Jastrzębska Ewa, Górecka-Bruzda Aleksandra, Ogłuszka Magdalena, Lipka Maryla Sylwia, Pawłowska Aleksandra
Department of Horse Breeding and Riding, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
Department of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland.
Animals (Basel). 2025 Mar 11;15(6):789. doi: 10.3390/ani15060789.
This pilot study investigated the effects of massage therapy on stress indicators in recreational horses, focusing on salivary cortisol levels, heart rate and conflict behaviors. Five recreational horses were analyzed under two experimental conditions: without and with massage treatments before riding sessions. Saliva samples were collected at four specific intervals in each condition to measure cortisol concentrations using an ELISA test. Observations of behavioral indicators and heart-rate monitoring complemented the physiological data. The results revealed that massage significantly reduced cortisol levels in saliva, with decreases averaging 526.6 pg/mL and 321.8 pg/mL during key sampling intervals. Behavioral analysis showed a notable reduction in conflict behaviors such as tail swishing, which decreased from 121 occurrences to 85 after massage. Relaxation behaviors, including relaxed lower lip and half-closed eyes, were frequently observed during massage sessions, further confirming its calming effects. These findings demonstrate that massage effectively alleviated stress in horses, providing practical benefits for their well-being and usage in recreational activities. The study underscores the potential of incorporating massage therapy into routine equine care to promote relaxation and enhance animal welfare.
这项试点研究调查了按摩疗法对休闲用马匹应激指标的影响，重点关注唾液皮质醇水平、心率和冲突行为。在两种实验条件下对五匹休闲用马匹进行了分析：骑行前不进行按摩治疗和进行按摩治疗。在每种条件下的四个特定时间间隔采集唾液样本，使用酶联免疫吸附测定（ELISA）测试来测量皮质醇浓度。对行为指标的观察和心率监测补充了生理数据。结果显示，按摩显著降低了唾液中的皮质醇水平，在关键采样间隔期间平均降低了526.6 pg/mL和321.8 pg/mL。行为分析表明，诸如甩尾等冲突行为显著减少，按摩后从121次减少到85次。在按摩过程中经常观察到包括下唇放松和眼睛半闭在内的放松行为，进一步证实了其舒缓效果。这些发现表明，按摩有效地减轻了马匹的应激，对其健康和休闲活动中的使用具有实际益处。该研究强调了将按摩疗法纳入常规马匹护理以促进放松和提高动物福利的潜力。
