Effect of body incline on cardiac performance.
Abstract: Maximal cardiac performance is improved in man during upright compared to supine exercise. Whether cardiac performance in quadrupeds is dependent upon body position is unknown. Therefore, we undertook the present investigation to determine if peak cardiac output (Qpeak) would be influenced by body inclination in the Thoroughbred horse. To test the hypothesis, four Thoroughbred horses performed an incremental exercise protocol (speed increased by 1 m/s/min to fatigue) on both a level (L) and inclined (I: 6 degrees) treadmill. Specifically, we hypothesised that Qpeak would be increased on the incline, as this represents a progression towards upright exercise. Cardiac output was determined using the Fick relationship from continuous measurements of pulmonary VO2 and paired arterial (carotid artery or transverse facial) and mixed venous (pulmonary artery) samples. Qpeak was significantly increased on the incline (L: 279 +/- 20; I: 336 +/- 17 l/min; P<0.05), while CaO2 was not significantly different (L: 25.5 +/- 1.1; I: 25.4 +/- 1.9 ml/100 ml), and therefore, whole body O2 delivery (QO2) was significantly increased (L: 70.7 +/- 4.9; I: 84.4 +/- 3.1 l/min; P<0.05). In conclusion, within the scope of this investigation, these data suggest that cardiac performance, as judged by increased Qpeak and QO2, is enhanced in the inclined body position. Furthermore, these findings provide preliminary information that level and incline treadmill exercise tests may yield significantly different results in the Thoroughbred horse and consequently this factor should be considered when interpreting exercise testing and performance data.
Publication Date: 2002-10-31 PubMed ID: 12405742DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05474.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- P.H.S.
Summary
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The study evaluates how inclination affects cardiac performance in Thoroughbred horses during exercise. It found that peak cardiac output, and therefore, the oxygen supply to the body, increases significantly during inclined exercise.
Study Methodology and Hypothesis
- The researchers explored the impact of body inclination on peak cardiac output (Qpeak) in Thoroughbred horses. Their starting hypothesis was that Qpeak would increase during inclined exercise as it moves towards an upright exercise form.
- Four Thoroughbred horses were made to perform an incremental exercise protocol on a treadmill. The speed was increased by 1 m/s per minute until the horses reached fatigue. This exercise was performed on a level treadmill (L) and an inclined one (I: 6 degrees).
Measurement Techniques
- To determine cardiac output, they used the Fick principle which involves continuous recording of pulmonary oxygen consumption (VO2), and taking paired arterial and venous samples.
Major Findings
- The experiment showed a significant increase in Qpeak during inclined exercise (L: 279 +/- 20; I: 336 +/- 17 l/min; P<0.05).
- There was no notable change in arterial oxygen content (CaO2) between the level and inclined exercises (L: 25.5 +/- 1.1; I: 25.4 +/- 1.9 ml/100 ml).
- As a result, the whole body oxygen delivery (QO2) significantly increased on the incline (L: 70.7 +/- 4.9; I: 84.4 +/- 3.1 l/min; P<0.05).
Conclusion
- Based on the results, the research suggests that inclined exercises enhance cardiac performance in horses as indicated by higher Qpeak and QO2.
- The researchers, furthermore, hint towards the potential of significantly different results from level and inclined treadmill exercise tests. This variability should be considered when interpreting exercise testing and performance data for Thoroughbred horses.
Cite This Article
APA
McDonough P, Kindig CA, Hildreth TS, Behnke BJ, Erickson HH, Poole DC.
(2002).
Effect of body incline on cardiac performance.
Equine Vet J Suppl(34), 506-509.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05474.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5802, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Carbon Dioxide / physiology
- Cardiac Output
- Exercise Test / veterinary
- Heart Rate
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Oxygen Consumption / physiology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Posture / physiology
- Stroke Volume
Grant Funding
- HL-50306 / NHLBI NIH HHS
- HL-67619 / NHLBI NIH HHS
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Poole DC, Copp SW, Colburn TD, Craig JC, Allen DL, Sturek M, O'Leary DS, Zucker IH, Musch TI. Guidelines for animal exercise and training protocols for cardiovascular studies. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020 May 1;318(5):H1100-H1138.
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