Athletic performance and altitude response in horses exposed to simulated high altitude (3658 m)
Howe D, & GD Swanson
Presented at 13th Annual International Hypoxia Symposium. Banff, Alberta, Canada. February 19th – 22nd, 2003
Using a crossover experimental design horses were kept at sea level for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks at a simulated altitude of 3658m (8 hours per day) in an altitude simulation stall. Pre- and post-altitude athletic parameters were tested using a stationary treadmill. Post-altitude exposure the horses had significant (+11%) increases in V200 time (a measure of aerobic power output), time at maximal running speed (increased by 60 seconds), and faster heart rate recovery following maximal exercise stress test (18% faster recovery). This study demonstrates that high-low training using an altitude simulation system is an effective training aid to increase aerobic fitness and performance, and leads to improved recovery rates following intensive training.
Welcome NEW AST Customers
- Blue Grass Equine, Versailles KY
- Pegasus Equine Performance, Union KY
- JW Racing Stable, Louisville KY
