Training the equine respiratory muscles: Ultrasonographic measurement of muscle size.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Limited information exists regarding changes in the size of respiratory and locomotor muscles in response to exercise training in the Thoroughbred racehorse.

Objectives

To describe and compare the responses of the respiratory and locomotor muscles to conventional exercise training and inspiratory muscle training (IMT).

Study design

Prospective randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Thoroughbred racehorses, in training for competition in National Hunt races, were recruited from two training establishments. Ultrasonographic images were obtained for selected muscles of the upper airway, diaphragm, accessory respiratory, and locomotor systems and their sizes measured. Examinations were performed at three timepoints: (A) when unfit, (B) following 12 weeks o

SUBMITTER: Fitzharris LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10084327 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature