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The effects of training on ventilation and blood gases in exercising Thoroughbreds
Author(s) -
ROBERTS C. A.,
MARLIN D. J.,
LEKEUX P.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05189.x
Subject(s) - medicine , ventilation (architecture) , blood lactate , anesthesia , horse , physical therapy , biology , heart rate , blood pressure , engineering , mechanical engineering , paleontology
Summary The effects of training on ventilation and blood gases during exercise were investigated in 6 clinically normal, detrained Thoroughbred horses. They underwent a 16 week training programme similar to the type frequently used for Thoroughbred racehorses in Great Britain. Standardised treadmill exercise tests (2 min canter at 8 and 10 m/s [C8 and C10] and 2 min gallop at 12 m/s [G12], on a level surface) were performed prior to and after 16 weeks of training. Respiratory flow rates were measured using ultrasound flow transducers. Blood samples were drawn from a transverse facial artery and the right atrium. Minute ventilation, respiratory frequency and tidal volume were not significantly altered by training. Peak inspiratory flow rate was lower following training at 8 and 10 m/s, but not at 12 m/s. Arterial oxygen tension was decreased during trot and canter following training. Blood lactate concentration post G12 decreased following training (10.5 ± 2.2 mmol/l vs. 7.7 ± 2.2 mmol/l; P<.05). The increase in the degree of exercise‐induced arterial hypoxaemia following training may reflect a lack of pulmonary adaptation to training in the face of improved cardiovascular and muscular function.