The association of various speed indices to training responses in Thoroughbred flat racehorses measured with a global positioning and heart rate monitoring system

Abstract

SummaryReasons for performing study: Fitness assessment can be challenging. The use of global positioning systems (GPS) with heart rate (HR) monitors has been promising; however, evaluation of speed parameters during training has not been reported. Objectives: To evaluate speed indices during training inThoroughbreds using a GPS-HR monitor.

Distance exercised during submaximal training on race winnings for Thoroughbred racehorses

“…Additionally, the classification of the horses into either the SD or LD group was based on the historical records of the trainer, which did not consider factors such as the gallop conditions, the jockey's ability and the intensity of the sessions that mimicked the official race. This consideration is in agreement with the study of FONSECA et al (2010), who noted the necessity to control these variables in studies focusing on performance results.…”

“…This research study was possible due to considerable advancements and increased availability of technologies that enable field studies, especially the GPS technology (FONSECA et al, 2010). GPS has been essential for obtaining the measurements needed to assess physical fitness, such as the speeds and distances achieved under actual environmental conditions.…”

“…This suggests that the greater distance exercised can contribute to submaximal cardiac adaptation, which was reflected in the greater winnings of LD group. The distance exercised is a little studied variable (FONSECA et al, 2010) in experimental models that focus on the ideal prescribed training for horses. Although there was no mention of the study reported by OHMURA et al (2002), these authors demonstrated an improvement in V 200 in Thoroughbred colts subjected to submaximal training, when mean distances increased by 37.5 to 41% during a monitored training program.…”

“…These two physiological variables, along with velocity measurements from the global positioning system (GPS) to estimate race intensity, have become important tools for the evaluation of conditioning in race horses in field conditions (VERMEULEN & EVANS, 2006). Using GPS for the measurement of race horse velocity is an objective, safe and non-invasive evaluation, that allows to differentiate horses with varying degrees of conditioning, and it should be used along with the variable distance exercised (DE), to prescribe training regimens (FONSECA et al, 2010) (POOLE &ERICSON, 2008). This physiological relation can also be applied to submaximal exercise, primarily in the evaluation of the trot and gallop.…”

“…In this sense, few authors (FONSECA et al, 2010) have evaluated the influence of DE during training sessions on variables such as physical fitness and racehorses winnings. Thus, the hypothesis tested during this study was that claiming horses that train longer DE, in submaximal exercise sessions with the same mean velocity are more financially productive.…”