EQUINE ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC RESPONSES TO TRAINING BASED ON SPEED-LACTATE CURVE PERMORMED ON TREADMILL

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate, by electrocardiographic analysis, equine cardiovascular adaptations to training based on speed-lactate curve. For this evaluation, eight Arabian horses previously submitted to four months of rest were used. The animals performed a graded exercise test (ET) and samples were collected for blood lactate measurement. The speed where the blood lactate concentration reached 4.0 mmol / L (V4) was calculated by regression analysis. The estimated training speed was 60% of V4 performed on a treadmill for 45 min three times a week on alternate days for eight weeks. The electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis was made before and after the beginning of the training. The training improvement is confirmed by the increase in both V2 and V4 of the second ET. After the second ECG analysis, a significant increase in the R wave amplitude was observed. Training improved the metabolic activity, promoted discrete changes in electrocardiogram; however, it was not adequate to result changes in cardiac parameters.

KEYWORDS: Training adaptation, cardiovascular, electrocardiogram, treadmill, equine.