The effect of training on infrared thermographic images of the forelimb and hindlimb joints of healthy racehorses.

This research explored how training affects the body surface temperature over the joints of racehorses, as measured by infrared thermography. The study found that the joints’ temperature increases significantly after training, and the surface temperature change before and after exercising is a key indicator of thermoregulatory response in these animals.

Study Design

• The researchers designed a study to investigate the effect of training on the body surface temperature of different joints in Thoroughbred racehorses.
• 14 healthy racehorses were observed in six imaging sessions across three months.
• Temperature measurements of the forelimb and hindlimb joints were taken before and immediately after training.

Impact of Training

• According to the study, there was a significant increase in the temperature of limb joints after training.
• This suggests that physical activity can affect the body surface temperature over the joints in these racing horses.

Impact of Environmental Temperature

• The study found that the environmental temperature had a significant effect on the surface temperature over the joints.
• Specifically, the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints were most impacted by changes in the environmental temperature
• This contributes to our understanding of how external factors can influence body temperature regulation in horses.

Differences Among Joints

• The research found variations among the joints in terms of their surface temperatures. The shoulder, elbow, hip, and stifle joint had the highest temperatures, while the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joint had the lowest.
• The different joints also varied in how much they warmed up during training, with the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints showing the least change.

Implication for Future Studies

• The difference in surface temperature before and after training could serve as a useful indicator of the thermoregulatory response to exercise in racehorses.
• The current finding provides a valuable perspective as it may guide future studies aimed for diagnosing joint injuries in these animals.