Heart rate variability in the horse by ambulatory monitoring.
Abstract: Using a microprocessor controlled Ambulatory Monitoring System (AMS) developed by one of us (LvD), we have been studying the changes in and control of heart rate in the resting horse. The system provides us with InterBeat Intervals (IBI in milliseconds), motion sensing, and a time domain measure (mean successive differences: MSD) of heart rate variability for periods up to 72 hours. Thoracic impedance is also available but parameters for the equine chest are not currently available. The system is completely noninvasive, small, and carried on a surcingle worn by the subject. The equine subject is confined to a stall in our teaching hospital but not otherwise restrained. Recording is virtually unobtrusive. Ten horses (judged to be clinically normal) were used in this preliminary study. After collection, the data were "offloaded" to a laptop computer for additional analysis. The electrocardiogram could be recorded on each of the ten animals. Complete data, suitable for spectral analysis, were obtained from four of the animals. Spectral estimates were calculated on periods of varying lengths (3-5 minutes) with more stable spectral estimates associated with longer recording periods. Results indicated the preponderance of parasympathetic control in equid heart rate. These results provide support for the utility of this method for the study of heart rate variability in the freely behaving horse.
Publication Date: 1997-01-01 PubMed ID: 9731407
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study explores the use of an Ambulatory Monitoring System for studying heart rate variations in horses. The non-invasive method was tested on ten clinically normal horses, providing supportive data in understanding parasympathetic control of equine heart rate.
Objective of the Research
The research was aimed at studying the changes in heart rate and its control in resting horses. This was achieved by utilizing a non-invasive Ambulatory Monitoring System that gives insights into heart rate variability over extended periods.
- The research aimed at assessing the dimensions of parasympathetic control in equine heart rate.
- The utility of the AMS for this kind of research was also being evaluated.
Methodology
The research employed a microprocessor-controlled Ambulatory Monitoring System that recorded InterBeat Intervals, motion sensing, and a time domain measure over up to 72 hours.
- The device is small and completely non-invasive.
- Horses wore the AMS on a surcingle and were kept in a teaching hospital stall without further constraints.
- Ten clinically normal horses participated as subjects in this preliminary research. After data collection, the information was transferred to a laptop for further analysis.
Results
The electrocardiogram of each horse could be recorded. However, complete data suitable for spectral analysis was obtained from only four of the ten horse subjects.
- Spectral estimates varied with the length of recording periods, with longer recording periods providing more stable estimates.
- The research demonstrated a preponderant role of parasympathetic control in equine heart rate.
- The data emphasized the relevance of the AMS in studying heart rate variability in horses in their natural behavior.
Cite This Article
APA
Thayer JF, Hahn AW, Sollers JJ, van Doornen L, Johnson PJ.
(1997).
Heart rate variability in the horse by ambulatory monitoring.
Biomed Sci Instrum, 33, 482-485.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Heart Rate
- Horses / physiology
- Monitoring, Ambulatory / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- McCrae P, Spong H, Golestani N, Mahnam A, Bashura Y, Pearson W. Validation of an Equine Smart Textile System for Heart Rate Variability: A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 1;13(3).
- Golzari K, Kong Y, Reed SA, Posada-Quintero HF. Sympathetic Arousal Detection in Horses Using Electrodermal Activity. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jan 7;13(2).
- Ueda Y, Slabaugh TL, Walker AL, Ontiveros ES, Sosa PM, Reader R, Roberts JA, Stern JA. Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability of Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) Affected by Left Ventricular Hypertrophy. Front Vet Sci 2019;6:1.
- Abbott JA. Heart rate and heart rate variability of healthy cats in home and hospital environments. J Feline Med Surg 2005 Jun;7(3):195-202.
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