Locomotor response to exercise in relation to plasma lactate accumulation and heart rate in Andalusian and Anglo-Arabian horses.
Abstract: To establish the effect of the locomotor pattern on heart rate (HR) and plasma lactate (LA), 28 horses, 18 Andalusian (AN) and 10 Anglo-Arabian (AA), aged 3-4 years, were studied. After a warm-up period, the horses performed a four-step test at 5, 6, 7 and 8 m/s, covering 1000 m at each velocity. HR was monitored, LA was analysed at rest and after each workload, and images were filmed. The locomotor parameters determined were stride duration (SD), frequency (SF) and length (SL), step and bipedal support durations, stance (restraint and propulsion) and swing phase durations, and stride vertical component. The HR and LA were significantly higher in the AN horses from velocities of 5 m/s. Similarly, the stride vertical component was higher in the AN horses at the trot and in the leading forelimbs at the gallop. Conversely, at all the galloping velocities, swing phase duration and stride length were longer in the AA horses. Significant correlations between HR, LA and locomotor pattern were only found in the AN horses. It was concluded that the greater stride vertical component in the AN horses limits SL and the cranial advancement of the hoof, with the result that reaching a longer SL triggers an increase in HR and LA. AA horses reach a balance between SL and SF, improving the efficiency of the gait.
Publication Date: 1999-10-30 PubMed ID: 10543366DOI: 10.1023/a:1006337708920Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research investigates how different locomotor patterns in Andalusian and Anglo-Arabian horses affect heart rate and plasma lactate levels. The study observes that the unique locomotor patterns impact physical parameters and have implications on the horses’ exercise efficiency.
Methodology
- 28 horses, including 18 Andalusian and 10 Anglo-Arabian horses aged between 3 and 4 years, were studied to understand the impact of different locomotor patterns on heart rate (HR) and plasma lactate (LA) levels.
- The horses participated in a four-step test performed at different velocities (5, 6, 7, and 8 m/s), with each horse covering a distance of 1000 m at each speed after a warm-up session.
- The research team closely monitored the heart rate and analyzed the levels of plasma lactate during rest periods and after each workload.
- A variety of locomotor parameters were evaluated, like stride duration, frequency and length, bipedal support durations, restraint and propulsion, swing phase durations, and stride’s vertical component.
Key Findings
- The Andalusian horses showed significantly higher HR and LA from velocities starting from 5 m/s.
- The Andalusian horses also had a higher stride vertical component at the trot and in the leading forelimbs at the gallop.
- In contrast, the swing phase duration and stride length were longer in the Anglo-Arabian horses at all galloping speeds.
- The correlations between heart rate, plasma lactate, and locomotor pattern were only significant in the Andalusian horses.
Conclusion
- The research concluded that a larger stride vertical component in the Andalusian horses restrains stride length and cranial advancement of the hoof. This constraint results in an increase in heart rate and plasma lactate levels when attempting to reach longer stride lengths.
- Anglo-Arabian horses demonstrate a balancing act between stride length and stride frequency, enabling them to improve their overall gait efficiency. This balance allows them to maintain lower heart rates and plasma lactate levels while exercising, regardless of increased velocities.
Cite This Article
APA
Muñoz A, Santisteban R, Rubio MD, Riber C, Agüera EI, Castejón FM.
(1999).
Locomotor response to exercise in relation to plasma lactate accumulation and heart rate in Andalusian and Anglo-Arabian horses.
Vet Res Commun, 23(6), 369-384.
https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1006337708920 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, Spain.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Heart Rate
- Horses / blood
- Horses / physiology
- Lactic Acid / blood
- Locomotion / physiology
- Male
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Video Recording
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