Journal of equine veterinary science2022; 118; 104126; doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104126

Effect of Clenbuterol on Muscle Activity During Exercise in Standardbred Horses.

Abstract: Clenbuterol (β agonist) is a commonly administered bronchodilator in race and performance horses. While long-term administration can alter exercise performance and muscle properties, little is known about its effects on these parameters following short-term administration. A single dose of clenbuterol (0.80 µg/kg) was expected to alter muscle activity of the extensor carpi radialis, semitendinosus, and longissimus dorsi during submaximal exercise. Eight mature Standardbred horses exercised for 2 minutes at 5 m/s on a high-speed treadmill following clenbuterol dosing (clenbuterol) or no dosing (control) in a crossover experimental design. Surface electromyography (sEMG) data were collected continuously from the muscles of interest and processed to determine average rectified value (ARV) and median frequency (MF) of the signal during peak muscle activation (100 ms period) during 15 strides. ARV data were log transformed. Data were analyzed with a mixed model ANOVA with fixed effects of period and treatment and a random effect of horse. No differences (P > .05) in amplitude (ARV) or frequency (MF) of the EMG signal were detected following clenbuterol administration. Thus, a one-time dose of clenbuterol had no statistically detectable effect on muscle activity during submaximal exercise. Further studies should be undertaken to confirm these results and examine the effects of long-term administration on muscle activity during exercise.
Publication Date: 2022-09-15 PubMed ID: 36115549DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104126Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This study investigated the effect of a one-time dose of Clenbuterol, a common racehorse bronchodilator, on muscle activity in horses during submaximal exercise. The researchers found that this dose had no statistically significant impact on muscle activity.

Research Background

The researchers were interested in Clenbuterol, a β agonist and commonly used bronchodilator in race and performance horses. While it’s known that prolonged Clenbuterol administration can change exercise performance and muscle properties, the effects of short-term administration are less clear.

Study Design and Methods

  • The study involved eight mature Standardbred horses.
  • The horses were made to exercise for 2 minutes at a speed of 5 m/s on a high-speed treadmill.
  • The study followed a crossover experimental design with some horses receiving a single dose of Clenbuterol (0.80 µg/kg) while others were not given a dose (control).
  • Surface electromyography (sEMG), which measures muscle activity, was conducted continuously and data was gathered from the extensor carpi radialis, semitendinosus, and longissimus dorsi muscles.

Data Processing and Analysis

  • Data from sEMG was processed to find the average rectified value (ARV) and median frequency (MF). These indicators establish the amplitude and frequency of the muscle activation signal during peak muscle activities.
  • The ARV data was log transformed to interpret the data efficiently.
  • A mixed model ANOVA was used for data analysis with fixed effects for the period and treatment and a random effect for the horse.

Main Findings

  • There were no notable differences in the amplitude (ARV) or frequency (MF) of the EMG signal following the administration of Clenbuterol.
  • The researchers concluded that a single-dose of Clenbuterol does not have a statistically significant effect on muscle activity during submaximal exercise in horses.

Suggestion for Future Research

  • The study suggests that further investigations are required to confirm the results and to understand the effects of long-term Clenbuterol administration on muscle activity during exercise in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Rankins EM, Salem K, Manso Filho HC, Malinowski K, McKeever KH. (2022). Effect of Clenbuterol on Muscle Activity During Exercise in Standardbred Horses. J Equine Vet Sci, 118, 104126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104126

Publication

ISSN: 0737-0806
NlmUniqueID: 8216840
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 118
Pages: 104126
PII: S0737-0806(22)00262-3

Researcher Affiliations

Rankins, Ellen M
  • Equine Science Center, Department of Animal Science, Rutgers -The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ.
Salem, Kayla
  • Equine Science Center, Department of Animal Science, Rutgers -The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ.
Manso Filho, Helio C
  • Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife-PE, Brasil.
Malinowski, Karyn
  • Equine Science Center, Department of Animal Science, Rutgers -The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ.
McKeever, Kenneth H
  • Equine Science Center, Department of Animal Science, Rutgers -The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ. Electronic address: mckeever@sebs.rutgers.edu.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Clenbuterol / pharmacology
  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Electromyography
  • Exercise Test / veterinary
  • Muscles

Citations

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