Investigation of the incidence and type of injuries associated with high-speed treadmill exercise testing.

This study investigates the incidence and type of injuries in horses resulting from treadmill exercise testing. It confirms that most injuries are minor and treadmill exercise does not pose a higher risk than overground exercise.

About the Research

• The researchers in this study aimed to understand the rate and types of injuries that horses experienced during treadmill exercise. Specifically, they wanted to address the concerns of trainers and veterinarians who worried that such exercise could lead to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries in horses.
• The study gathered and reviewed data from nine centers across the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium. Through this data, researchers sought to establish the prevalence and categories of injury.

Key Findings

• The researchers looked at a total of 2305 records of which 2258 were of horses that had performed treadmill exercises. Of these, the overall rate of injury was revealed to be 5.4%. However, most of the injuries were minor, accounting for 4.7%.
• Major injuries were sustained by only 13 horses (0.6%) during the treadmill exercise. These included severe myopathy induced by exercise, fractures, tendon injuries, undiagnosed severe lameness, and an aggravated previously diagnosed lameness.
• Two other major incidents took place, but these weren’t linked directly to the treadmill exercise. One horse suffered from iliac thrombosis while another collapsed and died because of a pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions Drawn from the Study

• Based on these findings, the study concluded that most horses went through treadmill exercise without any incidents. Furthermore, most injuries that occurred were minor, with the rate of significant injuries being comparative to that reported during competitions elsewhere.
• In conclusion, the study offers assurance that treadmill exercise is a safe procedure and doesn’t appear to present a higher risk of injury compared to overground exercise for horses.