摘要：We investigated the effect of training intensity difference on cardiorespiratory parameters in twelve 2 year-old Thoroughbred horses during 8 weeks of training (5 days/week). Six horses were trained according to conventional training method including cantering (Canter group), while other 6 horses were exercised only by walking and trotting throughout the same period (Trot group). Each horse performed an incremental exercise test on a treadmill before (Pre-test) and after (Post-test) the training period. In the Pre-test, there were no significant differences between the Canter group and the Trot group regarding Vo2max (154.7 ± 7.8 ml/kg/min in the Canter group, 147.2 ± 7.5 ml/kg/min in the Trot group). After the training period, Vo2max was significantly higher in the Canter group (165.0 ± 11.6 ml/kg/min) compared to the Trot Group (150.3 ± 14.7 ml/kg/min). There were no differences in either group regarding the relationship between HR and speed, or La and speed in the Pre-test. During the Post-test, changes in HR in relation to the speed tended to be lower in Canter group, and La was also slightly lower in this group. Peak values of PCV increased significantly in both groups after the training, however, there were no differences between the groups. These results suggest that even low intensity training such as trotting can maintain Vo2max. This indicates that higher intensity training involving cantering is not necessarily required merely to maintain cardiorespiratory function of 2 year-old Thoroughbred in early stage of training. However the findings also indicates that higher intensity training is required to substantially improve cardiorespiratory function in 2 year-old Thoroughbred horses.
