Acute training in racing horses at two different levels of effort: A haemorheological analysis.

The study measures the changes in blood characteristics in Thoroughbred horses undergoing vigorous exercise. Researchers observed significant alterations, but found no significant differences when comparing the effects of two different levels of effort.

Objective of the Study

• The primary aim of the research was to examine the changes in haematocrit (red blood cell concentration), blood viscosity (thickness of the blood), and erythrocyte deformability (the flexibility of red blood cells) in Thoroughbred horses during acute exercise.
• The focus was on investigating these changes under two different levels of effort, in an attempt to understand the role of blood rheology (the flow of blood) in equine physiological responses to strenuous exercise, and its possible connection to Exercise Inducted Pulmonary Haemorrhage (EIPH), a medical condition that can affect horses during high-intensity physical activity.

Methodology

• The research was conducted on Thoroughbred horses, performing exercises at two different levels of effort (6 to 9 m/s and 13 to 16 m/s).
• The exercises were performed on the same track these horses usually trained on and with their usual jockeys, to mimic the training conditions as closely as possible.
• The researchers then examined the horses’ blood to assess alterations in haematocrit, blood viscosity and erythrocyte deformability due to the exercise.

Findings

• The results demonstrated significant alterations in haematocrit, blood viscosity, and erythrocyte deformability in the horses following the exercise, indicating a deep impact on these parameters due to the strenuous physical activity.
• Nevertheless, the researchers did not observe any significant difference in these changes between the two levels of effort in which the exercises were performed. This suggests that the level of exertion did not noticeably influence these measured blood characteristics.

Implications

• The study provides insights into the physiological changes that occur in Thoroughbred horses during strenuous exercise. This can offer valuable understanding for animal physologists, veterinarians, and trainers.
• Despite not identifying a difference between the effects of the two different levels of effort, the study still provides crucial evidence regarding how exercise impacts the physiological parameters of blood in horses.