A structured exercise regimen enhances autonomic function compared to unstructured physical activities in geriatric...

Area of Science:

• Equine physiology
• Geriatric animal health
• Autonomic nervous system function

Background:

• Older horses often exhibit diminished autonomic responses, impacting their overall health and well-being.
• While exercise is known to support autonomic function, the specific benefits of structured exercise programs for geriatric horses remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a 12-week structured exercise regimen on the autonomic modulation of geriatric horses.
• To compare the autonomic responses of geriatric horses under sedentary, unstructured activity, and structured exercise conditions.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven geriatric horses were divided into three groups: sedentary (SEL), unstructured activities (RAT), and structured exercise regimen (SER).
• Autonomic modulation was assessed over 12 weeks, monitoring heart rate, beat-to-beat intervals, and heart rate variability.

Main Results:

• The structured exercise group (SER) showed decreased minimum and average heart rates from weeks 10-12.
• Beat-to-beat intervals increased in the SER group (p < 0.05) and fluctuated in the RAT group (p < 0.05) during specific periods.
• Heart rate variability was significantly higher in the SER group compared to both the unstructured (p < 0.05-0.0001) and sedentary (p < 0.05) groups.

Conclusions:

• Structured exercise positively influences autonomic regulation in geriatric horses.
• This type of exercise may lead to reduced stress levels and improved physiological function in older horses.
• Findings emphasize the need for tailored health management strategies, including structured exercise, for retired horses.