Equine exercise physiology–new horizons.

The study discusses the history and advancements in the field of equine exercise physiology from the 1960s to 1986, covering work in areas like endurance horses and Standardbeard trotters. A significant highlight of the research was the use of horse-specific treadmills for work capacity studies.

Background of Equine Exercise Physiology

• The research commences with a historical insight into exercise physiology, tracing its origin back to Sweden in the 1960s.
• It acknowledges Professor Sune Persson who was a pioneer in this field and conducted performance studies using a specially designed treadmill for horses.
• Persson’s 1967 research is highlighted due to its groundbreaking findings on the relationship between time per kilometer and total hemoglobin in Standardbred trotters.
• Another significant observation made in his study was the decrease in performance of overtrained horses with Oolycythaemia, a condition marked by excess red blood cells.

Advancements in Equine Exercise Physiology

• The study notes notable progression and diversification within the field of equine exercise physiology over two decades, exploring various areas tied to horse’s performance and health.
• Most of the research has been conducted on endurance horses and Standardbred trotters, with less information on horses involved in other activities like flat or steeplechase racing or eventing.
• However, the last five years have seen a surge in research and interest in equine exercise physiology, evidenced by the increased number of papers and posters presented at international symposiums.

Technological Advances

• The research underlines the evolution of technology within equine exercise physiology, with the advent of high-speed treadmills specifically designed for horses being a major leap.
• These treadmills, capable of speeds up to 14 m/s, have broadened the scope of performance studies, allowing for both submaximal and maximal exercises to be scrutinized, with measurements taken during the exercise.