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BMC veterinary research2024; 20(1); 327; doi: 10.1186/s12917-024-04143-3

Workload and spirometry associated with untethered swimming in horses.

Abstract: Swimming has been used empirically for rehabilitation and conditioning of horses. However, due to challenges imposed by recording physiological parameters in water, the intensity of free swimming effort is unknown. Objective: Measure the physiological workload associated with untethered swimming in horses. Five fit Arabian endurance horses were assessed while swimming in a 100 m-long indoor pool. Horses were equipped with a modified ergospirometry facemask to measure oxygen consumption (V̇O) and ventilatory parameters (inspired/expired volumes, V, V; peak inspiratory/expiratory flows, PkV, PkV; respiratory frequency, Rf; minute ventilation, VE; inspiratory/expiratory durations and ratios, t, t, t/t, t/t); and an underwater electrocardiogram that recorded heart rate (HR). Postexercise venous blood lactate and ammonia concentrations were measured. Data are reported as median (interquartile ranges). Results: Horses showed bradypnea (12 breaths/min (10-16)) for the first 30 s of swimming. V̇O during swimming was 43.2 ml/(kg.min) (36.0-56.6). Ventilatory parameters were: V = 16.7 L (15.3-21.8), V = 14.7 L (12.4-18.9), PkV = 47.8 L/s (45.8-56.5), PkV = 55.8 L/s (38.3-72.5), Rf = 31.4 breaths/min (20.0-33.8), VE = 522.9 L/min (414.7-580.0), t = 0.5 s (0.5-0.6), t = 1.2 s (1.1-1.6), t/t = 0.3 (0.2-0.4), t/t = 0.7 (0.6-0.8). Expiratory flow tracings showed marked oscillations that coincided with a vibrating expiratory sound. HR was 178.0 bpm (148.5-182.0), lactate = 1.5 mmol/L (1.0-1.9) and ammonia = 41.0 µmol/L (36.5-43.5). Conclusions: Free (untethered) swimming represents a submaximal, primarily aerobic exercise in horses. The breathing pattern during swimming is unique, with a relatively longer apneic period at the beginning of the exercise and an inspiratory time less than half that of expiration.
© 2024. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2024-07-19 PubMed ID: 39030565PubMed Central: PMC11264580DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04143-3Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This study aimed to gauge the physiological exertion associated with untethered swimming in horses. Five Arabian endurance horses were evaluated while swimming, and the trials yielded data that suggest untethered swimming is a primarily aerobic exercise for these animals, featuring a unique breathing pattern.

Research Methodology

  • The research involved five fit Arabian endurance horses swimming in a 100 m-long indoor pool.
  • In order to measure the physiological parameters, the horses were equipped with a modified ergospirometry facemask and an underwater electrocardiogram. The mask was used to measure oxygen consumption and several other ventilatory parameters, while the electrocardiogram recorded the horses’ heart rates.
  • Postexercise readings were taken of venous blood lactate and ammonia concentrations to further assess the physical exertion of the horses.

Results of the Study

  • The horses showed a significantly decreased respiratory rate or bradypnea with 12 breaths per minute in the first 30 seconds of swimming.
  • The horses’ oxygen consumption during swimming was recorded to be around 43.2 ml per kilogram per minute.
  • Various ventilatory parameters like inspired and expired volumes, peak inspiratory and expiratory flows, respiratory frequency, minute ventilation, inspiratory and expiratory durations, and ratios were recorded and analyzed.
  • There were marked variations in the expiration flow tracings that were simultaneous with a vibrating expiratory sound.
  • The heart rate of the horses was recorded as 178.0 beats per minute on average.
  • The horses’ lactate level was around 1.5 mmol/L, and the ammonia level was around 41.0 µmol/L after the exercise.

Conclusion from the Study

  • The research ultimately concluded that untethered swimming in Arabian endurance horses essentially constitutes a submaximal, primarily aerobic exercise. The workout intensity is not maximal but is still significant.
  • One unique finding was the distinctive breathing pattern observed in horses when swimming. This included a relatively longer apneic period, which is a temporary cessation of breathing, at the beginning of the exercise, and an inspiratory time which was less than half that of the expiration.

Cite This Article

APA
Leguillette R, McCrae P, Massie S, Filho SA, Bayly W, David F. (2024). Workload and spirometry associated with untethered swimming in horses. BMC Vet Res, 20(1), 327. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04143-3

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Pages: 327
PII: 327

Researcher Affiliations

Leguillette, R
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada. rleguill@ucalgary.ca.
McCrae, P
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada.
Massie, S
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada.
Filho, S Arroyo
  • Al Shaqab, a Member of Qatar Foundation, Al Shaqab Street, Al Rayyan, Doha, Qatar.
Bayly, W
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, PO Box 646610, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
David, F
  • EquiTom - Namur, a member of the Equine Care Group, 15 Chaussée de Nivelles, Mazy, 5032, Belgium.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / physiology
  • Swimming / physiology
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Spirometry / veterinary
  • Male
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Female
  • Ammonia / blood

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Gaulmin P, Marin F, Moiroud C, Beaumont A, Jacquet S, De Azevedo E, Martin P, Audigié F, Chateau H, Giraudet C. Description and Analysis of Horse Swimming Strategies in a U-Shaped Pool. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 13;15(2).
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