Training the equine respiratory muscles: Inspiratory muscle strength
Equine veterinary journal(2023)
Abstract
Background Little is known about the response of the equine respiratory muscles to training. Objectives To measure an index of inspiratory muscle strength (IMSi) before and after a period of conventional exercise training (phase 1) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT), comparing high-load (treatment) and low-load (control) groups (phase 2). Study design Prospective randomised controlled trial. Methods Phase 1: Twenty National Hunt Thoroughbred racehorses performed an inspiratory muscle strength test (IMST) twice on two occasions; when unfit at timepoint A (July), and when race fit at timepoint B (October). Phase 2: Thirty-five Thoroughbred racehorses at race fitness were randomly assigned into a high-load (treatment, n = 20) or low-load (control, n = 15) IMT group. The high-load group followed an IMT protocol that gradually increased the inspiratory pressure applied every 4 days. The low-load group underwent sham IMT with a low training load. The IMT was performed 5 days/week for 10 weeks. The IMST was performed twice on two occasions, timepoint B (October) and timepoint C (January). Conventional exercise training and racing continued during the study period. The peak IMSi values obtained from the different groups at timepoints A, B and C were compared using a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results Phase 1: There was a significant increase in IMSi from timepoint A: 22.5 cmH(2)O (21-25) to timepoint B: 26 cmH(2)O (24-30) (p = 0.015). Phase 2: From timepoint B to C there was a significant increase in IMSi for the high-load group 34 cmH(2)O (28-36) (p = 0.001) but not the low-load group 26 cmH(2)O (24-30) (p = 0.929). The peak IMSi at timepoint C was significantly higher for the high-load than low-load group (p = 0.019). Main limitations Single centre study with only National Hunt horses undergoing race-training included. Conclusions In horses undergoing race training there is a significant increase in IMSi in response to conventional exercise training and high-load IMT.
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Key words
inspiratory muscles strength,respiratory muscles,equine
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