Effects of training on cardiorespiratory function in the horse

The effects of 5- and 10-wk treadmill exercise training on cardiorespiratory function were evaluated in the horse. Cardiac output (Q), heart rate (HR), and stroke volume (SV), as well as left ventricular (LVP), aortic (AoP), and mean right atrial (RAP) pressures and the peak first time derivative of LVP (LV dP/dtmax), were measured at rest and at five different levels of exercise up to 90% of initial predicted maximal HR (HRmax). Oxygen uptake (VO2) and respiratory exchange ratio (R) were also obtained under the same conditions. At rest, although HR was no different after training, LV dP/dtmax was lower at 10 wk (2,369 +/- 502 vs. 1,615 +/- 302 mmHg/s). At the different measured work loads during exercise, Q and VO2 remained unchanged with training, whereas there were consistent trends toward lower LVP, AoP, and LV dP/dtmax and significant reductions in HR and R (both P less than 0.05). In contrast, SV and mean RAP were elevated (P less than 0.05) during exercise after the 10-wk training program. Although the observed changes in cardiorespiratory function in response to a training program in the horse are generally similar to those reported for other species, our data also suggest a training-induced increase in venous pressures during exercise as measured by elevated mean RAP values.