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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(17); doi: 10.3390/ani13172799

The Emerging Role of Hypoxic Training for the Equine Athlete.

Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive discussion on the physiological impacts of hypoxic training, its benefits to endurance performance, and a rationale for utilizing it to improve performance in the equine athlete. All exercise-induced training adaptations are governed by genetics. Exercise prescriptions can be tailored to elicit the desired physiological adaptations. Although the application of hypoxic stimuli on its own is not ideal to promote favorable molecular responses, exercise training under hypoxic conditions provides an optimal environment for maximizing physiological adaptations to enhance endurance performance. The combination of exercise training and hypoxia increases the activity of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway compared to training under normoxic conditions. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is known as a master regulator of the expression of genes since over 100 genes are responsive to HIF-1α. For instance, HIF-1-inducible genes include those critical to erythropoiesis, angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, and glucose transport, all of which are intergral in physiological adaptations for endurance performance. Further, hypoxic training could conceivably have a role in equine rehabilitation when high-impact training is contraindicated but a quality training stimulus is desired. This is achievable through purpose-built equine motorized treadmills inside commercial hypoxic chambers.
Publication Date: 2023-09-03 PubMed ID: 37685063PubMed Central: PMC10486977DOI: 10.3390/ani13172799Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This research paper discusses the potential benefits of hypoxic training, which is training in lower oxygen conditions, for horses, including how it could improve endurance performance. Hypoxic training could also possibly be used for <a href="/equine-rehabilitation-guide/" title="Equine Rehabilitation Programs: What to Expect When Your Horse is Recovering – [Guide]”>equine rehabilitation, especially when the animal cannot undertake high-impact training.

Key Findings

  • Hypoxic training involves performing exercises under conditions with reduced oxygen, which could lead to certain physiological adaptations that can enhance an athletes endurance and performance.
  • The paper emphasizes that the genetic makeup of the individual animal plays a crucial role in determining the exact nature of these training adaptations.
  • Hence, it’s possible to design specific exercise plans that can elicit the desired physiological transformation, keeping the genetic factors in mind.
  • The researchers found that training in hypoxic conditions tended to have better results because this environment optimally facilitates the positive physiological transformations required to boost endurance.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF)

  • A significant discovery shone light on the role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). HIF becomes more active during hypoxic training as compared to the standard training conditions.
  • HIF-1α, an essential part of the HIF pathway, regulates more than a hundred genes, which are key to a multitude of processes that play crucial roles in enhancing endurance capabilities.
  • Examples of such processes include erythropoiesis (red blood cell production), angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), glucose metabolism, creation of mitochondria, and the transportation of glucose. All these processes are integral to developing greater resistance to physical exhaustion or fatigue.

Practical Applications

  • Alongside performance enhancement, the paper also discusses the possibility of utilizing hypoxic training during the rehabilitation of equine athletes.
  • This type of training might hold potential for conditions where high-impact exercises are off-limits but it’s still crucial to maintain a quality training stimulus.
  • To facilitate this, specialized commercial hypoxic chambers equipped with motorized equine treadmills can be used.

Cite This Article

APA
Davie A, Beavers R, Hargitaiová K, Denham J. (2023). The Emerging Role of Hypoxic Training for the Equine Athlete. Animals (Basel), 13(17). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172799

Publication

ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 17

Researcher Affiliations

Davie, Allan
  • Australian Equine Racing and Research Centre, Ballina, NSW 2478, Australia.
Beavers, Rosalind
  • Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.
Hargitaiová, Kristýna
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, 930 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
Denham, Joshua
  • School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4305, Australia.
  • Centre for Health Research, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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