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Factors influencing variation in locomotor‐respiratory coupling in Standardbred Trotters in the field
Author(s) -
COTREL C.,
LELEU C.,
COUROUCEMALBLANC A.
Publication year - 2006
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.2042-3306.2006.tb05605.x
Subject(s) - medicine , stride , respiratory system , physical therapy , respiratory exchange ratio , cardiology , respiratory rate , horse , heart rate , physical medicine and rehabilitation , blood pressure , biology , paleontology
Summary Reasons for performing study: A close relationship between limb and respiratory rhythms has been shown in clinically healthy galloping horses due to mechanical constraints in the thoracic region. This synchronisation leads to a 1/1 ratio between stride frequency (SF) and respiratory frequency (RF) during galloping. Very little is known about locomotor‐respiratory coupling (LRC) during fast trot. Objectives: To investigate stride and respiratory rates during a standardised exercise test on the track in Standardbred Trotters. Methods: Forty‐four French trotters age 2–10 years performed a standardised exercise test consisting of three 3 min steps at constant speeds. Speed (V) of exercise varied between 500 and 750 m/min. Variables measured during exercise: SF, heart rate, RF using a microphone between the nostrils, blood lactate concentration. Physiological variables V 4 and V 200 were calculated and race performance index recorded. Results: There was no age‐related difference in RF or in LRC. Two LRC strategies were found: around 1/1 ratio and 3/2 ratio between SF and RF, respectively. A relationship between SF/RF ratio and physiological parameters showed a higher LRC in good performers because of a lower RF during submaximal and maximal exercise. Conclusion: RF is significantly lower and LRC significantly higher in good compared to poor performers. Potential relevance: Investigation is required to ensure that the breathing techniques of trotters may be used in the selection process of racehorses.