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Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)2007; 102(5); 1871-1882; doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01093.2006

Effects of intensity and duration of exercise on muscular responses to training of thoroughbred racehorses.

Abstract: This study examined the effects of the intensity and duration of exercise on the nature and magnitude of training adaptations in muscle of adolescent (2-3 yr old) racehorses. Six thoroughbreds that had been pretrained for 2 mo performed six consecutive conditioning programs of varying lactate-guided intensities [velocities eliciting blood lactate concentrations of 2.5 mmol/l (v2.5) and 4 mmol/l (v4), respectively] and durations (5, 15, 25 min). Pre- and posttraining gluteus muscle biopsies were analyzed for myosin heavy chain content, fiber-type composition, fiber size, capillarization, and fiber histochemical oxidative and glycolytic capabilities. Although training adaptations were similar in nature, they varied greatly in magnitude among the different training protocols. Overall, the use of v4 as the exercise intensity for 25 min elicited the most consistent training adaptations in muscle, whereas the minimal training stimulus that evoked any significant change was identified with exercises of 15 min at v2.5. Within this range, muscular adaptations showed significant trends to be proportional to the exercise load of specific training programs. Taken together, these data suggest that muscular adaptations to training in horses occur on a continuum that is based on the exercise intensity and duration of training. The practical implications of this study are that exercises for 15 to 25 min/day at velocities between v2.5 and v4 can improve in the short term (3 wk) the muscular stamina in thoroughbreds. However, exercises of 5-15 min at v4 are necessary to enhance muscular features related to strength (hypertrophy).
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Publication Date: 2007-01-25 PubMed ID: 17255370DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01093.2006Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research study analyses how the intensity and duration of exercise impact the muscular adaptations in adolescent racehorses. The findings indicate that exercises lasting between 15 to 25 minutes per day, at certain blood lactate velocities, can improve short-term muscular stamina, while shorter but more intense exercises may enhance strength-related muscular features.

Study Background and Purpose

  • The research was primarily aimed at investigating the effects of exercise intensity and duration on the adaptations experienced in muscles of adolescent racehorses.
  • This study is anchored on the understanding that optimal training of racehorses hinges on the proper understanding and application of exercise protocols.
  • The goal was to identify optimal training routines that can improve both the strength and endurance of these horses.

Study Methodology

  • The study involved six thoroughbreds that had undergone a 2-month pre-training program.
  • These horses then participated in six different conditioning programs, each characterized by different exercise intensities and durations.
  • The intensity of the exercises was calculated based on the velocities required to generate specific blood lactate concentrations.
  • Muscle biopsies from the horses were taken before and after the training and analyzed for a range of factors including myosin heavy chain content, fiber-type composition, fiber size, capillarization, and fiber histochemical oxidative and glycolytic capabilities.

Key Findings

  • The study found that while the nature of the training adaptations was similar across all exercise protocols, their magnitude greatly varied.
  • The use of a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l (v4) for 25-minute exercises produced the most consistent training adaptations in the horse muscles.
  • On the lower side, the minimal training stimulus that sparked any significant change was identified with 15-minute exercises at a blood lactate concentration of 2.5 mmol/l (v2.5).
  • The study found that muscular adaptations were significantly proportional to the exercise load of the specific training programs.

Implications and Applications

  • Findings from the study suggest that muscular adaptations to training in horses occur on a continuum that is determined by the intensity and duration of training.
  • In a practical sense, this means that 15 to 25-minute exercises at velocities between v2.5 and v4 can enhance short-term muscular stamina in racehorses.
  • However, to enhance muscular features related to strength (such as hypertrophy), it would require exercises of 5-15 minutes at a higher intensity (v4).
  • These findings may inform the design of training programs for racehorses to optimize their performance based on the goals of improving either muscular stamina or strength.

Cite This Article

APA
Rivero JL, Ruz A, Martí-Korff S, Estepa JC, Aguilera-Tejero E, Werkman J, Sobotta M, Lindner A. (2007). Effects of intensity and duration of exercise on muscular responses to training of thoroughbred racehorses. J Appl Physiol (1985), 102(5), 1871-1882. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01093.2006

Publication

Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
ISSN: 8750-7587
NlmUniqueID: 8502536
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 102
Issue: 5
Pages: 1871-1882

Researcher Affiliations

Rivero, José-Luis L
  • Laboratory of Muscular Biopathology, Dept. of Comparative Anatomy and Pathological Anatomy, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain. an1lorij@uco.es
Ruz, Antonio
    Martí-Korff, Silvia
      Estepa, José-Carlos
        Aguilera-Tejero, Escolástico
          Werkman, Jutta
            Sobotta, Mathias
              Lindner, Arno

                MeSH Terms

                • Adaptation, Physiological
                • Animals
                • Capillaries / physiology
                • Cell Size
                • Glycerolphosphate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
                • Glycolysis
                • Horses / physiology
                • Lactic Acid / blood
                • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / physiology
                • Muscle, Skeletal / blood supply
                • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
                • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
                • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
                • Myosin Heavy Chains / metabolism
                • Neovascularization, Physiologic
                • Oxidation-Reduction
                • Physical Conditioning, Animal / methods
                • Physical Endurance / physiology
                • Random Allocation
                • Succinate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
                • Time Factors

                Citations

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