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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Inspiratory muscle training and testing: Rationale, developm...
Equine veterinary journal2020; 52(4); 620-626; doi: 10.1111/evj.13217

Inspiratory muscle training and testing: Rationale, development and feasibility.

Abstract: Inspiratory muscle training applies a training stimulus directly to the inspiratory muscles and is distinct from whole-body training. The potential benefits of inspiratory muscle training have yet to be explored in horses. Objective: The objectives were as follows: (a) to develop an equine-specific method of testing and training inspiratory muscles; (b) to assess tolerance and feasibility in a pilot study in a commercial Thoroughbred training establishment. Methods: Field study. Methods: A mask was used to interface commercial human inspiratory muscle training equipment. Ten horses undertook inspiratory muscle training once daily while stood in the stable approximately 5 days/wk over a 9-week period. Inspiratory muscle strength testing employed a continuous incremental inspiratory loading protocol alternating two loaded and two minimally loaded breaths until failure to tolerate the load occurred or the maximum 60 breaths were completed. The inspiratory muscle strength testing was undertaken twice; firstly, in 10 horses with minimal acclimatisation and secondly, in eight horses experienced with the inspiratory muscle training programme. Results: The 10 horses undertook inspiratory muscle training for a median of 42 days, reaching a median peak training load of 32.5 cm H O. One horse did not tolerate the mask with repeated snorting and was replaced. All horses completed the inspiratory muscle strength testing. The median peak value in inspiratory muscle strength testing protocol 1 was 27 cm H O and in inspiratory muscle strength testing protocol 2 was 41 cm H O. Two of 10 horses reached the maximum possible value in inspiratory muscle strength testing protocol 1; therefore, the test was adapted to permit a higher maximum value, despite this 3/8 horses reached the maximum possible value in inspiratory muscle strength testing protocol 2. Conclusions: A small number of horses were assessed. The inspiratory muscle strength testing protocol was refined during the study and requires additional refinement. Conclusions: Inspiratory muscle testing and training were feasible and tolerated in horses. Further research is required to understand whether the inspiratory muscle strength testing values obtained correlate with other physiological/performance outcomes. The potential benefits and/or adverse effects of inspiratory muscle training warrant further investigation.
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Publication Date: 2020-02-12 PubMed ID: 31799695DOI: 10.1111/evj.13217Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 explores the development and testing of an equine-specific method for inspiratory muscle training, a technique which strengthens the muscles used for inhaling. The study was conducted on thoroughbred horses where the tolerance and viability of the technique were examined.

Objective and Methodology

  • The study’s objectives included developing a unique horse-specific method of testing and training the inspiratory muscles and assessing its feasibility through a pilot study in a commercial Thoroughbred training establishment.
  • Commercial human inspiratory muscle training equipment was adapted for use on horses. This was done by introducing a mask that helped interface the equipment with the horses.
  • The investigatory approach was characterized as a field study, conducted over a nine-week period. Ten horses were selected for the training, initiating the exercise while standing in a stable.
  • The inspiratory muscle testing was carried out using a continuous incremental inspiratory loading protocol. This measurement technique alternated between two loaded breaths and two minimally loaded breaths until the horse either failed to tolerate the load or 60 maximum breaths were completed.

Results

  • The inspiratory muscle training was applied to the ten horses for a median period of 42 days, reaching a peak training load of 32.5 cm H2O.
  • All horses managed to complete the inspiratory muscle strength test. In the first round of testing, the median peak value was 27 cm H2O, and in the second round, it was 41 cm H2O.
  • However, there were a few hurdles. One horse did not respond well to the mask, indicated by repeated snorting. Two out of ten horses reached the maximum possible value in the first testing protocol. Three out of eight horses reached the maximum possible value in the second testing protocol after the test was adapted to allow a higher maximum value.

Conclusions

  • Although the study focused on a small number of horses and required ongoing refinement of the testing protocol, the proposed technique proved viable and well-tolerated by the subjects.
  • The researchers concluded that the utility and relevance of these inspiratory muscle strength testing values need further exploration. Especially if they are to correlate these values with other physiological and performance outcomes.
  • They also urged for future studies to be conducted to investigate the potential benefits or adverse effects of the inspiratory muscle training.

Cite This Article

APA
Allen KJ, Fitzharris LE, McConnell AK. (2020). Inspiratory muscle training and testing: Rationale, development and feasibility. Equine Vet J, 52(4), 620-626. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13217

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 4
Pages: 620-626

Researcher Affiliations

Allen, Kate J
  • University of Bristol, Langford, UK.
Fitzharris, Laura E
  • University of Bristol, Langford, UK.
McConnell, Alison K
  • Independent Consultant, Christchurch, Dorset, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Breathing Exercises / veterinary
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Muscle Strength
  • Pilot Projects
  • Respiratory Muscles

Grant Funding

  • Horserace Betting Levy Board

References

This article includes 18 references
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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Fitzharris LE, Hezzell MJ, McConnell AK, Allen KJ. Training the equine respiratory muscles: Inspiratory muscle strength. Equine Vet J 2023 Mar;55(2):306-314.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13606pubmed: 35711132google scholar: lookup
  2. Fitzharris LE, Hezzell MJ, McConnell AK, Allen KJ. Training the equine respiratory muscles: Ultrasonographic measurement of muscle size. Equine Vet J 2023 Mar;55(2):295-305.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13598pubmed: 35575148google scholar: lookup
  3. Katz LM, Stallard J, Holtby A, Hill EW, Allen K, Sweeney J. Inspiratory muscle training in young, race-fit Thoroughbred racehorses during a period of detraining. PLoS One 2020;15(4):e0225559.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225559pubmed: 32275657google scholar: lookup
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