Changes in Thoroughbred speed and stride characteristics over successive race starts and their association with musculoskeletal injury

Abstract

Background: Certain stride characteristics have been shown to affect changes in biomechanical factors that are associated with injuries in human athletes. Determining the relationship between stride characteristics and musculoskeletal injury (MSI) may be key in limiting injury occurrence in the racehorse.Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether changes in race day speed and stride characteristics over career race starts are associated with an increased risk of MSI in racehorses. Study design: Case-control study. Methods: Speed, stride length, and stride frequency data were obtained from the final 200 m sectional of n = 5660 race starts by n = 584 horses (case n = 146, control n = 438). Multivariable joint models, combining longitudinal and survival (time to injury) analysis, were generated. Hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) are presented.Results: The risk of MSI increased by 1.18 (95% CI 1.09, 1.28; P < 0.001) for each 0.1 m/s decrease in speed and by 1.11 (95% CI 1.02, 1.21; P = 0.01) for each 10 cm decrease in stride length over time (career race starts). A more marked rate of decline in speed and stride length was observed approximately 6 races prior to injury. Risk of MSI was highest early in the horse's racing career. Main limitations: Only final sectional stride characteristics were assessed in the model. The model did not account for time between race starts. Conclusions: Decreasing speed and stride length over multiple races is associated with MSI in racehorses. Monitoring stride characteristics over time may be beneficial for the early detection of MSI.

Locomotory Profiles in Thoroughbreds: Peak Stride Length and Frequency in Training and Association with Race Outcomes

“…Within each category, racehorses participated in a similar number of races: (pure sprinter, 4 [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ] races); sprinter-miler, 7 [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ] races; miler, 6 [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ] races; sprinter-miler-stayer, 8 [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ] races; stayer, 7 [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ,…”

“…If trainers could complement their own assessment of a racehorses’ best distance (i.e., subjective experience or their ‘eye’) with objectively obtained training data that classified the racehorses on locomotory characteristics that distinguished a sprinter from a stayer, then more specific training sessions could be implemented to increase the chances of better performance earlier in the racehorses’ careers: horses would race at their appropriate distances and wastage could be reduced. Monitoring speed and stride length over time allows trainers to identify or anticipate musculoskeletal injuries early on during racehorse training [ 7 ].…”

Risk Factors for Epistaxis in Thoroughbred Flat Races in Japan (2001–2020)

“…Although steeplechase races are generally slower than flat races, they have been reported to have a higher risk of epistaxis occurrence [ 4 , 14 ]. Furthermore, shorter racing distances have been associated with an increase in speed [ 36 , 37 ] and a higher risk of EIPH or epistaxis [ 14 , 17 ]. These findings may suggest that not only the speed but the acceleration at the start of the race or between hurdles could lead to damage in the lungs.…”

A synopsis of wearable commercially available biometric‐monitoring devices and their potential applications during gallop racing

“…The Stridemaster has reportedly predicted 90% of race day injuries in advance when trialled on racetracks in the USA. Moreover, the device is further backed by a study from Wong et al (2022) that successfully predicted horses' risks of musculoskeletal injury when trialled during racing. While the device does not appear to measure other biometrics of interest such as HR or temperature, the Stridemaster is one of few wearable devices currently used in racing, thus it has interesting potential for expanded applications that could potential include other biometrics.…”

“…Nevertheless, a considerable number of these commercially available devices are performance‐focused, with little, if any, currently suited for health monitoring during races (Nath et al, 2022; Ter Woort et al, 2022; Vitale et al, 2021; Williams et al, 2019). Moreover, the few that are used during racing typically monitor stride characteristics for the assessment of risks and/or occurrences of musculoskeletal injury (Wong et al, 2022). In the interest of further reducing preventable race day fatalities, it is important to recognise that cardiorespiratory disorders and heat stress are also critical contributors to SD on race days.…”