Effect of lunging exercise program with Pessoa training aid on cardiac physical conditioning predictors in adult horses

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect Pessoa training aid (PTA) exercise program exerts in some physical conditioning predictors. Eight detrained adult horses were evaluated 12 sessions work with PTA (3 per week). All used a heart rate monitor and GPS (V800, Polar Electro) data calculate energy expenditure (EE), net cost transport (COT), metabolic requirement (Pmet), oxygen pulse, utilization, variability (HRV). weighted, thoracolumbar shape measured at level 18th (T18), 13th (T13) 8th (T8) thoracic vertebrae flexible ruler before after experimental period. Data obtained weekly submitted ANOVA Tukey test (p≤0.05). just period paired t test. There decrease left-right asymmetry. In third week there an increase HR, EE, pulse utilization followed by fourth week. biomechanics related parameters, COT Pmet decreased HRV showed sympathetic stimulus shift parasympathetic We conclude that lunge contributed condition improvement.