Selected blood parameters during recovery from strenuous running exertion in trotters.

During training, in 10 trotters, blood samples from the vena jugularis were taken before and after a heat with 80% of maximum capability as well as in the recovery period. Lactic acid concentration and pH-value, haematocrit and haemoglobin content, as well as protein concentration and osmolality were measured. With the exception of protein concentration, the time course of the values during the recovery could be described by simple mathematical models (biexponential or exponential equations). Only in the case of blood lactate concentration, the basal value was not yet achieved 120 min after the end of exercise. In the case of the other examined parameters, the homeostasis was restored earlier. Therefore, it seems to be recommendable when performing tests with preliminary heats and finals on the same day to stick to a break of at least 2 h between two races.