Principal component analysis, using the measurements during running and swimming test, in thoroughbred horses.

The research article aims to understand if a horse’s fitness level can be gauged using a standard swimming test by comparing the results from principal component analysis of parameters measured during running and swimming exercises in thoroughbred horses.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted a study on ten thoroughbred horses, exposing them to different exercise tests on a running track and in a swimming pool.
• During and after the exercise tests, measurements were made including maximum heart rate and blood lactate concentration.
• A series of exercise parameters, known as indices related to the adaptation of cardiovascular or metabolic systems (VLA2, VLA4, LA0, V150, V200, HRS, HRLA2, HRLA4), were derived using the relationship between velocity during each testing phase and these measurements.
• These parameters were subsequently analyzed using a multivariate procedure known as principal component analysis.

Results

• The study found that the correlation diagram between exercise parameters on the first two component axes in running were similar to that in swimming. This suggests there is a similar pattern of physiological response and adaptation in these horses during both types of exercise.
• Comparisons of exercise fitness levels between running and swimming in each horse revealed that three horses, which had undergone short-term endurance training, were statistically distinguishable in both tests and classified as a different group from the rest.

Conclusions

• The results suggest that assessment of exercise fitness in swimming by using multivariate analysis could be a useful tool for identifying poorly performing or undertrained horses on a running track.
• This study, therefore, presents a case for the inclusion of standardized swimming tests and multivariate analysis as a regular part of assessing and managing the training and health of thoroughbred horses.