Effects of BEMER® physical vascular therapy in horses under training. A randomized, controlled double blind study.

The research investigates the effects of BEMER physical vascular therapy in horses under training, and whether it influences recovery rate of hematological and biochemical blood parameters after moderate exercise.

Objective and Methodology

• The main objective of the study is to assess the effects of BEMER® physical vascular therapy on the recovery rate of horses after moderate workouts, both from a physiological and behavioral standpoint.
• The study is a prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study, including twelve warmblood horses of different genders.
• The horses were subjected to 15 minutes of exercise daily in addition to their normal routines, and were divided into two groups. One group was given BEMER® the blanket treatment first then the placebo, while the other did the opposite.
• Different parameters like blood samples, thermographic infrared images, Heart Rate Variability and behavior were analyzed to ascertain the effects of the treatment.

Key Findings

• After two weeks of treatment, the study observed that the hematocrit percentage measured immediately after exercise was slightly lower in horses undergoing BEMER® treatment, compared to no blanket treatment and placebo blanket treatment. However, the difference was not statistically significant.
• Horses with the BEMER® blanket and after treatment showed a lower LF/HF ratio, suggesting possible impacts on vagal activity and relaxation. Yet, this difference was not statistically significant either.

Conclusion

• The study did not confirm significant progress in recovery after exercise with BEMER® therapy, suggesting a need for further research on its overall effect.
• While the research suggests possible effects on vagal activity and relaxation, these findings were not statistically significant and hence cannot be conclusively linked to the therapy.