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Takahashi Y, Takahashi T, Mukai K, Ebisuda Y, Ohmura H. Changes in muscle activation with graded surfaces during canter in Thoroughbred horses on a treadmill. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305622. [PMID: 38875264 PMCID: PMC11178216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding how muscle activity changes with different surface grades during canter is essential for developing training protocols in Thoroughbreds because canter is their primary gait in training and races. We measured the spatiotemporal parameters and the activation of 12 surface muscles in the leading limb side of 7 Thoroughbreds. Horses were equipped with hoof strain gauges and cantered at 10 m/s on a treadmill set to grades of -4%, 0%, 4%, and 8%, randomly, for 30 seconds each without a lead change. Integrated electromyography (iEMG) values during stance and swing phases were calculated and normalized to mean iEMG values during stride duration at 0% grade in each muscle. The iEMG values at each grade were compared using a generalized mixed model. Stride duration significantly decreased due to shorter swing duration on an 8% grade (P < 0.001) compared to all other grades, where no significant changes were observed. Compared to a 0% grade, the normalized iEMG values during the stance phase on an 8% grade in five muscles significantly increased (Musculus infraspinatus; +9%, M. longissimus dorsi (LD); +4%, M. gluteus medius (GM); +29%, M. biceps femoris; +47%, M. flexor digitorum lateralis; +16%). During the swing phase, the normalized iEMG values in six muscles significantly increased on an 8% grade compared to a 0% grade (M. splenius; +21%, M. triceps brachii; +54%, LD; +37%, GM; +24%, M. semitendinosus; +51%, M. extensor digitorum longus; +10%). No significant changes were observed in iEMG values on -4% and 4% grades compared to the 0% grade. Although +/- 4% grades had little effect on neuromuscular responses, 8% uphill canter reduced stride duration due to decreased swing duration and required increase of muscle activation during either stance and swing phase. Canter on an 8% grade might strengthen equine muscles to increase propulsive force and stride frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Takahashi
- Sports Science Division, Division of Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takahashi
- Sports Science Division, Division of Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Mukai
- Sports Science Division, Division of Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yusaku Ebisuda
- Sports Science Division, Division of Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hajime Ohmura
- Sports Science Division, Division of Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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Wang X, Xu M. Effect of vitamin energy drinks on relieving exercise-induced fatigue in muscle group by ultrasonic bioimaging data analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285015. [PMID: 37363923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work was aimed to analyze the effect of vitamin energy drink on muscle fatigue by surface electromyography (SEMG) and ultrasonic bioimaging (USBI). METHODS 20 healthy men were selected to do increasing load fatigue test. Surface electromyographic signals and ultrasonic biological images were collected based on wavelet threshold function with improved thresholds. Time domain and frequency domain characteristic integrated electromyography (IEMG), root mean square amplitude (RMS), average power frequency (MPF), and surface and deep muscle morphological changes were analyzed. Hemoglobin concentration (HB), red blood cell number (RBC), mean volume of red blood cell (MCV), blood lactic acid (BLA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and phosphocreatine kinase (CK) were measured. RESULTS 1) the Accuracy (94.10%), Sensitivity (94.43%), Specificity (93.75%), and Precision (94.07%) of the long and short-term memory (LSTM) specificity for muscle fatigue recognition were higher than those of other models. 2) Compared with the control group, the levels of BLA, MDA, and CK in the experimental group were decreased and HB levels were increased after exercise (P < 0.05). 3) IEMG and RMS of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group, and increased with time (P < 0.05). 4) The mean amplitude of the response signal decreased with time. Compared with the control group, the surface muscle thickness, deep muscle thickness, total muscle thickness, contrast, and homogeneity (HOM) decreased in the experimental group; while the angular second moment (ASM) and contrast increased, showing great differences (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Surface electromyographic signal and ultrasonic biological image can be used as auxiliary monitoring techniques for muscle fatigue during exercise. Drinking vitamin energy drinks before exercise can relieve physical fatigue to a certain extent and promote the maintenance of muscle microstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xindi Wang
- School of Aerospace, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- China Basketball College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Mengtao Xu
- China Basketball College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, Beijing, China
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Takahashi Y, Takahashi T, Mukai K, Ebisuda Y, Ohmura H. Effect of speed and leading or trailing limbs on surface muscle activities during canter in Thoroughbred horses. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286409. [PMID: 37235556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Given that Thoroughbred horses' canter is an asymmetric gait, not only speed but also leading or trailing limbs could affect muscle activities. However, the muscle activity during a canter remains poorly understood. Hence, we aimed to investigate speed and lead-side (leading or trailing) effects on surface electromyography (sEMG) during a canter. The sEMG data were recorded from left Musculus brachiocephalicus (Br), M. infraspinatus (Inf), long head of M. triceps brachii (TB), M. gluteus medius (GM), M. semitendinosus (ST), and M. flexor digitorum longus of seven Thoroughbreds with hoof-strain gauges at the left hooves. Horses cantered on a flat treadmill at 7, 10, and 13 m/s for 25 s each without lead change. Subsequently, the horses trotted for 3 min and cantered at the same speed and duration in the opposite lead side ("leading" at the left lead and "trailing" at the right lead). The order of the lead side and speed was randomized. The mean of 10 consecutive stride durations, duty factors, integrated-EMG values (iEMG) for a stride, and muscle onset and offset timing were compared using a generalized mixed model (P < 0.05). Stride durations and duty factors significantly decreased with speed regardless of the lead side. In all muscles, iEMG at 13 m/s significantly increased compared with 7 m/s (ranging from +15% to +134%). The lead-side effect was noted in the iEMG of Br (leading > trailing, +47%), Inf (leading > trailing, +19%), GM (leading < trailing, +20%), and ST (leading < trailing, +19%). In TB, GM, and ST, muscle onset in trailing was earlier than the leading, while offset in the leading was earlier in Br. In conclusion, different muscles have different responses to speed and lead side; thus, both the lead side and running speed should be considered during training and/or rehabilitation including canter or gallop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Takahashi
- Sports Science Division of Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takahashi
- Sports Science Division of Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Mukai
- Sports Science Division of Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yusaku Ebisuda
- Sports Science Division of Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hajime Ohmura
- Sports Science Division of Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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Pasquiet B, Biau S, Trébot Q, Debril JF, Durand F, Fradet L. Detection of Horse Locomotion Modifications Due to Training with Inertial Measurement Units: A Proof-of-Concept. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:4981. [PMID: 35808476 PMCID: PMC9269723 DOI: 10.3390/s22134981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Detecting fatigue during training sessions would help riders and trainers to optimize their training. It has been shown that fatigue could affect movement patterns. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are wearable sensors that measure linear accelerations and angular velocities, and can also provide orientation estimates. These sensors offer the possibility of a non-invasive and continuous monitoring of locomotion during training sessions. However, the indicators extracted from IMUs and their ability to show these locomotion changes are not known. The present study aims at defining which kinematic variables and indicators could highlight locomotion changes during a training session expected to be particularly demanding for the horses. Heart rate and lactatemia were measured to attest for the horse’s fatigue following the training session. Indicators derived from acceleration, angular velocities, and orientation estimates obtained from nine IMUs placed on 10 high-level dressage horses were compared before and after a training session using a non-parametric Wilcoxon paired test. These indicators were correlation coefficients (CC) and root mean square deviations (RMSD) comparing gait cycle kinematics measured before and after the training session and also movement smoothness estimates (SPARC, LDLJ). Heart rate and lactatemia measures did not attest to a significant physiological fatigue. However, the statistics show an effect of the training session (p < 0.05) on many CC and RMSD computed on the kinematic variables, indicating a change in the locomotion with the training session as well as on SPARCs indicators (p < 0.05), and revealing here a change in the movement smoothness both in canter and trot. IMUs seem then to be able to track locomotion pattern modifications due to training. Future research should be conducted to be able to fully attribute the modifications of these indicators to fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Pasquiet
- Plateau technique «Equitation et performance sportive», Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation, Avenue de l’École Nationale d’Équitation, 49411 Saumur, France;
| | - Sophie Biau
- Plateau technique «Equitation et performance sportive», Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation, Avenue de l’École Nationale d’Équitation, 49411 Saumur, France;
| | - Quentin Trébot
- Equipe Robotique, Biomécanique, Sport, Santé, Institut PPRIME, UPR3346 CNRS Université de Poitiers ENSMA, 86073 Poitiers, France; (Q.T.); (L.F.)
| | - Jean-François Debril
- Centre d’Analyse d’Image et Performance Sportive, CREPS de Poitiers, 86580 Vouneuil sous Biard, France; (J.-F.D.); (F.D.)
| | - François Durand
- Centre d’Analyse d’Image et Performance Sportive, CREPS de Poitiers, 86580 Vouneuil sous Biard, France; (J.-F.D.); (F.D.)
| | - Laetitia Fradet
- Equipe Robotique, Biomécanique, Sport, Santé, Institut PPRIME, UPR3346 CNRS Université de Poitiers ENSMA, 86073 Poitiers, France; (Q.T.); (L.F.)
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Lewczuk D, Maśko M. Symmetry and regularity of recreation horse during treadmill training. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Busse NI, Gonzalez ML, Krason ML, Johnson SE. β-Hydroxy β-methylbutyrate supplementation to adult Thoroughbred geldings increases type IIA fiber content in the gluteus medius. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6369571. [PMID: 34516615 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumption of β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) alters muscle composition and metabolism leading to strength and agility improvements in human athletes. To determine if HMB affects athletic performance and muscle function in horses, Thoroughbred geldings were fed a control (CON; n = 5) or HMB (n = 6) supplement for 6 wk prior to completing a standardized exercise test (SET). Gluteus medius (GM) muscle biopsies were obtained before the SET for fiber typing. Heart rate, biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) surface electromyograms (EMG), and fore and hind limbs metacarpophalangeal joint angles were captured at the gallop of the SET. Results demonstrate that HMB supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of type IIA and IIA/X muscle fibers in the GM with a corresponding decrease (P < 0.05) in type IIX fibers. The percentage of type I fibers was unaffected by diet. Supplementation with HMB did not result in any measurable effects on performance or biomechanical properties by comparison to CON. Supplementation with HMB resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in ST median frequency at speeds of 10 m/s and greater. Increasing treadmill speed resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in stride length and the maximal proximal forelimb fetlock angle, and a decrease (P < 0.05) in stance phase time of the gait cycle. Integrated EMG (iEMG) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing treadmill speeds for both the BF and ST with the BF exhibiting greater (P < 0.05) iEMG values than the ST. In summary, HMB increased the percentage of type IIA GM fibers, which did not translate into improved performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas I Busse
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Madison L Gonzalez
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Mackenzie L Krason
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Sally E Johnson
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Takahashi Y, Takahashi T, Mukai K, Ohmura H. Effects of Fatigue on Stride Parameters in Thoroughbred Racehorses During Races. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 101:103447. [PMID: 33993952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Exercise intensity during races is considerably high. To understand how Thoroughbreds adapt to fatigue conditions, stride parameters for the first and second lap of the race (2400-m, turf) were compared. A high-speed video system was set in a right lateral position about 20 m before the finishing post, with a field view width of about 16 m. The stride frequency, the length between each limb (hind step, diagonal step, fore step, and airborne step), and stride length were measured and analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. Compared with the first lap, the mean ± standard deviation values in the second lap for running speed (17.3 ± 1.3 to 16.0 ± 0.9 m/s, P < .01), stride frequency (2.34 ± 0.08 to 2.21 ± 0.09 strides/s, P < .01) and stride length (7.42 ± 0.52 to 7.25 ± 0.38 m, P = .04) significantly decreased. Furthermore, significant changes (P < .01) were observed in the diagonal step length (2.32 ± 0.34 to 1.88 ± 0.23 m), hind step (1.19 ± 0.09 to 1.26 ± 0.10 m) and airborne step length (2.43 ± 0.25 to 2.61 ± 0.18 m). When controlled for speed, stride frequency (P = .02) and diagonal step length (P < .01) decreased, while the length of the hind step (P < .01), fore step (P < .01), airborne step (P < .01), and stride (P = .02) increased with fatigue in the second lap. These results suggest that horses could not extend their body when fatigued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Takahashi
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan.
| | - Toshiyuki Takahashi
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Mukai
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hajime Ohmura
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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Takahashi Y, Mukai K, Ohmura H, Takahashi T. Do Muscle Activities of M. Splenius and M. Brachiocephalicus Decrease Because of Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Thoroughbred Horses? J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 86:102901. [PMID: 32067667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Muscle activities of the major hindlimb muscles have been reported to decrease with fatigue in horses. However, those in other muscles have been scarcely reported. We aimed to quantify fatigue-induced electromyographic changes in head and neck muscles and muscles around the shoulder joints in horses. Surface electromyographic recording of the splenius, brachiocephalicus, infraspinatus, and deltoid muscles was performed on a total of nine healthy Thoroughbred horses. Horses galloped on a treadmill inclined to 3% at a constant speed (12.7-14.6 m/second) to make them fatigued after approximately 5 minutes. They trotted at 3.5 m/second before and after this exercise. Stride frequency, integrated electromyographic values for a stride, and median frequency of the muscle discharge were calculated every 30 seconds. These parameters were compared at the start and end of the gallop exercise for the lead and trailing limbs and while trotting before and after the exercise using a paired t-test. The stride frequency significantly decreased at the end of the gallop (P < .001), whereas it did not change while trotting. Integrated electromyographic values of the splenius and brachiocephalicus muscles in both lead and trailing limbs at the gallop and those of both left and right sides at the trot significantly decreased with fatigue (P < .05), whereas those of infraspinatus and deltoid muscles did not change at either gallop or trot. No changes were observed in median frequency in any muscles with fatigue. These results suggest that splenius and brachiocephalicus muscle activities can be associated with stride frequency and speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Takahashi
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan.
| | - Kazutaka Mukai
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hajime Ohmura
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takahashi
- Sports Science Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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