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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J Suppl / The workload and plasma ion concentration in a training matc...
Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2011; (38); 191-195; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00278.x

The workload and plasma ion concentration in a training match session of high-goal (elite) polo ponies.

Abstract: This study was designed to consider the complexity of the physical effort inherent to horses in polo competitions and the absence of reports in the literature on the effort, intensity and electrolyte changes resulting from a collective team training session aimed at preparing for a polo championship. Objective: To determine the effort and ion changes caused by an outdoor polo training match for a 25 goal handicap (elite) based on physiological variables including acid-base status (venous pH, PCO(2) and HCO(3)(-)), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), lactate, glucose, sodium, chloride and potassium and strong ion difference (SID) as well as creatine kinase (CK) activity. Methods: Twenty-three clinically healthy 'high-goal' polo ponies were used, which included 10 geldings and 13 females. The horses performed a training match, as a preparation for a 25 goal tournament, consisting of 6 chukkas of 7 min duration each. Blood samples were collected during resting, and at 5 min, 6 and 12 h after each chukka. Data were analysed using ANOVA for repeated measures followed by Tukey's test. Results: Differences (P < 0.001) were evident mainly in post exercise for all variables studied. There was a reduction in pH, PCO(2) and HCO(3)(-) and SID, together with an increase in PCV and Hb, lactate, glucose, Na(+) and Cl(-). K(+) levels remained constant at all times of collection. The average resting value for CK was 255 ± 9 iu/l, and 6 h after effort there was a 35% increase in enzyme activity. Conclusions: This study indicates that the horses participating in a training match underwent a high-intensity effort with alterations in electrolytes and acid-base equilibrium. Conclusions: Training matches should be carefully conducted, with a suitable recovery period before the main match.
© 2010 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2011-05-27 PubMed ID: 21059005DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00278.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • 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 explores the physical exertion and associated physiological changes in elite polo horses during a training match preparing for a major tournament. This includes changes in acid-base status, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, various electrolytes, and creatine kinase activity.

Study Overview

  • The study aimed to understand the physical strain and changes in ion concentration faced by high-goal polo ponies during an outdoor training match in preparation for a 25-goal tournament.
  • The endeavor was to fill the literature gap concerning physical exertion, intensity, and electrolyte shifts during team training sessions for polo championships.

Methods

  • The study involved 23 ‘high-goal’ polo ponies, including 10 geldings and 13 females.
  • The horses underwent a training match consisting of six 7-minute chukkas (periods of play).
  • Blood samples were taken during rest and at 5 minutes, 6 hours, and 12 hours after each chukka.
  • The data collected were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures followed by Tukey’s test.

Results

  • The findings indicated significant differences (P < 0.001) primarily post exercise for all variables examined.
  • There was a decrease in pH, PCO(2), HCO(3)(-), and SID, accompanied by an increase in PCV, Hb, lactate, glucose, sodium, and chloride concentration.
  • Potassium levels remained constant during all times of collection.
  • The average resting value for creatine kinase (CK) was 255 ± 9 iu/l, and there was a 35% increase in enzyme activity six hours after the effort.

Conclusions

  • The research suggests that the polo ponies participating in a training match went through high-intensity effort, leading to changes in electrolytes and acid-base balance.
  • Therefore, training matches should be monitored carefully, ensuring an adequate recovery period is given before the main match to manage the physiological responses and promote the overall wellbeing and performance of the horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Ferraz GC, Soares OA, Foz NS, Pereira MC, Queiroz-Neto A. (2011). The workload and plasma ion concentration in a training match session of high-goal (elite) polo ponies. Equine Vet J Suppl(38), 191-195. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00278.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 38
Pages: 191-195

Researcher Affiliations

Ferraz, G C
  • Faculdades de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus de Jaboticabal, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Laboratório de Farmacologia e Fisiologia do Exercício Equino, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil. guilherme.de.ferraz@terra.com.br
Soares, O A B
    Foz, N S B
      Pereira, M C
        Queiroz-Neto, A

          MeSH Terms

          • Acid-Base Equilibrium / physiology
          • Animals
          • Blood Glucose
          • Electrolytes / blood
          • Female
          • Hematocrit / veterinary
          • Hemoglobins
          • Horses / blood
          • Horses / physiology
          • Ions / blood
          • Lactic Acid / blood
          • Male
          • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 12 times.
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