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A comparative study of interval and conventional training in thoroughbred racehorses
J D Harkins1, S G Kamerling, C A Bagwell
1Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
Abstract:
Eight horses with previous racing experience were used in a comparative study of training methods for Thoroughbred racehorses. They were randomly assigned to two groups of four horses each. One group was trained using an interval training method (IT) and the other using conventional training (CT) methods. Peak heart rates, heart rate recovery curves, peak plasma lactate levels, plasma lactate clearance rates and run times were used to evaluate differences in the training methods. Peak heart rates, heart rate recovery curves, and run times were not significantly different between the groups. However, higher lactate production and increased plasma lactate clearance by the IT group demonstrated an increased anaerobic capacity.