Effects of training on equine muscle physiology and muscle adaptations in response to different training approaches

Abstract

It is well known that exercise induces chemical, metabolic and structural changes in muscles. However, the effect of the type of exercise on these changes has not been thoroughly studied in horses yet, because of a lack of standardized study methods. In this review, the effect of three different types of exercise on muscle adaptation and metabolic responses is investigated. The requirements for power exercise are not the same as for low intensity exercise. Each type of training induces its own shift in muscle fiber typing, as well as in enzyme concentrations and (an) aerobic capacity. These physiological adaptations in response to training facilitate more efficient exercise and therefore increase performance. Hence, it is important to know the adaptations that muscles undergo in response to each type of exercise to optimize training management of sport horses in function of the needs of the discipline in which they compete.