Determination of speed and assessment of conditioning in horses submitted to a lactate minimum test-alternative approaches.

This research article explores the impact of training on a horse’s aerobic capacity and presents new mathematical methods to analyze the fitness level of the horses. The research used ten Arabian horses in a 6-week training program, based on lactate minimum speed (LMS) and examined various methods of obtaining LMS and their correlation with the aerobic capacity of the horses.

Methodology and Data Collection

• The researchers used the Lactate Minimum Test (LMT), a popular method for calculating the aerobic capacity of horses. The LMT assists in the prediction of the Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS), a well-established means of determining aerobic ability.
• Ten Arabian horses were part of a 6-week training program. The training program was based on the Lactate Minimum Speed (LMS) calculated by second-degree polynomial regression.
• The LMS obtained was also determined by visual inspection, bi-segmented linear regression, and spline regression.
• The researchers calculated angles α, β and ω, from the curve obtained during the LMT, as well as the total area under the curve (AUC) before and after the LMS.

Evaluation of Results

• The different methods for determining the LMS were evaluated using ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and effect size (ES) by Cohen’s d test.
• They also calculated the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between the proposed LMS determination methods and other mathematical methods.
• Despite a good correlation (ICC >0.7), the LMS determination methods offered different results, although without a significant difference due to conditioning.
• The study found reductions in α:β ratio, angle α, and AUC after conditioning. These results suggest an improvement in the horses’ aerobic capacity and a reduction in lactate accumulation in the incremental phase of LMT.

Significance and Further Applications

• The researchers concluded that while the most common methods of determining LMS are usable, they have low sensitivity for conditioning assessment. The new methods proposed in this study could help improve the analysis of the aerobic capacity of horses subjected to LMT.
• The mathematical models presented in this research have potential applications outside of equine research. They could be applied in human lactate-guided training program trials, offering a comparable study basis.