How swimming affects plasma insulin and glucose concentration in Thoroughbreds: A pilot study.

The paper reports a research study on how low intensity aquatic exercise impacts insulin and glucose levels in the blood of Thoroughbred horses. The findings suggest that such exercise could enhance the metabolism of insulin and glucose in horses.

Background and Objectives of the Research

• The study was executed with the aim of investigating the influence of submaximal aquatraining exercise on plasma insulin and glucose concentrations in Thoroughbred horses.
• The hypothesis was that low intensity exercise could escalate the uptake of glucose by skeletal muscles, and thus reduce its plasma concentration in these horses.

Research Methodology

• The study involved 12 Thoroughbreds, and their plasma insulin and glucose concentrations were measured five minutes before and five, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 60 minutes after being given an IV bolus of glucose.
• These measurements were taken before beginning the exercise regimen and then, after one month of performing submaximal aquatraining exercises.
• The exercising horses’ heart rate and blood lactate were monitored during the experiments.
• Plasma glucose concentrations were determined using a colorimetric enzymatic method, while plasma insulin concentrations were measured using a solid-phase radioimmunoassay method.

Key Findings of the Research

• Before training, the plasma glucose concentrations at 15, 25, and 35min, the area under the glucose curve, and peak glucose concentration were significantly higher than the post-training values.
• The baseline pre-training plasma insulin concentrations were significantly lower than in the post-training period, and plasma insulin was significantly higher at 45 and 60min in the pre-training period than the post-training period.
• The researchers deduced from this study that aquatraining could potentially improve the metabolism of insulin and glucose in Thoroughbred horses.