The Effect of Long-term Exercise on Glucose Metabolism and Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity in Standardbred Horses.
From: The Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
- Publish Date: Aug 2006
- ISSN:
- Volume:
- Issue: 36
- Pages: 221-5
- Medium: Print
- Language: English
- Citation (JAMA): de Graaf-Roelfsema E, van Ginneken M E, van Breda E, et al. The Effect of Long-term Exercise on Glucose Metabolism and Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity in Standardbred Horses.. Equine Vet J Suppl Aug 2006;:221-5
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: To study the possible long-term effect of improved glucose tolerance in horses after long-term training, as the impact of exercise training on glucose metabolism is still unclear in the equine species. It is not known whether there is a direct long-term effect of training or if the measurable effect on glucose metabolism is the residual effect of the last exercise session. OBJECTIVES: To determine the chronic effect on glucose metabolism and peripheral insulin sensitivity of long-term training in horses by use of the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique. METHODS: Eleven Standardbred horses were acclimatised to running on the high-speed treadmill for 4 weeks (Phase 1) followed by training for 18 weeks with an alternating endurance (approximately 60% HRmax) high intensity training programme (approximately 80% HRmax) (Phase 2). Training frequency was 4 days/week. At the end of Phase 1, a euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp was performed 72 h after the last bout of exercise in all horses. At the end of Phase 2, the horses were clamped 24 h or 72 h after the last bout of exercise. RESULTS: Glucose metabolism rate did not change significantly after 18 weeks of training, measured 72 h after the last exercise bout (0.018 +/- 0.009 and 0.022 +/- 0.006 mmol/kg bwt/min, respectively). Peripheral insulin sensitivity also did not change significantly following training (7.6 +/- 5.7 x 10(-6) and 8.0 +/- 3.1 x 10(-6), respectively). The same measurements 24 h after the last bout of exercise showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that long-term training in Standardbreds neither changed glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity 72 h after the last bout of exercise. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The fact that the beneficial effect of increased insulin sensitivity after acute exercise diminishes quickly in horses and no long-term effects on insulin sensitivity after chronic exercise have as yet been found in horses, implies that exercise should be performed on a regular basis in horses to retain the beneficial effect of improved insulin sensitivity.
Mesh Headings (Keywords): Adaptation, Physiological, Animals, Blood Glucose, Exercise Test, Glucose Clamp Technique, Horses, Insulin, Male, Physical Conditioning, Animal, Physical Endurance, Running, Time Factors
Check for Full Text / PubMed Unique Identifier (PMID): 17402422
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