engleski

Conconi test applicability in assessment of horse fitness – a case report

Performance testing in horses is an important part of the preparation for competition. The Conconi test is routinely used in people and involves measurements of the heart rate (HR) and velocity during incremental exercise. Measurements of the HR and velocity are transcribed into charts in which the heart rate deflection point (HRDP) is detected by deflection of linearity during the increase of velocity. The heart rate deflection point defines the highest intensity of exercise in which lactate production can be compensated and aerobic metabolism retained. The aerobic- anaerobic threshold is very important in endurance horses, as it represents the maximum speed at which horse can run for longer distance. A lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L is considered as the aerobic threshold level. An elite 10-year-old endurance, Arabian cross gelding underwent an incremental exercise test. During the test, the HR, velocity and blood lactate were measured. The progressive test consisted of 13 phases, each of 1, 600 m in length, with a starting velocity of 16 km/h and increasing by 2 km/h in each subsequent phase. The average HR and velocity as well as lactate level were recorded after each phase. A single- axis chart of the HR was made to determine the HRDP. However, the obtained chart did not show a linear increase, disabling the straightforward interpretation of the results. The interfering factor of this test was the horse’s excitement, which kept the HR unusually high in the first phases. Blood lactate reached the 4 mmol/L level at the velocity of 31.3 km/h, while the maximum recorded lactate level was 11.5 mmol/L at the velocity of 37.2 km/h. The Conconi test used for the assessment of the horse’s fitness needs to be better adapted in conditions that reduce interfering factors. A prolonged warm-up period could be extremely valuable. To the best of our knowledge, the Conconi test was not previously used for the assessment of fitness in horses and, with appropriate modifications, could represent a noteworthy non-invasive tool in performance assessment in different equestrian disciplines.

Conconi test, horse, exercise

nije evidentirano