Adaptations of Racing Thoroughbreds to a Hypoxic Chamber: A Pilot Study

Hypoxic exposure results in physiological adaptions and enhanced human athletic performance. However, few reports exist regarding responses of horses to similar conditions. The goals this preliminary work were evaluate whether could be acclimated a hypoxic chamber (HC) monitor their Trial 1: Two 4-yr-old Thoroughbreds used establish protocols for adaptation the HC. Horses stalled HC 8 10 h/d while O2 concentrations decreased over 2 wk until 13.5% was achieved. On d 37, removed from shipped track 7 before reentering remainder 2-month study. Resting hemoglobin (Hb) measured on 0, 61 ranged 14.8 15.2 g/dL. 2: 2-yr-old maintained at 8.5 21 d, 5 then placed back h daily 31-d trial. conditioned treadmill or 6 d/wk. underwent standardized exercise test (SET) prior being initially SET repeated 31. Peak heart rate (HR) reached during exercise, HR 3 min post-exercise recorded. Hemoglobin immediately upon cessation exercise. There no difference (P=0.18), (P=0.64). Hb greater 31 compared 0 (P