Race Days Research Articles

The effects of ambient air pollution exposure on Thoroughbred racehorse performance.

Limited research exists on impacts of air pollution on non-human mammals, particularly animal athletes such as Thoroughbred racehorses. Athletes have a greater risk of exposure as heightened exertion and increased airflow carry more pollutants deeper into the respiratory tract. To provide insights into the impact of ambient air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), on race speed. Retrospective observational study. Data were obtained from The Jockey Club Information Systems, covering 31 407 winning races by Thoroughbred horses in California spanning 10 years (2011-2020) and evaluated the association between air pollution and winning race speeds. For race days, we collected PM2.5 data from the nearest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitoring site within 100 km of each racetrack (n = 12). We assessed the associations between daily average PM2.5 concentrations and speed of winning horses with linear mixed effects regression. We adjusted for horse characteristics, race-related covariates, temporal indicators (e.g., year), other air pollutants and temperature. We conducted sensitivity analyses by adjusting extreme air pollution days by reassigning values to the 95th percentile value and conducting linear mixed effects regression on series of datasets with incremental cutpoints of PM2.5. In the cutpoint analysis, we found that for PM2.5 between 4 and 23.6 μg/m3, speed decreased 0.0008 m/s (95% CI: -0.0014562 to -0.00018) for every 1 μg/m3 increase of PM2.5. Limitations include the use of offsite monitors leading to imprecise exposure measurements, not using training practice data, and generalisability as the study focuses on California racetracks. This study highlights the need to create advisories to safeguard the performance of horses during periods of poor air quality. Further research is recommended to explore additional factors influencing the relationship between air pollution and equine welfare.

Microbial interactions among Gardnerella, Prevotella and Fannyhessea prior to incident bacterial vaginosis: protocol for a prospective, observational study

IntroductionThe aetiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a biofilm-associated vaginal infection, remains unknown. Epidemiologic data suggest that it is sexually transmitted. BV is characterised by loss of lactic acid-producing lactobacilli and...

Heart rate variability, recovery and stress analysis of an elite rally driver and co-driver during a competition period.

To ensure both optimal health and performances, monitoring physiological and psychological states is of main importance for athletes. It is well known that monitoring heart rate variability and using validated questionnaires is useful for monitoring both the health and training status of athletes of different sports. Motorsports such as rally require high levels of physical and mental preparation thus information about psychophysiological status of rally athletes is fundamental. The aim of this study was to assess the autonomic regulation, stress, recovery conditions of one driver and one co-driver competing at the Italian National Rally Championship during their competition period. Heart rate variability parameters, acute recovery and stress states were assessed the day before, during the two days of race and the day following the races. Results showed that driver and co-driver had a sharp decrease of mean RR intervals, root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats, and standard deviation of the N-N interval during race days, while the stress index showed the inverse trend, and this behaviour was clearly visible in the Poincaré plots and power spectrum density graphs. The acute recovery and stress states questionnaire showed significant differences in recovery and stress scoring for the driver but not for the co-driver, although the trends were similar. This study describes the psychophysiological demands of a rally competition period suggesting that a daily evaluation of heart rate variability, recovery, stress states is useful for monitoring health status in rally athletes and could be implemented to make decision about training and recovery strategies.

Identifying Risk Factors for Appointment No-Shows in a Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic

Background: Appointment nonadherence in pediatric orthopaedic clinics negatively affects patient outcomes. While previous studies have examined risk factors for missed appointments, there is a lack of such research in pediatric orthopaedics. This study tests the hypothesis that pediatric orthopaedic patients with greater socioeconomic risk are more likely to miss appointments. Our objective is to identify risk factors contributing to missed appointments.Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all visits in an outpatient pediatric orthopaedic clinic and affiliated Midwest level 1 academic hospital in 2019. Possible covariates with appointment attendance collected included sociodemographic information such as age, gender (male/female), race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Other), and insurance (Commercial, Medicaid, Medicaid HMO, Other). The main study outcome was appointment status, defined as either “No-Show” or “Attended/Completed.” Using census data, the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was determined for a matched case (“No-Show”) control sample to quantify socioeconomic risk. Factors associated with appointment nonadherence were analyzed with a logistic regression model.Results: Out of 10,078 total encounters included in the study, there was a no-show rate of 6.61%. Significant predictors of no-show included race (p<0.001), insurance type (p<0.001), and lag days between appointment scheduling and completion (p<0.001). In a matched case-control sub-study, ADI was positively associated with increased odds of no-show (p<0.001), making this model unique from other studies.Conclusions: This data informs pediatric orthopaedic providers of risk factors for appointment nonadherence in order to individualize patient care plans based on specific socioeconomic needs. Efforts to improve appointment adherence may reduce the rate of poor health outcomes and health disparities in underserved areas. Next steps include qualitative assessments to articulate the experience of families who miss appointments to develop a greater standard for more accessible patient-centered care.Level of Evidence: Retrospective chart review (Level III) Key Concepts•There appears to be a link between pediatric orthopaedic appointment adherence and socioeconomic factors.•The Area Deprivation Index is a useful tool to quantify socioeconomic risk in the clinical setting.•Further research is needed to understand the specific reasons patients miss appointments.

A synopsis of wearable commercially available biometric‐monitoring devices and their potential applications during gallop racing

SummaryAmidst discourse surrounding the racing industry's social licence to operate, the welfare of racehorses and jockeys is often at the forefront of discussions. Specifically, catastrophic events and the sudden death of horses on race days tend to capture media attention and often place the racing industry under public scrutiny. While such occurrences are not frequent, they have negative ramifications on the welfare of both racehorses and jockeys. The development and application of advanced monitoring technology could provide greater insight into the physiological precursors that immediately precede sudden death on race days and enable retrospective analyses of catastrophic events that take place. Most importantly, the application of such technology could ultimately aid racetrack personnel in identifying and intervening with horses at increased risk of catastrophic events, right up until the start of a race. This would inevitably improve the safety and welfare of horses and jockeys. Thus, the current review details key cardiovascular, respiratory and thermometry biometrics for racehorses and examines the currently available commercial devices with potential applications during racing. This review also highlights the importance of gathering biometric data for retrospective analyses of catastrophic events and their implications on the welfare of racehorses and jockeys.

Risk Factors for Epistaxis in Thoroughbred Flat Races in Japan (2001-2020).

We investigated the risk factors for epistaxis in Japanese flat races over a 20-year period. The veterinary records of horses identified as having epistaxis by endoscopy on the race day, and the official racing records of all flat races from April to September between 2001 and 2020, were reviewed. The racecourses (n = 10), surface type, surface condition, race class, race distance, race year, sex, age, two training centers, ambient temperature, and body weight on race days were assessed using multivariable logistic regression (p < 0.05). Of 475,709 race starts, 616 (1.30 cases per 1000 starts; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-1.40) included an epistaxis event. Nine variables were significantly associated with epistaxis. Seven of the variables have been reported in previous studies: lower ambient temperature, soft surface conditions, shorter racing distances (≤1400 m), increasing age, females and geldings compared to males, training center, and race year. However, two novel variables were identified as significantly associated with epistaxis, increasing body weight per 20 kg (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR], 1.33; 95% CI, 1.25-1.41) and the racecourses that the horses were running at (p < 0.001, especially Sapporo [OR; 4.74, 95% CI, 3.07-7.31], Hakodate [OR, 4.66; 95% CI, 3.05-7.11], and Kokura [OR, 4.14; 95% CI, 2.65-6.48] compared to the reference racecourse [Kyoto]). These results can facilitate developing interventions to reduce epistaxis in flat racing.

Instagram usage in destination branding through sports event: Study of Mandalika 2021 World Superbike

&lt;p&gt;International sports events can be utilized by the host city or region to form destination branding. Social media become the important tools for branding activities. This article aims to analyze the social media, focus on Instagram usage in Mandalika destination branding through the 2021 World Superbike (WSBK) sports event. WSBK 2021 become the first world-class race event held in Mandalika, and there are a number of other negative issues ahead of WSBK 2021. This research uses a qualitative method with primary data is interviews with representatives from the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). Research results shows ITDC use Instagram @itdc_id as the main platform to promote Mandalika to form destination branding. The theme of content uploaded on @itdc_id are about tourist attractions in Mandalika and information about circuit readiness. ITDC regulates Instagram uploads for weekdays are spots that can be used for sports activities, while for weekends information about WSBK races, for example regarding circuit readiness or rules for spectators. During the series of race days, ITDC didn't even upload content related to the races in order to avoid copyright issues. Based on secondary data from observation towards ITDC’s Instagram posted and Google Trends analytics shows the internet user pay lower attention to the sport tourism theme. Internet users more interested in race-related information. &lt;/p&gt;

Analysis of COVID-19 Incidence and Severity Among Adults Vaccinated With 2-Dose mRNA COVID-19 or Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines With and Without Boosters in Singapore

Assessing booster effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine over longer time intervals and in response to any further SARS-CoV-2 variants is crucial in determining optimal COVID-19 vaccination strategies. To determine levels of protection against severe COVID-19 and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by types and combinations of vaccine boosters in Singapore during the Omicron wave. This cohort study included Singapore residents aged 30 years or more vaccinated with either at least 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (ie, Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 or Moderna mRNA-1273) or inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (Sinovac CoronaVac or Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV) as of March 10, 2022. Individuals with a known SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to December 27, 2021, an infection on or before the date of their second vaccine dose, or with reinfection cases were excluded. Two or 3 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2, Moderna mRNA-1273, Sinovac CoronaVac, or Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV. Notified infections from December 27, 2021, to March 10, 2022, adjusted for age, sex, race, housing status, and calendar days. Estimated booster effectiveness, defined as the relative incidence-rate reduction of severe disease (supplemental oxygen, intensive care, or death) or confirmed infection following 3-dose vaccination compared with 5 months after second mRNA dose, was determined using binomial regression. Among 2 441 581 eligible individuals (1 279 047 [52.4%] women, 846 110 (34.7%) aged 60 years and older), there were 319 943 (13.1%) confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, of which 1513 (0.4%) were severe COVID-19 cases. mRNA booster effectiveness against confirmed infection 15 to 60 days after boosting was estimated to range from 31.7% to 41.3% for the 4 boosting combinations (homologous BNT162b2, homologous mRNA-1273, 2-dose BNT162b2/mRNA-1273 booster, and 2-dose mRNA-1273/BNT162b2 booster). Five months and more after boosting, estimated booster effectiveness against confirmed infection waned, ranging from -2.8% to 14.6%. Against severe COVID-19, estimated mRNA booster effectiveness was 87.4% (95% CI, 83.3%-90.5%) 15 to 60 days after boosting and 87.2% (95% CI, 84.2%-89.7%) 5 to 6 months after boosting, with no significant difference comparing vaccine combinations. Booster effectiveness against severe COVID-19 15 days to 330 days after 3-dose inactivated COVID-19 vaccination, regardless of combination, was estimated to be 69.6% (95% CI, 48.7%-81.9%). Booster mRNA vaccine protection against severe COVID-19 was estimated to be durable over 6 months. Three-dose inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination provided greater protection than 2-dose but weaker protection compared with 3-dose mRNA.

Does the start of flat races influence racehorse race performance?

It is in the horse racing industry’s interest to understand all factors that impact performance to maintain the integrity of the sport. There is some evidence that the start of flat races can affect racehorse performance. However, limited research exists on the explicit effect that waiting at the start and inside starting stalls (also known as starting gates or barriers) has on racehorse finishing position. This study investigated how temporal, behavior and loading related factors associated with the period before the start of the race influences racehorse performance. A cross-sectional design evaluated performance of 546 horses across eight flat race days at Chelmsford City Racecourse in November and December 2020, using televised racing coverage. Time horses spent inside starting stalls, the use of loading aids and jockey behaviors were recorded. Notational analysis was used to determine how much horses sweat and their behavior before, during and after loading. Behavior was categorized using an ethogram adapted from previous published research recording conflict behavior in horses. Horses that spent under 50 s inside starting stalls were more likely to win (p < 0.05) or finish in the top three (p < 0.01). Those showing moderate adverse behavior before loading (p < 0.01) and no adverse behavior inside stalls (p < 0.05) were more likely to win and place first to third, respectively, although behavior during loading had no significant effect. Horses sweating to the point of foaming (p < 0.01) and requiring specialist loaders (p < 0.05) were more likely to win, although the use of other loading aids did not significantly affect performance. Jockeys that pushed their bodyweight forwards in the saddle during loading were significantly more likely to place first to fourth (p < 0.05). A horse’s chance of placing first to third was reduced by 15% for every increase in drawn order (p < 0.01; CI:0.77–0.96) and by 59% when the horse spent over 50 s inside stalls (p < 0.05; CI:0.19–0.92). A horse’s likelihood of placing decreased by 13% for every year of age (p < 0.05; CI:0.78–0.97) and by a further 17% for each additional horse in the field (p < 0.001; CI:0.00–0.83). Racehorses showing adverse behavior inside stalls were 52% less likely to place (p < 0.05; CI:0.00–0.48). This research demonstrates that the start of flat races can influence performance, highlighting the importance of warm-up protocols and starting gate training to optimise performance. With further longitudinal research, these findings could support adjustments to the rules of racing regarding the start to improve and maintain the integrity of horseracing in the UK.

Temperature and barometric pressure are related to running speed and pacing of the fastest runners in the 'Berlin Marathon'.

The influence of environmental conditions, such as temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, precipitation, sunshine and cloud cover on marathon running has been widely investigated. However, the influence of such conditions on the pacing of elite marathoners has not been considered yet. The present study aimed to investigate whether environmental conditions are related to the running speed and pacing of the fastest marathoners competing in the fastest racecourse in the world, the 'Berlin Marathon'. A total of 668,735 finishers (520,715 men and 148,020 women) competing between 1999 and 2019 in the 'Berlin Marathon' were analyzed by comparing elite and recreational runners. The associations between time-adjusted averages of the environmental conditions, the race times and running speeds were investigated. The runners were divided into performance groups consisting of recreational (all runners) and elite runners (the top 100, the top 10 and the top 3) which were separately analyzed for male and female participants. During race days, the temperature increased while humidity decreased showing a strong negative correlation between the two variables. For all runners, the average running speed through the race showed a strong negative correlation with temperature and a strong positive correlation with the level of humidity. Faster runners experienced lower temperatures and higher humidity levels than slower runners. When the performance groups were analyzed, temperature and humidity remained correlated to a similar extent for the top 100 but dropped dramatically for the top 10 and top 3, suggesting a weaker influence. In addition, barometric pressure showed a positive correlation with running speed in the top 100 and top 3 groups. Temperatures increased during race days while humidity decreased and both variables were negatively and significantly correlated. Faster runners experienced lower temperatures and higher humidity levels, while slower runners experienced higher temperatures and lower humidity levels which had a stronger negative impact on running speeds. Running speed was also significantly and positively correlated with barometric pressure in elite runners.

The effects of endogenously- and exogenously-induced hyperketonemia on exercise performance and adaptation.

Elevating blood ketones may enhance exercise capacity and modulate adaptations to exercise training; however, these effects may depend on whether hyperketonemia is induced endogenously through dietary carbohydrate restriction, or exogenously through ketone supplementation. To determine this, we compared the effects of endogenously‐ and exogenously‐induced hyperketonemia on exercise capacity and adaptation. Trained endurance athletes undertook 6 days of laboratory based cycling (“race”) whilst following either: a carbohydrate‐rich control diet (n = 7; CHO); a carbohydrate‐rich diet + ketone drink four‐times daily (n = 7; Ex Ket); or a ketogenic diet (n = 7; End Ket). Exercise capacity was measured daily, and adaptations in exercise metabolism, exercise physiology and postprandial insulin sensitivity (via an oral glucose tolerance test) were measured before and after dietary interventions. Urinary β‐hydroxybutyrate increased by ⁓150‐fold and ⁓650‐fold versus CHO with Ex Ket and End Ket, respectively. Exercise capacity was increased versus pre‐intervention by ~5% on race day 1 with CHO (p < 0.05), by 6%–8% on days 1, 4, and 6 (all p < 0.05) with Ex Ket and decreased by 48%–57% on all race days (all p > 0.05) with End Ket. There was an ⁓3‐fold increase in fat oxidation from pre‐ to post‐intervention (p < 0.05) with End Ket and increased perceived exercise exertion (p < 0.05). No changes in exercise substrate metabolism occurred with Ex Ket, but participants had blunted postprandial insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05). Dietary carbohydrate restriction and ketone supplementation both induce hyperketonemia; however, these are distinct physiological conditions with contrasting effects on exercise capacity and adaptation to exercise training.

Sleep Duration Correlates With Performance in Ultra-Endurance Triathlon.

The relationship between sleep duration, sleep quality, and race completion time during each stage of a 3-day ultra-endurance triathlon (stage 1: 10-km swim, 146-km cycle; stage 2: 276-km cycle; and stage 3: 84.4-km run) was investigated. Seventeen triathletes partook in sleep analysis throughout the ultra-endurance multiday triathlon using an actigraphy wristband. The participants wore the band to record objective sleep outcomes for approximately 4days (1-2d prerace, 3 race days, and 1d postrace), except while racing. The total sleep time (TST; prerace: 414.1 [95.3]min, prestage 1: 392.2 [138.3]min, prestage 2: 355.6 [62.5]min, and prestage 3: 299.7 [107.0]min) significantly decreased over time (P < .05). Significant Pearson moment-product correlations were found between TST and subsequent race-day performance for race stage 1 (r = -.577; P = .019) and stage 3 (r = -.546; P = .035), with further analysis revealing that TST explained 33% and 30% of the variation in performance for stages 1 and 3, respectively. During a 3-day ultra-endurance triathlon, the TST was reduced and had a significant negative correlation to exercise performance, indicating that sleep loss was associated with slower performances. Sleep onset latency, wake episodes, and sleep efficiency did not significantly change over the course of this investigation, which may stem from the close proximity of exercise to sleep.

Trends in Weather Conditions and Performance by Age Groups Over the History of the Berlin Marathon.

The effect of different environmental conditions such as temperature, wind, barometric pressure, and precipitation has been well investigated in elite marathoners, but not by age categories (i.e., age group marathoners). The aim of the study was to investigate the potential influence of environmental conditions such as temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure on marathon performance in age group marathoners competing in the ‘Berlin Marathon’ from 1974 to 2019. A total of 869,474 valid finisher records were available for analysis, of which 711,136 correspond to males and 158,338 to females. The influence of temperature, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation on marathon race times was investigated in age group marathoners grouped in 5-year-intervals. Within the 46 years of Berlin marathons under investigation, there was some level of precipitation for 18 years, and 28 years without any rain. Sunshine was predominant in 25 of the events, whilst in the other 21 years, cloud cover was predominant. Marathon race times were significantly and positively correlated with age (i.e., older runners were slower than younger runners) where the correlation was higher for males than for females. Marathon race times were significantly and positively correlated with both the hours of sunshine and the daily maximum temperature. The fastest marathon runners (meaning the minimum times) achieved the fastest race times on race days with higher maximum temperatures (i.e., 15–30°C). Daily maximum temperatures showed an influence on age group marathoners from age group 35–40 years and older. Higher precipitation levels impaired performance across most age groups. In summary, higher daily maximum temperatures (i.e., >15°C) and higher precipitation levels impaired performance of master marathoners (i.e., 35–40 years and older) competing in the ‘Berlin Marathon’ in the last 45 years. Master marathoners should start in marathon races with temperatures < 15°C and no precipitation in order to achieve a fast marathon race time.

571 Palliative Care Utilization in Burn Patients

Abstract Introduction The morbidity and mortality of the severely burned patient can be affected by multiple variables. Many of these variables are also associated with an increased likelihood of withdrawal of care. Palliative care services can aid families in difficult decision making during this time and improve the process of transition to comfort cares. Despite this, palliative care services may be underutilized. The aim of our study is to assess factors associated with palliative care consultation in the setting of severe burns. Methods We analyzed 191 patients with a burn TBSA of ≥30% at our institution from 2007 to 2019. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with consultation to palliative care. Results 17 of the 191 (8.9%) patients received a palliative care consultation. The average time to consultation was 10.3 days. On univariate analysis, age, inhalation injury, multiple comorbid conditions, and code status were associated with consultation to palliative care. Independent predictors of palliative care consult included inhalation injury, non-white race, code status, and ventilator days. Conclusions Palliative care consultation appears to be seldomly requested at our facility. The presence of an inhalation injury and comorbidities increase the likelihood of consultation. These factors correspond to the same factors that increase likelihood of transition to comfort care. Consult to palliative care on patients with these factors can help improve patient and family care.

Pacing and Performance Analysis of the World's Fastest Female Ultra-Triathlete in 5x and 10x Ironman.

The aim of the present case study was to analyse the performance data of the world’s best female ultra-triathlete setting a new world record in a Quintuple (5xIronman) and Deca Iron (10xIronman) ultra-triathlon, within and between race days, and between disciplines (cycling and running) and races (Quintuple and Deca Iron ultra-triathlon). The subject was an elite female triathlete (52 kg, 169 cm) born in 1983. At the time of her world record in Quintuple Iron ultra-triathlon she had an age of 35 years and at the time of the world record in Deca Iron ultra-triathlon 36 years old. The distribution of time spent in each discipline and transitions was 8.48% in swimming, 51.67% cycling, 37.91% running, and 1.94% transitions. There was no difference between the race days of the average speed neither in cycling nor running. The running pace had a within-day variation larger than the cycling pace, and also varied more between race days. In conclusion, the world’s best female ultra-triathlete adopted a steady (even) pacing strategy for both cycling and running, without substantial variations within- or between race days, for both the world record in a Quintuple and a Deca Iron ultra-triathlon.

Destination vs event attributes: Enduring spectators’ loyalty

Endurance athletes need social and emotional support from family and friends, who act as spectators at the event in which they participate. Although spectators fulfill a supportive role, does their loyalty lie with the event, the event destination or a combination of both? The case study was the Ironman Triathlon hosted in South African cities. Questionnaires were distributed to spectators on the race days, and 748 completed questionnaires were obtained. Three factor analyses were performed on the spectators’ travel motives, perception of destination attributes and perception of sport event attributes. Linear regression analyses were performed with event loyalty as the dependent variable, whereas the remaining motives, dimensions and attributes were the independent variables. The results revealed that a combination of factors was statistically significant and that a different set of determinants were observed for the two events. The results revealed that sport event organizers and destination management organizations should make use of both the event and the host destination attributes as drawing cards and act with local tourism and travel organizations to offer spectators a reduced fee for tourism offerings at the destination.

Alternate-Day Low Energy Availability During Spring Classics in Professional Cyclists.

To assess energy and carbohydrate (CHO) availability and changes in blood hormones in 6 professional male cyclists over multiple single-day races. The authors collected weighed-food records, power-meter data, and morning body mass measurements across 8 d. CHO intakes were compared with contemporary guidelines. Energy availability (EA) was calculated as energy intake minus exercise energy expenditure, relative to fat-free mass (FFM). Skinfold thickness and blood metabolic and reproductive hormones were measured prestudy and poststudy. Statistical significance was defined as P ≤ .05. Body mass (P = .11) or skinfold thickness (P = .75) did not change across time, despite alternate-day low EA (14 [9] vs 57 [10]kcal·kg-1 FFM·d-1, race vs rest days, respectively; P < .001). Cyclists with extremely low EA on race days (<10kcal·kg-1 FFM·d-1; n = 2) experienced a trend toward decreased testosterone (-14%) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (-25%), despite being high EA (>46kcal·kg-1 FFM·d-1) on days between. CHO intakes were significantly higher on race versus rest days (10.7 [1.3] vs 6.4 [0.8]g·kg-1·d-1, respectively; P < .001). The cyclists reached contemporary prerace fueling targets (3.4 [0.7]g·kg-1·3h-1 CHO; P = .24), while the execution of CHO guidelines during race (51 [9]g·h-1; P = .048) and within acute (1.6 [0.5]g·kg-1·3h-1; P = .002) and prolonged (7.4 [1.0]g·kg-1·24h-1; P = .002) postrace recovery was poor. The authors are the first to report the day-by-day periodization of energy and CHO in a small sample of professional cyclists. They also examined the logistics of conducting a field study under stressful conditions in which major cooperation from the subjects and team management is needed. Their commentary around these challenges and possible solutions is a major novelty of the article.

Prevalence of post-race exertional heat illness in Thoroughbred racehorses and climate conditions at racecourses in Japan.

ABSTRACTDespite growing recognition of post-race exertional heat illness (EHI) in the horse racing industry, reports on its prevalence are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of post-race EHI and climate conditions at racecourses in Japan. The overall prevalence of EHI from 1999 to 2018 was 0.04% (387 cases for 975,247 starters) in races operated by the Japan Racing Association (JRA). The yearly prevalence has been increasing, exceeding 0.07% in the last four years of the studied period. The overall prevalence in summer (May–September) was 0.086% (352 cases for 409,908 starters). The monthly prevalence varied among the 10 JRA racecourses, which are distributed from latitude 34 to 43°N, ranging from no cases to 0.459%. During summer, prevalence of post-race EHI was high when the mean monthly ambient temperature was high at a racecourse. To evaluate climate conditions, we investigated the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT, °C) from 9 AM to 5 PM on sunny race days in July and August of 2017 and 2018 at three racecourses with a high prevalence of EHI among the 10 racecourses. The durations of time during which WBGT was between 28 and 33°C at these three courses were 95, 94, and 65% of the minutes measured, respectively. This result indicated that most races on the sunny summer days were held when WBGT was between 28 and 33°C at the three racecourses. These findings could be useful in developing the appropriate countermeasures to be taken during hot weather at each of the studied racecourses.

ACE activity post-race is influenced by furosemide administration

Exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) affecting racehorses continues to raise questions regarding animal welfare and to-date no effective treatment has been identified. The mode of action of furosemide on EIPH, the only medication for the condition accepted in some racing jurisdictions, has not been completely elucidated. This research investigated the interaction between furosemide on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) as a potential pathway for future investigation of EIPH treatment options in a prospective case-control analytical study. ACE is a potent vasoconstrictor and substances reducing its activity could potentially contribute to decreasing blood pressure and EIPH. Horses racing on 8 official race days at Gávea Racetrack, Brazil had respiratory endoscopy data and blood samples collected after the race and were grouped into furosemide medicated and non-furosemide medicated horses. ACE measurement was conducted using fluorescence in a previously validated method. Environmental, race and haematological data were also recorded. A multiple regression model was used to analyse the data collected, with further analysis including Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s chi-squared test with Yates’ continuity correction; a Welch two sample t-test and a simple linear regression model. 73 horses were included in the study. ACE activity between horses not medicated and medicated with furosemide was significantly different. Pre-race furosemide significantly influenced ACE activity post-race, while distance raced, temperature, humidity, and haematocrit did not. Horses medicated with pre-race furosemide still demonstrated some degree of bleeding after the race and were at higher risk of presenting EIPH than non-medicated horses. Horses medicated with furosemide have lower circulating ACE activity which might indicate a protective effect of furosemide. Furosemide might reduce EIPH severity after a single bout of exercise, but it does not abolish or reduce its occurrence.

The Effect of Total Sleep Time on Ultra-Endurance Triathlon Performance

PURPOSE: The primary purpose was to determine the effect of sleep time on performance during a 3-day multistage ultra-endurance triathlon (stage 1: 10km swim, 144.8km bike; stage 2: 275.8 km bike; stage 3: 84.4km run). Secondarily, we determined if performance time predicts sleep time. METHODS: Eighteen triathletes (age: 37±7.9y; height: 175±7cm; weight: 70±9kg) partook in sleep analysis pre, during, and post triathlon using an actigraphy wrist band. Participants wore the band to record sleep time for five days (1-2 days pre-race, 3 race days, 1-day post-race), except during racing. Bands were collected before each stage to download the previous night’s data, then re-distributed after each stage. Performance times were recorded after each stage, and following total completion of the race. The data was analyzed via linear regression. RESULTS: Total sleep time (mean±SD; pre-race: 393.9±81.1 min, pre-stage 1: 342±90.2min, pre-stage 2: 347.5±54.6min, pre-stage 3: 299.7±107.0min, post-race: 308.8±86.3min) significantly decreased over time (P<0.05). Sleep time predicted performance in multiple stages. Specifically, pre-stage 3 sleep time explained 30% and 43% of the variation in stage 3 performance (R2=0.30, p=0.035), and total finishing time (R2=0.43, p=0.008). Performance time also predicted sleep time. Specifically, stage 1 performance explained 37% and 47% of the variation in pre-stage 2 sleep time (R2=0.37, p=0.010), and pre-stage 3 sleep time (R2=0.47, p=0.005). Stage 2 performance explained 39% the variation in pre-stage 3 sleep time (R2=0.39, p=0.014). Total race sleep time (Pre-stage 1, 2, and 3) was averaged; 33% of the variation in total finishing time can be predicted by average total racing sleep time (R2=0.33, p=0.015). No additional relationships were seen. A cutoff value was found at 401.6 min of average total race-night sleep time, indicating the top 25% of race finishers slept for ≥401.6 min. CONCLUSIONS: During a multistage ultra-endurance triathlon, performance time can be predicted by sleep time the night before. In addition, faster performance times during each stage predicts more sleep time. Based on our results, average total race-night sleep time of roughly 402 min (6.7h/night) leads to faster finishing time in the Ultraman Florida. This study was supported by FSU and FatigueScience.