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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(22); 3308; doi: 10.3390/ani15223308

Defining the Heart Rate Zone Corresponding to the Lactate Threshold in Colombian Paso Horses.

Abstract: Colombian Paso horses (CPs) excel in gait competitions due to their endurance, speed, and precision, which demand a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, their training regimes often lack scientific support, and few studies have linked physiological parameters to optimal training zones. This study aimed to estimate the aerobic lactate threshold (LTaer) using mathematical methods and to correlate it with heart rate (HR) zones and blood lactate. Eighteen CPs were evaluated and classified into trained (GT) and untrained (GD) groups. All animals underwent a field-based incremental exercise test (IET) with continuous HR monitoring and serial blood sampling for lactate, creatinine, BUN, AST, and CK analysis. LTaer was estimated using three methods: visual inspection, and fixed thresholds at 2 mmol/L (ZL2), and 4 mmol/L (ZL4). HR zones corresponding to each threshold were then calculated based on a maximum estimated HR of 220 bpm. The visual method placed LTaer in zone 2 for both groups. ZL2 located the threshold in zone 2 for GT and in zone 3 for GD, whereas ZL4 placed the threshold in zone 4 for both groups. Although no intergroup differences in lactate or HR were observed, intragroup differences emerged above 75% of HRmax, indicating exponential lactate accumulation. Biochemical parameters revealed significant pre- to post-exercise changes, but no differences between groups, suggesting a standardized workload. This is the first study to propose field-based prediction of LTaer in CPs using HR derived from wearable technologies, based on blood lactate and a standardized exercise test's results. Correlating HR zones with lactate thresholds facilitates workload analysis in the field. Future studies should investigate the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in this breed.
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Publication Date: 2025-11-17 PubMed ID: 41302017PubMed Central: PMC12649217DOI: 10.3390/ani15223308Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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Overview

  • This study aimed to define the heart rate zone associated with the aerobic lactate threshold in Colombian Paso horses to improve training regimes based on scientific data.
  • The researchers used blood lactate measurements and heart rate monitoring during exercise to identify optimal training zones for these horses.

Background and Purpose

  • Colombian Paso horses (CPs) are known for their outstanding performance in gait competitions, which requires high cardiorespiratory fitness.
  • Current training methods for CPs often lack scientific validation regarding physiological responses to exercise.
  • The study’s goal was to estimate the aerobic lactate threshold (LTaer) using mathematical and visual methods, and correlate these thresholds with specific heart rate (HR) zones.
  • By defining HR zones linked to lactate thresholds, trainers can better tailor workouts to optimize the horses’ endurance and performance.

Methods

  • Participants: 18 Colombian Paso horses divided into two groups:
    • Trained group (GT)
    • Untrained group (GD)
  • Testing protocol:
    • Conducted a field-based incremental exercise test (IET) to progressively increase exercise intensity.
    • Continuously monitored heart rate during the test.
    • Collected serial blood samples to measure lactate and other biochemical markers: creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase (CK).
  • Aerobic lactate threshold estimation:
    • Three approaches used to determine LTaer:
      • Visual inspection of lactate concentration curves.
      • Fixed lactate concentration thresholds: 2 mmol/L (ZL2) and 4 mmol/L (ZL4).
    • Formula for maximum HR estimation: 220 beats per minute (bpm) was used to calculate corresponding HR zones.

Results

  • Lactate thresholds and heart rate zones:
    • The visual method placed the lactate threshold in heart rate zone 2 for both trained and untrained groups.
    • ZL2 method assigned the threshold to zone 2 for the trained group but to a higher zone 3 for the untrained group.
    • ZL4 method consistently placed the threshold in zone 4 for both groups.
  • Heart rate and lactate observations:
    • No significant differences between trained and untrained groups regarding lactate levels or heart rate overall.
    • Within each group, significant increases in lactate and HR occurred above 75% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), indicating exponential lactate buildup and metabolic stress.
  • Biochemical markers:
    • Significant changes in creatinine, BUN, AST, and CK from pre- to post-exercise were observed, reflecting the metabolic impact of exercise.
    • No significant differences between groups in these markers, suggesting the exercise load was consistent across horses.

Conclusions

  • This is the first study to propose that the aerobic lactate threshold in Colombian Paso horses can be predicted in the field using heart rate data from wearable technology.
  • Establishing correlations between heart rate zones and lactate thresholds provides a practical tool for monitoring and optimizing training intensity without the need for repeated invasive lactate measurements.
  • The findings suggest that heart rate zone 2, as determined visually, corresponds well to the aerobic lactate threshold in these horses.
  • Future research should explore the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) to further refine endurance training protocols and validate these preliminary HR zone findings.

Implications for Training and Field Use

  • Owners and trainers of Colombian Paso horses can utilize heart rate monitoring technology to identify appropriate exercise intensities that correspond to aerobic fitness thresholds.
  • Using heart rate zones informed by lactate thresholds enables more precise and individualized training, potentially improving performance and reducing overtraining risks.
  • This approach offers an accessible and non-invasive method to guide conditioning programs tailored to the physiological responses of CP horses during real-world training conditions.

Cite This Article

APA
Zuluaga-Cabrera AM, Barbosa da Costa G, Martinez ID, Arias MP. (2025). Defining the Heart Rate Zone Corresponding to the Lactate Threshold in Colombian Paso Horses. Animals (Basel), 15(22), 3308. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223308

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 22
PII: 3308

Researcher Affiliations

Zuluaga-Cabrera, Angélica María
  • GISCA Research Group, Faculty of Zootechnics and Veterinary Medicine, Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas, Medellín 050031, Antioquia, Colombia.
Barbosa da Costa, Guilherme
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine School, Barretos Educational Foundation University Center-UNIFEB, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil.
  • Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences-FCAV, São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho-UNESP, Jaboticabal Campus, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil.
  • Large Animal Research Group (LARG), Dr. Francisco Maeda College (FAFRAM), Ituverava 14500-000, SP, Brazil.
Martinez, Iván Darío
  • Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Animal Welfare and Ethology Specialization, Fundación Universitaria Agraria de Colombia (UNIAGRARIA), Bogotá 111321, Cundinamarca, Colombia.
Arias, María Patricia
  • INCACES Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, CES University, Medellín 050021, Antioquia, Colombia.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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