horses were trotted at 4.0 m/s during 4 minutes, walked at 1.7 m/s during 6 minutes and rested thereafter on the treadmill. The protocol used on the field test consisted of 10 minutes of warm up walking and trotting; followed by 4 steps of one minute at 5.0, 7.0, 8.0 and 10.0 m/s, with 3 minutes intervals of walking recovery between each step. After the test the horses recovered at rest and were monitored during 60 minutes. An exponential regression described the reduction of plasma lactate concentration and heart rate better than a linear regression. The reduction of the haematocrit was better described by a linear regression. It was not possible to adjust plasma glucose concentration during recovery from exercise test on a regression equation because there was no difference (P&gt;0.05) among its mean values.

Movements of the horse’s mouth in relation to horse–rider kinematic variables

The aim of this study was to investigate the behavioural response of horses to rein contact and the movement of the riders’ hands through analysis of data from horses ridden at two different head and neck positions. It was hypothesised that the riders’ hand movements and rein tension would generate behavioural responses from horses and that these responses would be more marked when horses were ridden ‘on the bit’ than when unrestrained. Data were collected from seven dressage horse/rider combinations at sitting trot on a high speed treadmill. Kinematics were recorded using a 12-camera, infrared-based opto-electronic system. Three horses wore a rein tension meter. Behavioural registrations were made from video. Behavioural responses included lip movement, mouth movement, open mouth, change in ear position, head tilt and tail movement. Mouth movements were associated with the suspension phase of the trot. Head and neck position was non-significant in the final models, while rein tension and the distance between the rider’s hand and the horse’s mouth were related to mouth movements. Interactions between horses and riders are complex and highly variable.

Physiological responses of young thoroughbred horses to intermittent high-intensity treadmill training

BackgroundTraining of young Thoroughbred horses must balance development of cardiopulmonary function and aerobic capacity with loading of the musculoskeletal system that can potentially cause structural damage and/or lameness. High-speed equine treadmills are sometimes used to supplement exercise on a track in the training of young Thoroughbreds because the horse can run at high speeds but without the added weight of a rider. We tested the hypothesis that intermittent high-intensity exercise on a treadmill of young Thoroughbred horses entering training can enhance development of aerobic capacity (Vo2max) and running performance more than conventional training under saddle, and do so without causing lameness.ResultsTwelve yearling Thoroughbreds trained for 8 months with conventional riding (C) only, conventional riding plus a short (2 month, S) interval of once-per-week high-intensity treadmill exercise, or a long (8 month, L) interval of once-per-week high-intensity treadmill exercise. Three treadmill exercise tests evaluated Vo2max, oxygen transport and running performance variables in June of the yearling year (only for L), October of the yearling year and April of the 2-year-old year. No horses experienced lameness during the study. Aerobic capacity increased in all groups after training. In both October and April, Vo2max in L was higher than in C, but did not differ between L and S or S and C. Running speeds eliciting Vo2max also increased in all groups after training, with S (809 ± 3 m/s) and L (804 ± 9 m/s) higher than C (764 ± 27 m/s). Maximum heart rate decreased for all groups after training. Hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration increased for L throughout training.ConclusionsYoung Thoroughbred horses can increase aerobic capacity and running performance more than by strictly using track training under saddle with the addition of intermittent high-intensity treadmill exercise, and they can do so without experiencing lameness. This finding suggests that young racehorses might be able to achieve higher aerobic fitness during training without subjecting their musculoskeletal systems to increased loading and risk of developing lameness. The findings of this preliminary study do not indicate a specific protocol to best achieve this goal.

Effect of High-Speed Treadmill Training With a Body Weight Support System in a Sport Acceleration Program With Female Soccer Players

Maximum running speed and acceleration are essential components in many sports. The identification of specific training protocols to maximize sprint speed would be useful knowledge for coaches and players. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a high-speed treadmill (HST) with the use of a body weight support (BWS) system in a 6-week sport acceleration program (SAP) on female soccer athlete's 40-yard sprint time and maximal isometric knee flexor and extensor strength. Two treatment groups and one control group were created. Both treatment groups participated in a 12-session SAP. The first treatment group (n = 12) used a BWS system while running on a HST; the second group (n = 12) used a standard treadmill (ST) with no BWS system. The participants of the control group (n = 8), NT, did not participate in a sports acceleration program and did not alter their exercise routines outside of the study. An analysis of covariance was performed using baseline measures as the covariate. The 40-yard sprint times for both treatment groups were shown to improve significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Isometric knee flexor strength showed a greater increase in the ST group (p = 0.026) than in the other 2 groups, whereas knee extensor strengths did not show significant differences between treatment groups and control group (p > 0.05). Participants in the ST group had a much higher rate (66%) of shin splints and foot pain throughout the study than those in the HST (8%) and NT (0%) groups. These results can help high school coaches and athletes determine the optimal treadmill training regime.

Influence of oral glucosamine supplementation in young horses: Intra-articular lipopolysaccharide challenge

Influence of oral glucosamine supplementation in young horses: Intra-articular lipopolysaccharide challenge