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Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)2012; 113(4); 602-607; doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00560.2011

Speed and incline during thoroughbred horse racing: racehorse speed supports a metabolic power constraint to incline running but not to decline running.

Abstract: We used a radio tracking system to examine the speed of 373 racehorses on different gradients on an undulating racecourse during 33 races, each lasting a few minutes. Horses show a speed detriment on inclines (0.68 m · s(-1) · 1% gradient(-1), r(2) = 0.97), the magnitude of which corresponds to trading off the metabolic cost (power) of height gain with the metabolic cost (power) of horizontal galloping. A similar relationship can be derived from published data for human runners. The horses, however, were also slower on the decline (-0.45 m · s(-1) · 1% gradient(-1), r(2) = 0.92). Human athletes run faster on a decline, which can be explained by the energy gained by the center of mass from height loss. This study has shown that horses go slower, which may be attributable to the anatomical simplicity of their front legs limiting weight support and stability when going downhill. These findings provide insight into limits to athletic performance in racehorses, which may be used to inform training regimens, as well as advancing knowledge from both veterinary and basic science perspectives.
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Publication Date: 2012-06-07 PubMed ID: 22678967PubMed Central: PMC3424062DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00560.2011Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 investigated the impact of incline and decline gradients on thoroughbred racehorse speed. It found that horses slow down on inclines likely due to higher metabolic costs, but unlike human runners, also slow down on declines potentially due to anatomical limitations for weight support and stability.

Methodology Used in the Research

  • This research used a radio tracking system to analyze the speed of 373 racehorses during 33 races on an undulating racecourse.
  • Each race was observed for a few minutes to check the speed variations when ascending and descending different gradients.

Findings – Incline Impact on Racehorse Speed

  • The results showed that speed decreased when horses were running uphill. This declination was maintained at a steady rate of 0.68 m · s(-1) · 1% gradient(-1), r(2) = 0.97.
  • The researchers posited that the drop in speed when ascending can be attributed to the higher metabolic costs associated with the power needed for height gain during horizontal galloping.
  • They also state that a similar relationship with uphill running has been noted in human runners as found in published data.

Findings – Decline Impact on Racehorse Speed

  • Unexpectedly, the study found that the speed of the horses also decreased when running downhill at a consistent rate of -0.45 m · s(-1) · 1% gradient(-1), r(2) = 0.92.
  • Contrary to this, human athletes are usually faster on declines as they can leverage the energy gained from the descent to increase overall speed.
  • So, the decrease in speed while descending suggests that horses may be inhibited by the simpler structure of their front legs which may limit weight support and stability while moving downhill.

Implications and Utility of the Findings

  • The findings of this research are important in understanding the athletic performance limits in racing horses.
  • Insights from the study could inform the creation of better, more effective training schemes for horses that take into account these limits.
  • On a broader level, this knowledge also increases understanding of equine anatomy from both veterinary science and basic science perspectives.

Cite This Article

APA
Self ZT, Spence AJ, Wilson AM. (2012). Speed and incline during thoroughbred horse racing: racehorse speed supports a metabolic power constraint to incline running but not to decline running. J Appl Physiol (1985), 113(4), 602-607. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00560.2011

Publication

Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
ISSN: 1522-1601
NlmUniqueID: 8502536
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 113
Issue: 4
Pages: 602-607

Researcher Affiliations

Self, Z T
  • Structure and Motion Lab, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
Spence, A J
    Wilson, A M

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Biomechanical Phenomena
      • Energy Metabolism
      • Gait
      • Horses / anatomy & histology
      • Horses / physiology
      • Humans
      • Muscle Contraction
      • Muscle Strength
      • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
      • Physical Conditioning, Animal
      • Running
      • Sports
      • Telemetry
      • Time Factors

      Grant Funding

      • Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

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      Citations

      This article has been cited 8 times.
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