Kingston J K, Soppet G M, Rogers C W, Firth E C
Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Equine Vet J Suppl. 2006 Aug(36):106-9. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05523.x.
Training is an important variable for determining athletic success. Nonetheless, there has been minimal scientific evaluation of racehorse training programmes. Training of racehorses focuses on running the horses at certain speeds using a combination of a stopwatch and rider's 'feel' for a horse's work intensity. Consequently, actual work intensity for individual horses is not clearly defined.
To 1) utilise a combined global positioning system (GPS) and heart rate monitor system to quantify training intensity and physiological responses of a group of racehorses undergoing training and racing; and 2) compare the workload measured by the GPS to that timed and recorded daily by a racehorse trainer.
Nineteen racehorses age 3 years were followed through a traditional training and racing programme over a 4 month period. Daily GPS and heart rate data together with the trainer's timing and distance data were collected while the horses were trained. Data were analysed using an ANOVA for repeated measures.
The combined GPS/heart rate monitoring system detected different heart rate responses in individual horses subjected to the same training workouts. The average speeds detected with the GPS system were in agreement with average speeds timed by the trainer. However, peak speeds reached during training were significantly greater (P<0.05) than those estimated with stopwatch timing. The horses average training speeds increased significantly over the duration of the training period.
The results from this study show that a GPS/heart rate monitor system provides a reliable measure of daily workload in horses during training. This technology provides a detailed picture of horses' training sessions and has the potential to provide a greater insight into the types of training that may predispose horses to injury.
训练是决定竞技成功的一个重要变量。然而，对赛马训练计划的科学评估却极少。赛马训练主要依靠秒表和骑手对马匹工作强度的“感觉”相结合，让马匹以特定速度奔跑。因此，每匹马的实际工作强度并不明确。
1）利用全球定位系统（GPS）和心率监测系统相结合的方式，量化一组接受训练和比赛的赛马的训练强度和生理反应；2）将GPS测量的工作量与赛马训练师每天计时和记录的工作量进行比较。
19匹3岁赛马在4个月的时间里接受传统的训练和比赛计划。在马匹训练时，收集每日的GPS和心率数据以及训练师的计时和距离数据。采用重复测量方差分析对数据进行分析。
GPS/心率监测系统组合检测到，在相同训练强度下，不同马匹的心率反应不同。GPS系统检测到的平均速度与训练师计时的平均速度一致。然而，训练期间达到的最高速度显著高于（P<0.05）秒表计时的估计速度。在训练期间，马匹的平均训练速度显著提高。
本研究结果表明，GPS/心率监测系统能可靠地测量马匹训练期间的每日工作量。这项技术能详细呈现马匹的训练情况，有可能更深入地了解哪些训练类型可能使马匹易受伤。
