Can exercise modulate the maturation of functionally different immature tendons in the horse?

This research looks into whether a controlled exercise program can influence the development of different tendon types in horses, without causing harm. The study found that while high-strain exercises did not significantly improve the mechanical and structural properties of energy-storing tendons, it didn’t cause any ill effects either, suggesting that early introduction of athletic training could be safe for horses.

Research Aim and Hypothesis

• The study aimed to explore whether controlled exercise during growth could spark an adaptive response in a horse’s tendons without causing any deleterious effects. This is with consideration that high-frequency, high-intensity exercises have been associated with tendon injuries and that these injuries have a similar pathophysiology in both humans and horses.

Research Method

• The researchers conducted a controlled exercise program for young horses. This kind of program was previously observed to induce matrix changes in energy-storing tendons of mature skeletal animals.
• The tendons were assessed regarding their mechanical properties, molecular composition, and morphology.

Results and Findings

• The analysis showed a significant increase in the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in the positional tendon, but not in the energy-storing tendon. COMP is a protein that is important for maintaining the structure and function of tendons and other connective tissues.
• The other matrix properties and mechanical properties did not show significant changes.
• The imposition of high-strain-rate exercises on immature horses did not significantly enhance the development of the energy-storing tendon as compared to the effects induced by normal pasture exercise.
• However, these exercises did not induce harmful changes either. This suggests that introducing athletic training earlier in horses may be safe.

Conclusions

• The results support the hypothesis that introducing regulated exercise programs during the growth period can result in a tendon adaptive response without causing any adverse effects.
• Although the development of energy-storing tendons did not significantly benefit from the exercise, the lack of harmful effects indicates that horses can safely start athletic training at a younger age.