Maximal accumulated oxygen deficit in thoroughbred horses.
Abstract: Thoroughbred horses have a high aerobic capacity, approximately twice that of elite human athletes. Whereas the aerobic capacity of horses can be accurately measured, there have been no measurements of anaerobic capacity. The aim of this study was to determine whether maximal accumulated O2 deficit (MAOD) could be measured in horses and used as an estimate of anaerobic capacity, as in human athletes. Six fit Thoroughbred horses were used with the exercise protocol utilizing a treadmill set at a 10% incline. O2 uptake VO2 was measured via an open-flow system for seven submaximal speeds (3-9 m/s), and maximal VO2 (135 +/- 3 ml.kg-1.min-1) was determined. The horses performed three tests at 105 and 125% and six tests at 115% of maximal VO2. The MAOD test was performed with the treadmill accelerated rapidly from 1.5 m/s (mean acceleration time 8 s) to the calculated speed (11-14 m/s). VO2 was measured every 10 or 15 s, and the test ended when the horse no longer kept pace with the treadmill. The mean run times were 165, 98, and 57 s for intensities of 105, 115, and 125% maximal VO2. The mean MAOD values were 31 +/- 2, 30 +/- 1, and 32 +/- 2 (SE) ml O2 eq/kg for the three intensities (P > 0.05). The proportion of energy derived from aerobic and anaerobic sources was calculated from the difference between calculated O2 demand and the VO2 curve. There was no correlation between MAOD and maximal VO2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Publication Date: 1995-04-01 PubMed ID: 7615470DOI: 10.1152/jappl.1995.78.4.1564Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research aims to understand and measure the anaerobic capacity of thoroughbred horses. Used to estimate anaerobic capacity, the study investigates the measurement of maximal accumulated O2 deficit (MAOD) in horses; a method often used in human athletes.
Research Methodology
- Six healthy thoroughbred horses with existing high aerobic capacity were chosen for the study.
- A treadmill set at a 10% incline was used to carry out exercise protocols.
- Oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured using an open-flow system for seven submaximal speeds (3-9 m/s) with a determined maximal VO2.
- Multiple tests were conducted at different intensities of VO2 – three tests at 105% and 125%, and six tests at 115% of maximal VO2.
- The MAOD test was carried out by rapidly accelerating the treadmill from 1.5 m/s (average acceleration time 8 s) to calculated speed (11-14 m/s).
- VO2 measurements were taken every 10 or 15 seconds, with the test concluding when the horse could no longer maintain the treadmill pace.
Results and Findings
- The average runtime for different VO2 intensities were recorded as 165 seconds (105%), 98 seconds (115%), and 57 seconds (125%).
- There were no significant differences in the mean MAOD values at the three intensities, with 31 +/- 2, 30 +/- 1, and 32 +/- 2 (SE) ml O2 eq/kg for 105, 115, and 125% maximal VO2, respectively.
- The amount of energy derived from both aerobic and anaerobic sources was calculated using the difference between the calculated oxygen demand and the VO2 curve.
- The study found no correlation between maximal oxygen uptake (VO2) and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD).
This study provides new insights into the anaerobic capacities of thoroughbred horses, laying the foundation for further research in this area.
Cite This Article
APA
Eaton MD, Evans DL, Hodgson DR, Rose RJ.
(1995).
Maximal accumulated oxygen deficit in thoroughbred horses.
J Appl Physiol (1985), 78(4), 1564-1568.
https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1995.78.4.1564 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Animal Science and Animal Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / blood
- Horses / physiology
- Lactates / blood
- Lactic Acid
- Oxygen / metabolism
- Physical Exertion / physiology
- Random Allocation
- Respiratory Function Tests
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Morrice-West AV, Hitchens PL, Walmsley EA, Wong ASM, Whitton RC. Association of Thoroughbred Racehorse Workloads and Rest Practices with Trainer Success.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Nov 1;11(11).
- Mukai K, Ohmura H, Takahashi Y, Kitaoka Y, Takahashi T. Four weeks of high-intensity training in moderate, but not mild hypoxia improves performance and running economy more than normoxic training in horses.. Physiol Rep 2021 Feb;9(4):e14760.
- Mercier Q, Aftalion A. Optimal speed in Thoroughbred horse racing.. PLoS One 2020;15(12):e0235024.
- Mukai K, Ohmura H, Matsui A, Aida H, Takahashi T, Jones JH. High-intensity training in normobaric hypoxia enhances exercise performance and aerobic capacity in Thoroughbred horses: A randomized crossover study.. Physiol Rep 2020 May;8(10):e14442.
- Bond SL, Greco-Otto P, MacLeod J, Galezowski A, Bayly W, Léguillette R. Efficacy of dexamethasone, salbutamol, and reduced respirable particulate concentration on aerobic capacity in horses with smoke-induced mild asthma.. J Vet Intern Med 2020 Mar;34(2):979-985.
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