Effect of tapered normal and interval training on performance of Standardbred pacers.

The research study investigates the impact of tapered training, a method of reducing training load before a competition, on the performance of Standardbred racehorses. The study found that repeated tapering can improve the horses’ racing performance, though the inclusion of high-intensity interval training posed an increased risk of injury.

Research Objectives and Methodology

• The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of tapered training in a new subject group, Standardbred racehorses, where no previous research had been undertaken.
• This experimentation involved 19 Standardbred horses, divided into two groups: a taper group and a control group. After eight weeks of jogging and three two-week cycles of pace work, the researchers proceeded with their specific training regimens for each group.
• The taper group underwent five consecutive two-week cycles, each incorporating a seven-day taper period, during which the training load was reduced. Some of these cycles also included high-intensity interval training.
• Conversely, the control group continued with five more cycles of regular pace work, without any tapering or interval training.

Performance Measurement and Results

• All horses completed a 2400 m racing time trial after each cycle to measure the impacts of the varying training programs.
• The researchers observed that the peak and average speeds of the taper group were consistently faster than those of the control group. The differences in the peak speed were statistically significant, registering an overall change of 4.4% in favor of the taper group.
• However, clear improvements in mean speed were only noticed during one of the interval training cycles, accounting for a change of 2.4%.

Risks and Injuries

• The study also revealed an important downside associated with the incorporation of high-intensity interval training: a higher risk of injury. Four horses in the taper group were injured during this specific part of the training.
• Thus, while tapered training with interval training can enhance horses’ racing performance, it is critical to consider the potential risk of injury.

Key Findings and Conclusion

• The study concluded that repeated cycles of tapering significantly enhance the racing performance of Standardbred horses. Specifically, they result in increased peak and mean race speeds as compared to horses that continue with regular pace work.
• However, the research also emphasized caution when high-intensity interval training is incorporated into the regimen, considering the increased risk of injury observed in the study.