Metabolic responses to submaximal field exercise tests and relationships with racing performance in pacing Standardbreds

Abstract

SummaryThis study was undertaken to invesigate the application of submaximal field tests in assessment of performance. A submaximal field exercise test consisting of 2 bouts of pacing for 1600 m, with 5 min rest or walking between runs was performed on Standardbred racehorses at 2 training centres (A and B). Performance indices were compiled for each horse: number of race starts, number of race wins, number of race placings (1, 2 or 3), and lifetime earnings. Regression analysis was conducted to describe the relationship between plasma lactate concentrations and speed for tests one, 2 and pooled results. Using the regression equation, observed (measured) minus expected (predicted) (O-E) lactate concentrations for tests were calculated and plotted against performance indices to determine their relationship. For stables A and B the association between lactate and velocity for the 2 runs was best described by the exponential equations: y = 0.0014 e07306x (r 2 = 0.54, P<0.001) and y = 0.002 e06812x (r 2 = 0.42, P<0.001), respectively, where y is lactate concentration (mmol/l) and x is speed (m/s). For the pooled results for heat 1 and heat 2 for stables A and B the relationship between lactate and velocity was best described by an exponential equation y = 0.0016 e07117x (r 2 = 0.47, P<0.001). This study found no relationship between (O-E) and performance indices (number of race wins, number of race placings, lifetime earnings and average $/start) at stables A or B for test run 1, 2 or pooled lactates. At stable A, there was a significant association between V La4 and log lifetime earnings (r = 0.51, P = 0.053) and log average $/start (r = 0.54, P = 0.036). There were no significant correlations at stable B. In conclusion a 2-step determination method of V La4 is a possible means for studying limits to performance in pacing Standardbred racehorses.

Effects of an aerobic training program on oxidative stress biomarkers in bulls

“…Tests were performed on each bull at the beginning of the training protocol and over the course of the whole study. The protocol consisted of 400 m warming up at a slow pace, 1200 m to 4-5 m/s (speed controlled with a timer, Sportline Walking Advantage 228 Giant Stopwatch ® ), two minutes' resting, 1200 m to 4-5 m/s and, finally, 400 m walking (modified protocol of Davie et al, 2002).…”

Training of Horses Used for Show Jumping and Its Effect on v4

“…Furthermore the relationship between training parameters and changes of v 4 had not been examined before. v 4 has shown often a strong relationship with performance in horses competing in multiple disciplines 18,19,21,22,23,26,27,28,29,30,31 , and is used successfully to examine the effect of conditioning 3,5,32,33,34,35,36 . M A N U S C R I P T…”

Exercise testing in the field

“…23 This fi gure also shows the typical effect of training on the relationships; both curves shift to the right. 25 Five minutes of rest or walking between runs was allowed. High heart rates during fi eld exercise tests may be associated with lameness or respiratory disease.…”