FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Heart rate variability during high-speed treadmill exercise ...
Equine veterinary journal2023; 55(5); 727-737; doi: 10.1111/evj.13908

Heart rate variability during high-speed treadmill exercise and recovery in Thoroughbred racehorses presented for poor performance.

Abstract: Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis measures the inter-beat interval variation of successive cardiac cycles. Measurement of these indices has been used to assess cardiac autonomic modulation and for arrhythmia identification in exercising horses. Objective: To report HRV indices during submaximal exercise, strenuous exercise and recovery, and explore relationships with clinical conditions (arrhythmias, lameness, equine gastric ulcer syndrome [EGUS], lower airway inflammation and upper respiratory tract obstructions [URTOs]) in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Retrospective, observational cross-sectional study. Methods: One hundred and eighty Thoroughbred horses underwent a treadmill exercise test with simultaneous electrocardiographic recording. Time-domain HRV indices (standard deviation of the R-R interval [SDRR]; root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD]) were derived for submaximal and strenuous exercise and recovery segments. Clinical conditions (arrhythmia [during each phase of exercise], lameness, EGUS, lower airway inflammation and URTO) were assigned to binary categories for statistical analysis. Relationships between selected HRV indices and the clinical conditions were explored using linear regression models. Results: During submaximal exercise, lameness was associated with decreased logRMSSD (B = -0.19 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.31 to -0.06, p = 0.006) and arrhythmia was associated with increased logRMSSD (B = 0.31 95% CI 0.01-0.608, p = 0.04). During strenuous exercise, arrhythmia was associated with increased HRV indices (logSDRR B = 0.51 95% CI 0.40-0.62, p < 0.001; RMSSD B = 0.60 95% CI 0.49-0.72, p < 0.001). During recovery, arrhythmia was associated with increased HRV indices (logSDRR B = 0.51 95% CI 0.40-0.62, p < 0.001, logRMSSD B = 0.60 95% CI 0.49-0.72, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The main limitations of this retrospective study were that not every horse had the full range of clinical testing, therefore some horses may have had undetected abnormalities. Conclusions: The presence of arrhythmia increased HRV in both phases of exercise and recovery. Lameness decreased HRV during submaximal exercise. Unassigned: Die Analyse der Herzfrequenzvariabilität (HRV) misst die Zwischenschlag-Intervall-Variation von sukzessiven Herzzyklen. Messungen dieser Indizes wurden für die Beurteilung kardialer autonomer Modulation und Identifikation von Arrhythmien bei Pferden in Bewegung genutzt. Unassigned: Erfassung der HRV Indizes während submaximaler, starker, und Erholung nach körperlicher Belastung und Ermittlung von Zusammenhängen mit klinischen Beschwerden (Arrhythmien, Lahmheit, Equine gastric ulcer syndrome [EGUS], untere Atemwegsentzündung und obere Atemwegsobstruktion [URTO]) in Vollblutrennpferden (TB). Methods: Retrospektive Beobachtungs-/Querschnittsstudie METHODIK: Einhundertachtzig Vollblutpferde wurden einem Laufband-Bewegungstest mit simultaner Elektrokardiographie-Aufzeichnung unterzogen. Time-Domain HRV Indizes (Standardabweichung des R-R Intervalls [SDRR]; Wurzel aus der mittleren quadratischen Abweichung von sukzessiven Unterschieden [RMSSD]) wurden von Segmenten von submaximalen, stark belastender, und Erholung nach körperlicher Belastung abgeleitet. Klinische Beschwerden (Arrhythmien (während jeder Belastungsphase), Lahmheit, EGUS, untere Atemwegsentzündung und URTO) wurden binären Kategorien für die statistische Analyse zugeordnet. Beziehungen zwischen HRV Indizes und klinischen Beschwerden wurden mithilfe des linearen Regressionsmodells ermittelt. Unassigned: Während submaximaler Belastung war Lahmheit mit reduziertem logRMSSD (B = −0.19 95% CI −0.31 bis −0.06, p = 0.006) und Arrhythmien mit erhöhtem logRMSSD (B = 0.31 95% CI 0.01-0.608, p = 0.04) assoziiert. Während starker Belastung waren Arrhythmien mit erhöhtem HRV Indizes assoziiert (logSDRR B = 0.51 95% CI 0.40-0.62, p < 0.001; RMSSD B = 0.60 95% CI 0.49 - 0.72, p < 0.001). Während der Erholungsphase waren Arrhythmien mit erhöhten HRV Indizes assoziiert (logSDRR B = 0.51 95% CI 0.40-0.62 p < 0.001, logRMSSD B = 0.60 95% CI 0.49-0.72, p < 0.001). HAUPTEINSCHRÄNKUNGEN: Die Haupteinschränkung für diese retrospektive Studie war, dass nicht jedes Pferd einer vollständigen klinischen Untersuchung unterzogen wurde, weshalb manche Pferde unerkannte Beschwerden gehabt haben könnten. Unassigned: Die Anwesenheit von Arrhythmien erhöhte die HRV in beiden Belastungsphasen und der Erholungsphase. Lahmheit verringerte HRV während submaximaler Belastung.
© 2022 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2023-01-10 PubMed ID: 36537845DOI: 10.1111/evj.13908Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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 study investigates heart rate variability (HRV) in Thoroughbred racehorses during varying intensity of treadmill exercise and recovery, and its relation with several clinical conditions such as arrhythmia and lameness. It finds that presence of arrhythmia increased HRV during both exercise and recovery phases, while lameness decreased HRV during submaximal exercise.

Study Objective and Methodology

  • The aim of the study was to report HRV indices during different intensity of exercise and recovery, and to examine their relationships with various clinical conditions such as arrhythmia, lameness, equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), lower airway inflammation and upper respiratory tract obstructions (URTOs) in Thoroughbred racehorses.
  • For this purpose, a retrospective, observational cross-sectional study was conducted in which 180 Thoroughbred horses underwent a treadmill exercise test along with simultaneous electrocardiographic recording.
  • The time-domain HRV indices consulted were the standard deviation of the R-R interval (SDRR) and the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) during submaximal and strenuous exercise, and recovery segments.
  • The mentioned clinical conditions were categorized into binary groups such as arrhythmia during each phase of exercise, lameness, EGUS, lower airway inflammation and URTO for the purpose of statistical analysis.
  • Linear regression models were utilized to explore the relationships between selected HRV indices and these clinical conditions.

Study Findings

  • During submaximal exercise, lameness was associated with decreased logRMSSD, while arrhythmia was associated with increased logRMSSD.
  • During strenuous exercise and recovery, the presence of arrhythmia was found to correlate with increased HRV indices (logSDRR and RMSSD).
  • However, the limitation of this study was that not every horse had undergone the complete range of clinical testing, hence some horses may have possessed undetected abnormalities which could have been a potential source of bias.

Conclusion

  • The study concludes that arrhythmia increases HRV during both phases of exercise and recovery in Thoroughbred racehorses.
  • Lameness, on the other hand, was found to decrease HRV during submaximal exercise.

Cite This Article

APA
Hammond A, Sage W, Hezzell M, Smith S, Franklin S, Allen K. (2023). Heart rate variability during high-speed treadmill exercise and recovery in Thoroughbred racehorses presented for poor performance. Equine Vet J, 55(5), 727-737. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13908

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 55
Issue: 5
Pages: 727-737

Researcher Affiliations

Hammond, Anna
  • Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
  • Perth Equine Vets, Perth, UK.
Sage, William
  • Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Hezzell, Melanie
  • Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Smith, Sarah
  • Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
  • B&W Equine, Gloucestershire, UK.
Franklin, Samantha
  • School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Allen, Kate
  • Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Exercise Test / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Heart Rate
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Lameness, Animal
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases

Grant Funding

  • Langford Trust
  • Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust

References

This article includes 29 references
  1. Michael S, Graham KS, Davis GMO. Cardiac autonomic responses during exercise and post-exercise recovery using heart rate variability and systolic time intervals-a review.. Front Physiol 2017;8:301.
  2. Shaffer F, Ginsberg JP. An overview of heart rate variability metrics and norms.. Front Public Health 2017;5:258.
  3. Singh N, Moneghetti KJ, Christle JW, Hadley D, Froelicher V, Plews D. Heart rate variability: an old metric with new meaning in the era of using mHealth technologies for health and exercise training guidance. Part two: prognosis and training.. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2018;7:247-55.
  4. Bowen I. Ambulatory echocardiography and heart rate variability.. 2011. p. 127-37.
  5. Catai AM, Pastre CM, Godoy MF, da Silva E, de Medeiros Takahashi AC, Vanderlei LCM. Heart rate variability: are you using it properly? Standardisation checklist of procedures.. Braz J Phys Ther 2020;24:91-102.
  6. Koenig J, Loerbroks A, Jarczok MN, Fischer JE, Thayer JF. Chronic pain and heart rate variability in a cross-sectional occupational sample: evidence for impaired vagal control.. Clin J Pain 2016;32:218-25.
  7. Kazuma N, Otsuka K, Matsuoka I, Murata M. Heart rate variability during 24 hours in asthmatic children.. Chronobiol Int 1997;14:597-606.
  8. Physick-Sheard PW, Marlin DJ, Thornhill R, Schroter RC. Frequency domain analysis of heart rate variability in horses at rest and during exercise.. Equine Vet J 2000;32:253-62.
  9. Broux B, De Clercq D, Decloedt A, Ven S, Vera L, van Steenkiste G. Heart rate variability parameters in horses distinguish atrial fibrillation from sinus rhythm before and after successful electrical cardioversion.. Equine Vet J 2017;49:723-8.
  10. Frick L, Schwarzwald CC, Mitchell KJ. The use of heart rate variability analysis to detect arrhythmias in horses undergoing a standard treadmill exercise test.. J Vet Intern Med 2019;33:212-24.
  11. Wynn-Jones G. Equine lameness. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific; 1988.
  12. Marr CM, Franklin S, Garrod G, Wylie C, Smith L, Dukes-McEwan J. Exercise-associated rhythm disturbances in poorly performing Thoroughbreds: risk factors and association with racing performance.. Equine Vet J 2021;53:656-69.
  13. Franklin S, Allen K. Laboratory exercise testing.. 2014. p. 11-24.
  14. Mitchell KJ. Equine Electrocardiography.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2019;35:65-83.
  15. Allen KJ, Young LE, Franklin SH. Evaluation of heart rate and rhythm during exercise.. Equine Vet Educ 2016;28:99-112.
  16. Allen KJ, Tremaine WH, Franklin SH. Prevalence of inflammatory airway disease in national hunt horses referred for investigation of poor athletic performance.. Equine Vet J 2006;38(S36):529-34.
  17. Hodgson JL, Hodgson DR. Inflammatory airway disease.. Equine respiratory diseases 2002.
  18. Couetil LL, Cardwell JM, Gerber V, Lavoie J-P, Léguillette R, Richard EA. Inflammatory airway disease of horses-revised consensus statement.. J Vet Intern Med 2016;30:503-15.
  19. Sykes BW, Jokisalo JM. Rethinking equine gastric ulcer syndrome: part 1 - terminology, clinical signs and diagnosis.. Equine Vet Educ 2014;26:543-7.
  20. Li KHC, Lai RWC, Du Y, Ly V. Effects of exercise on heart rate variability by time-domain, frequency-domain and non-linear analyses in equine athletes.. F1000Research 2019;8:147-164.
  21. Physick-Sheard PW, McGurrin MK. Ventricular arrhythmias during race recovery in Standardbred Racehorses and associations with autonomic activity.. J Vet Intern Med 2010;24:1158-66.
  22. Mahananto F, Igasaki T, Murayama N. Cardiac arrhythmia detection using combination of heart rate variability analyses and PUCK analysis.. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2013;2013:1696-9.
  23. Janczarek I, Kędzierski W, Wilk I, Wnuk-Pawlak E, Rakoswka A. Comparison of daily heart rate variability in old and young horses: a preliminary study.. J Vet Behav 2020;38:1-7.
  24. Younes M, Robert C, Barrey E, Cottin F. Effects of age, exercise duration, and test conditions on heart rate variability in young endurance horses.. Front Physiol 2016;7:155.
  25. Parente EJ, Russau AL, Birks EK. Effects of mild forelimb lameness on exercise performance.. Equine Vet J 2002;34(S34):252-6.
  26. Sykes BW, Sykes KM, Hallowell GD. A comparison of three doses of omeprazole in the treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome: a blinded, randomised, dose-response clinical trial.. Equine Vet J 2015;47:285-90.
  27. Buhl R, Petersen EE, Lindholm M, Bak L, Nostell K. Cardiac arrhythmias in Standardbreds during and after racing - possible association between heart size, valvular regurgitations, and arrhythmias.. J Equine Vet 2013;33:590-6.
  28. Slack J RA, Buhl R, Blissett K, Hanche-Olsen S, Risnes-Hellings I. Interobserver agreement for ECG diagnoses obtained during racing in Norwegian-Swedish coldblooded trotters.. 2015:107.
  29. Reef VB, Bonagura J, Buhl R, McGurrin MKJ, Schwarzwald CC, van Loon G. Recommendations for management of equine athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities.. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:749-61.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.