Exercise tests are assessments used to evaluate the cardiovascular and respiratory function of horses during physical activity. These tests help in determining the fitness level, performance capacity, and potential health issues in equine athletes. Parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood lactate levels, and oxygen consumption are typically measured during these tests. Variations in these parameters can indicate the horse's adaptation to training or uncover underlying medical conditions. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, applications, and implications of exercise tests in equine sports medicine and veterinary practice.
Brown DG.Physiologic responses of irradiated and nonirradiated Shetland Ponies to controlled exercise were measured over a period of 5 years. The 5-year test began when the ponies were 3 years old and 5 months after they were exposed to 650 R of 60-Co gamma radiation. Significant differences in heart rates, respiratory rates, and rectal temperatures were demonstrated between irradiated and nonirradiated ponies when subjected to exercise and high ambient temperatures. Inthe irradiated group, heart rates were usually slower, especially during recovery immediately after exercise, and respiratory rates and...
Davies HM.The third metacarpal bones (MC3) of racing Thoroughbreds are a common site for bone damage. The midshaft dorsal cortex (DC) of MC3 thickens in response to fast exercise. It is not clear if it changes to a shape and size that limits the peak bone strains to a range associated with normal loading in other species. Objective: To relate the proportionate size of the DC cortex in racehorses exercising at racing speed to surface strains, and test whether the DC reached a plateau that was sustained through subsequent exposures to racing speed exercise. Methods: Standardised lateral MC3 radiographs we...
Martin A, Lepers R, Vasseur M, Julliand S.Large amounts of high-starch concentrates are traditionally fed to horses in training. However, this has been associated with digestive or muscle diseases and behavioural modifications. In parallel, it has been demonstrated that horses fed high-fibre, low-starch diets achieve the same performance over an exercise test as the ones fed high-starch diets. However, whether the same performance level can be maintained over a longer training cycle is still being determined. This study aimed to compare the evolution in physical performance and cardiorespiratory responses of two groups of French Trott...
Gregg SR, Barshick MR, Johnson SE.Following strenuous exercise, skeletal muscle experiences an acute inflammatory state that initiates the repair process. Systemic hyaluronic acid (HA) is injected to horses routinely as a joint anti-inflammatory. To gain insight into the effects of HA on skeletal muscle, adult Thoroughbred geldings (n = 6) were injected with a commercial HA product weekly for 3 weeks prior to performing a submaximal exercise test. Gluteal muscle (GM) biopsies were obtained before and 1 h after exercise for gene expression analysis and HA localization. The results from RNA sequencing demonstrate differences in ...
Massie SL, Léguillette R.Barrel racing involves sprinting through a cloverleaf pattern in under 20 s. The prevalence of upper airway obstructions (UAO) in barrel racers is unknown, thus a retrospective analysis of 164 client-owned horses referred for overground endoscopy (OGE) between 2014 and 2022 was performed. Referring complaints included respiratory noise, cough, epistaxis, behaviour (owner reported stress/anxiety, refusal to enter arena, excessive head shaking), and/or poor performance. Horses performed a standardized exercise test with low and high-speed components. Videoendoscopic recordings were systematical...
