Survival Analysis of Training Methodologies and Other Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injury in 2-Year-Old Thoroughbred Racehorses in Queensland, Australia

Development of a web-based tool to assess daily rating of perceived exertion in agility dogs

Objective

To develop a web-based tool for daily use by agility handlers to log rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for dogs as an aid in quantifying daily exercise and training load and to improve training and conditioning strategies.

Procedures

Focus group meetings with small groups of handlers were conducted via internet-based video conferencing using a semi-structured interview format. Meeting notes were coded for reflexive thematic analysis. The RPE logging tool was revised based on handler feedback. Each handler was asked to log their dog's daily RPE data for 1 week. Data were analyzed to assess compliance and timeliness of entries. Participants completed a post-logging questionnaire to provide feedback about their experiences.

Results

Eighteen agility dog handlers participated in all phases of the project. Handler and dog demographics were similar to previously reported demographics of agility participants in the United States. Reflexive thematic analysis of their comments related to the initial draft RPE logging tool yielded 3 initial themes, all of which supported a fourth and major theme: the need for specific and detailed training resources before agility handlers utilized the RPE tool. Of 18 handlers, 14 (78%) submitted logging records for the full week. Median time for data entry was 87 s (IQR = 56-117 s), and 92% of logging records were entered within 1 day of the events which were being recorded. In the follow-up questionnaire the handlers did not identify any major concerns. Based on all available data from the handlers, a final version of the RPE logging tool was produced.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Agility dog handlers are very interested in developing and validating tools to quantify training load for their dogs. The final RPE logging tool was quick and easy to use. Further validation of this logging tool is required with a larger number of handlers and comparison to physiologic data from exercising dogs.

Longitudinal Training and Workload Assessment in Young Friesian Stallions in Relation to Fitness: Part 1

Friesian stallions have to complete a 10-week studbook approval test (70-day test) consisting of dressage and driving training for acceptance as a breeding stallion. Training response of the horses to this approval program was evaluated. External workload (EW) of 16 stallions (3.2 ± 0.4 years old) was registered during the 9 weeks preceding the 70-day test (preparation period) and during 70-day test. Ridden indoor standardized exercise tests (SET), measuring heart rate (HR) and plasma lactate concentration (LA) at walk, trot and canter, were performed in week 1 (SET-I), 6 (SET-II) and 10 (SET-III) of the 70-day test. Linear mixed effect models were used to analyze HR and LA related to SETs and EW related to the phase of the study, using Akaike's information criterion for model reduction. EW was higher in the 70-day test compared to the preparation period, with longer duration of training sessions. Compared to SET-I, horses showed increased HR and LA after canter in SET-II and SET-III, indicating that they were more fatigued. The fact that the fitness of these Friesian stallions decreased during the 70-day test suggests overtraining. To optimize training effects and welfare of these horses, the workload of the training program needs to be adjusted.