The effect of the Protechmasta Infrared rug on the physiology of … · 2020-02-06 · The effect...

The effect of the Protechmasta Infrared rug on the physiology of the thoroughbred racehorse when applied pre and post exercise.

Sandie Chambers

1 | T h e e f f e c t o f P r o t e c h m a s t a I n f r a r e d R u g o n t h e p h y s i o l o g y o f t h e t h o r o u g h b r e d r a c e h o r s e w h e n a p p l i e d p r e a n d p o s t e x e r c i s e . 2017. S.D Chambers

Abstract:

Achieving optimal function in the thoroughbred racehorse requires the maintenance and management of its physical and mental wellbeing pre-race, during training, recovery and at rest. Racehorse trainers and owners aspire to have their horses at an optimal performance state throughout the horse's career to maximise longevity, performance success and equine well-being. Part of the process of optimising performance is the way horses are prepared for exercise and in the way their post-exercise recovery is managed. Two critical factors that a horse’s state of optimal function requires is its heart rate and its thermoregulation (core body and muscle temperature). If these factors are outside of established key parameters then health and performance will be adversely affected. This can include heat stress, dehydration, tying up, poor post performance recovery, behaviour issues, and the potential for injury. (Parameters are explained in paragraph 4 and 5 of the introduction)

Horse rugs have always been used in this process and with the advent of new material technologies it is possible to use highly advanced materials to enhance the preparation and recovery of the horse. One such rug innovation is the Protechmasta IR rug. This study was designed to assess the impact on the horse’s heart rate and thermoregulation of temperature during the pre-exercise and recovery stages. The aim was to investigate whether the Protechmasta IR rug helped the horse to achieve an optimal pre-exercise state and facilitated a quicker heart-rate and temperature recovery back to resting levels.

The influence of using the Protechmasta IR rug before and post-exercise was tested on seven 2-year-old in-training thoroughbred racehorses, based at a professional racing yard in Newmarket. A control group of horses using normal stable rugs and no rugs provided a sample group of results to compare the Protechmasta IR rug to. The study was conducted over a total of four days during their normal training routines. The horses were split into two groups, Group A (using Protechmasta IR rugs) and Group B (with normal stable rugs and with no rugs). The 2 groups were tested at the same times and under the same conditions. Heart rates were measured with a FT1 healthcheck Polar heart rate monitor to measure the heart rates of the horses at rest, immediately post exercise and during the recovery phase. A Flir T620 35mk camera was used to capture thermograms of 8 anatomical sites to establish the effects of the Protechmasta IR rug on thermoregulation of the body surface temperature pre and post exercise. This was performed to compare the Protechmasta IR Rug with normal stable rugs or no rug, to establish if the Protechmasta IR rug is more efficient at creating optimal state at rest, pre-exercise and post exercise. An overall improvement of 27% was achieved in resting heart rate BPM by the horses in Group A who all wore the Protechmasta IR rug, compared to Group B. The horses’ wearing no rugs or stable rugs in Group B, did not reach optimum state at any point throughout the study. The results of the study show that the Protechmasta IR rugs had a positive stabilising effect on heart rates prior to exercise of between 18% and 10% in comparison to having normal rugs applied or no rug. The results also demonstrated that the Protechmasta IR rug expedited a return to a lower resting heart rate after exercise at stage 6 (15% improvement) and stage 7 (10% improvement) when compared to having no rug or normal stable rugs. The horse's thermoregulation also regulated more efficiently when using the Protechmasta IR rug compared to their everyday stable rugs or no rugs at all. These results favourably support the use of the Protechmasta IR rug for the preparation and recovery of race horses in order to achieve optimal pre-performance heart rates and optimal recovery heart rates. Achieving this will positively enhances the horse's longevity, increase and maintain optimal function and performance success.


Sandie Chambers


Introduction

Longevity is of economic importance in the thoroughbred racing industry. The risk factors of horses getting injured are high. Knowledge of factors and applications that influence longevity is crucial for optimisation of training and recovery. A challenge for racehorse trainers is to maintain a healthy equanimity for the racehorses during training, performance, recovery and at rest. Racehorses need a quick and effective recovery from exercise and competition to achieve optimum function, and racehorse trainers want the horses in their care to maintain peak performance always. The quicker exercise and race recovery can be achieved then performance can be optimised and the risk of injury reduced.

According to a collaborative study recently undertaken by the Veterinary Regulation and International Liaison Department of the Vet Clinic Services at the Hong Kong Jockey club and the Clinical Veterinary Faculty of the Liverpool Vet School, the cumulative musculoskeletal stress of training and racing are considered a significant risk factor for injury and stress-related conditions of the racehorse, resulting in poor performance and short career longevity. One of the variables highlighted in the study was pre-race and post-race preparation and recovery was a major influencing factor in the potential for injury and poor performance. [Dr K Lam. Study of Factors Affecting Racehorse Performance. Past and Future Vision of Veterinary research.2013]

Several studies have been undertaken with the aim of reducing the risk of injuries in the racehorse. An important area that this has highlighted as being of benefit to longevity is race recovery. Research on race recovery, highlights and recognises the importance of post-race treatment on quickly relieving muscle fatigue, stress and cardiac function the long-term effects of ultimate performance longevity. [Dr K Liam. Study of Factors Affecting Racehorse Performance. 2013].

In a calm resting horse, heart rates range from approximately 20 to 40 beats per minute. During exercise at

maximal speeds, maximal heart rates are usually in the range of 210 -240 beats per minute [Dr A Davie. Scientific

Training of Thoroughbred horses.2003]. After exercise, heart rate decreases rapidly in the first minute and then

continues to decline at a slower rate. The equines ability for its heart rate to return to its resting rate depends

on many variables. Heart rates that remain >130bpm for 5-10 minutes after exercise could indicate a poor

recovery. [Dr D. Evans. Evans Science.2015]. This, could indicate that the horse is not fit enough or that the

horse may have clinical problems, such as lameness or simply muscle soreness. In the fit horse, heart rate should

return to approximately 100 to 110bpm within 1 to 1.5 minutes after exercise, the quicker the recovery back to

normal then the better for the equine. [Dr A Davie. Scientific Training of Thoroughbred horses.2003]

The blood flow below the skin surface is influenced by temperature receptors and will increase or decrease

metabolic activity responsible for effective muscle function and cellular activity. Initially, the temperature

receptors at the surface of the equines skin detect changes in the external temperature, they then pass

information to the processing centre in the brain, called the hypothalamus. This hypothalamus has temperature

receptors (nerve impulses) that detect changes in the temperature of the blood which is circulating initially at

the skin surface, and it will automatically trigger changes to the sweat glands and muscles (receptors) initiating

a response to ensure the equines body temperature remains constant at 37°C. Thus, ensuring equilibrium,

reducing heart rate increases from stress and optimising muscle and soft tissue extensibility and recovery as

well as calming effect on the horses’ cardiac responses.

The purpose of this study was to identify the positive benefits of using a Protechmasta IR rug before and immediately after exercise. The Protechmasta IR rug is designed to help facilitate effective preparation of the working muscles, prior to exercise and reduce pre-exercise stress. It is also designed to regulated temperature post performance as well as help to reduce heart rates quickly and safely back to pre-performance levels. We will investigate the response of the heart rate and thermoregulation from the Protechmasta IR rug application prior to exercise and assess if the Protechmasta IR rug can help expedite the restoration of the racehorses’ heart rate back to its resting rate quickly after exercise. We will also examine whether it helps to facilitate


Sandie Chambers


thermoregulation, returning the horse to pre-exercise conditions by regulating temperature and therefore preventing potential heat stress, dehydration and tying up from cooling down too quickly. The results will show the effects of the Protechmasta IR rug for optimisation of performance, reducing fatigue and increasing recovery rates for better overall performance and ultimately longevity of the Thoroughbred race horse.

Protechmasta Infrared Rug

This study investigates the effects of the Protechmasta Infrared (IR) rug when applied to racehorses for one-

hour pre-exercise and from 60 minutes to 90 minutes post-exercise. The Protechmasta IR Equine rug contains

a special ceramic powder (filaments) that is blended with the yarns of the lining fabric, these filaments are

impregnated with Far InfraRed (FIR) emitting nanoparticles designed to deliver thermal radiation effects. The

rug’s air mesh fabric is designed to take away moisture and to regulate temperature by circulating warm air

around the horse at a constant rate and in keeping with the equines present temperature and environmental

temperature. [Masta 2017}

Far Infrared (FIR)

Far infrared (FIR) radiation (λ = 3–100 μm) is a subdivision of the electromagnetic spectrum that has been

investigated for biological effects. [2. Vatansever F, PubMed]

FIR transfers energy purely in the form of heat which can be perceived by the thermoreceptors in the Equines

skin as radiant heat.

Not only is Far Infra-red (FIR) absorbed by the Equines body, the Equine body also emits FIR in the form of

black body radiation. FIR also can be described as biogenetic radiation. Its therapeutic effect is the result of

local hyperemia (excessive blood flow) and the positive heating impact which reduces muscle tension and,

favourably, pain perception (due to increase of endorphin secretion), immunological reactions, acceleration of

metabolism, and regulation of activity of autonomic nervous system in the aspect of controlling muscle

tension. At the cellular level, the mechanism of infrared radiation is based mainly on the interactions with

water molecules

An especially interesting part of IR is far infrared (FIR) which is alternatively called biogenetic radiation or

biogenetic rays. This is the part of the IR which has the pure heating effect on the human cells due to marked

sensitivity of our thermoreceptors. It penetrates up to 5 cm beneath the skin surface. [3. Michael R. Hamblin.

PubMed.]

Materials and Methods.

Preparation of horses and environment.

This study was performed at a prestigious racing yard in Newmarket, that was selected for its professional standards in training, successful race pedigree, exceptional equine care and organisation. The yard consists of 90, airy, but well insulated stone and wooden stables allowing for a controlled environment and minimising external artefacts such as wind, sunlight and distraction from other elements. All the horses were scanned in their own familiar boxes, this was to ensure that the horses were relaxed and familiar with their environments and to minimise the potential for stress related heart rate increases. Eight, 2-year-old race horses with no known abnormalities on physical examination of the neck, shoulders,

barrel and hindquarters were used. Horses in this study were all close in competition level, height, and weight.

All horses are ridden by their own rider and have the same daily routine. All Horses for this study were housed

in 14' x 12' boxes on the same yard and cared for by the same grooms. All horses had very short coats. The


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horses were not exercised for 24 hours before stage 1, 2 and 3 this was to ensure no artefacts from rider &

equipment, wind, sunlight, mud, water, sweat, and to prevent conduction, convection and solar radiation from

exercise and environment were present.

The ambient temperatures during this study were recorded and stayed constant at 14 degrees Celsius. All

horses wore two, 2 togg stable rugs overnight. These overnight rugs were removed 60 minutes prior to scanning

for stages 1, 2 and 3. As the horses all had very short coats and the ambient temperature at 14 degrees, 60

minutes was what was required to bring their superficial skin temperature to normal and to prevent excessive

cooling. The horses were split into two groups at stage 4 to 7 Group A wore the protechmasta IR rug and Group

B were without a rug up to stage 6 and had their normal stable rugs applied during stage 7.

Rugs:

7 Size 6.3 Protechmasta rugs were used in this study.

Handling during research:

A designated handler restrained the horses with a halter and rope during each stage of image capture and heart

rate readings. During stages 2, 3, 6 and 7 the horses were tied up in their stables.

Equipment used.

Research was conducted using thermal imaging cameras to discern the rugs ability to induce physiological

changes in horses and to ascertain the thermal effects of the Protechmasta rug, as a pre- and post-exercise

therapy. The wavelength of the FIR is too long for human eyes therefore an Infrared camera’s special filters will

allow us to visualise the Infrared radiation and to measure it.

Also used was the Equine FT1 Polar Health Check monitor to ascertain the horse heart rate (BPM) of the equine

pre and post, all five stages of the study.

• Equipment that was used included one Flir T620 (480 x 620) 18Hz IR, 35 MK camera.

• Polar Equine FT1 health check heart rate monitors.

• The infrared scan analysis was performed in the Flir Tools Plus and Researcher software, allowing the

measurement of minimum, maximal and average temperature readings of each selected region of the

equine. (see Table 1.0)

• The final temperature data was transferred to an excel sheet created to calculate the MEAN

temperatures within each single scan at the different stages of analysis.

Image capture:

An experienced and certified Equine thermographer was used to capture all scans for all horses and at all stage

of this study.

Anatomical Regions scanned:

Left Neck Left lateral Shoulder Left Lateral Barrel Left lateral Hindquarter

Right Neck Right lateral shoulder Right Lateral Barrel Right Lateral hindquarter


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Table 1.0 Images of anatomical regions scanned with a thermal Imaging camera for Stages 1 to 5.

Extrinsic factors:

Emissivity = 0.98 Ambient temperature = 14ºC Relative humidity = 50% Distance from target = 2 meters Reflective temperature = 20 ºC

Protechmasta rug In Situ. When the Protechmasta IR rug is in place, the lining fabric is positioned over regions of the neck, chest,

shoulders, dorsal spine, including cervical, lumbar and Sacro-Iliac region, hindquarters lateral and cranial. The

resting baseline temperatures of both rug and horse were recorded prior to application and post application.

Heart rate testing.

Heart rates were measured using a T31 Transmitter with a handle bar, (See Image 1.0) this transmitter sends

the ECG accurate heart rate signal to the training computer (see Image 2.0). The FT1 training computer displays

the heart rate for visualisation. The measurements were then transferred to the computer and converted into

a chart for easy visualisation and comparison. (see Table 2.0)


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Table: 2.0

Images 1.0 and 2.0

The study. The study was divided into seven stages;

Stage 1: Initial heart rate measurements taken of all horses immediately post removal of 2 x 2 tog stable rugs,

to establish an understanding of their heart rate responses while wearing their normal every day rugs.

Stage 2. Baselines of the normal resting heart rates of all horse were assessed and the baseline of the horse’s

normal skin temperatures at 8 anatomical sites were captured.

Stage 3. Secondary baseline analysis of heart rates and skin temperature.

Stage 4. Horses split into Group A (with Protechmasta IR Rug) and Group B (with no Rug). In preparation for the

comparative stages of the study, pre-exercise baselines of the Protechmasta IR rug application compared to no

rug were taken after 60 minutes and heart rates measured.

Stage 5. Post exercise checks.

Stage 6. 60-minute post exercise analysis of the effects of the Protechmasta IR rug application compared to no

rug, on the skin temperature and heart rates.

Stage 7. 90-minute post exercise heart rate and skin temperature analysis of the effects of the Protechmasta

IR rug application compared to a normal stable being applied for the final 30 minutes.


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Methodology

Stage One.

Day 1. Unfortunately, one horse was withdrawn at stage 3. from this study due to race commitments, we have

therefore omitted their measurements from all stages. All 7 remaining horses had their heart rates taken, with

the Polar Equine FT1 health check heart rate monitor, at rest at 5am immediately post stable rug removal, to

establish what their heart rate readings were immediately after the removal of their normal every day stable

rugs. [see Table 3.0] [see Graph 1.0]. Post removal of rugs it was decided not to scan the horses, this was

because all horses showed evidence of excessive sweating. Sweat acts as an insulator therefore creating

artefacts and false readings.

Table 3.0

HEART RATES Quarrat Storm Jazz Mutababy Canimar Melodies Alahram Greek Harbour

Stage 1 67 72 67 72 81 64 72

Graph 1.0

No IR scans taken at stage 1 due to excessive sweating post rug removal

6772

6772

81

6472

0102030405060708090

Quarrat IR Rug Storm Jazz IRRug

Mutababy IRRug

Canimar IR Rug Melodies NoRug

Alahram NoRug

Greek HarbourNo Rug

Be

ats

pe

r m

inu

te

Horses

Stage 1. Heart rates Immediately post stable rug removal.


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Stage Two. Day 2. All seven horses had their stable rugs removed in 5-minute increments between each other, for a 60-

minute duration. At the 60-minute point their heart rates were measured with the Polar Equine FT1 health

check heart rate monitor and recorded [see Table 4.0] [see Graph 2.0]. On completion of heart rate

measurements, thermograms were taken at eight anatomical regions with the Infrared camera. [see Table 5.0]

These measurements were recorded onto an excel sheet for comparison. [see Column 1.0]

The purpose of Stage 2 was to establish the horses normal baseline resting heart rates and establish baseline skin temperatures prior to rug application.

Table 4.0


Stage 2 46 49 49 49 47 48 48

Graph 2.0

IR Thermogram results stage 2 Table 5.0.

Stage 2. IR HIGH Temp LOW Temp Average temp

Quarrat 32 25 30

Melodies 32 28 31

Alahram 32 27 30

Storm Jazz 34 29 32

Mutababy 33 29 32

Greek H 32 27 30

Canimar 33 Mean 28 Mean 27 Mean

33 28 30

46

49 49 49

4748 48

44

46

48

50

Quarrat Storm Jazz Mutababy Canimar Melodies Alahram Greek HarbourBea

ts p

er m

inu

te

Horses

Stage 2. Baseline HR's at Rest 1


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Column 1.0

30

32 32

27

31

30 30

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

Quarrat Storm Jazz Muababy Canimar Melodies Alahram Greek H

Tem

per

atu

res

Horse Names

Stage 2. Baseline MEAN Average Temp's of individual horses.


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Stage Three.

Stage three is a repeat of stage two. [See stage two]

The purpose of stage 3 was to establish reliability that the first resting HR measurements in stage two

were consistent and reliable [see Table 4.0] with stage 3 [see Table 6.0] [see Graph 3.0] and not

influenced by external factors such as stress. The horses were also scanned with the thermal camera

as per stage 2. [see Table 7.0] [see Column 2.0]

Table 6.0


Stage 3 47 49 49 48 49 48 49

Graph 3.0

IR Thermogram results stage 3 Table 7.0

Stage 3 IR Highest temp Lowest temp Average temp

Quarrat 31 27 31

Melodies 31 29 31

Alahram 31 27 31

Storm Jazz 33 30 33

Mutababy 32 30 32

Greek H 30 28 30


31 29 31

47

49 49

48

49

48

49

46

46.5

47

47.5

48

48.5

49

49.5

Quarrat Storm Jazz Mutababy Canimar Melodies Alahram Greek Harbour

Bea

ts p

er m

inu

te

Horses

Stage 3. Baseline HR's at Rest 2


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Column 2.0

31

33

32 32

31 31

30

28.5

29

29.5

30

30.5

31

31.5

32

32.5

33

33.5


Tem

per

atu

res

Horses

Stage 3. Second day baselines. MEAN AVERAGE Temps of all individual horses


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Stage Four

Exercise day consists of Stage 4, 5, 6, 7.

This stage of the study required the 7 horses to be split into two groups. One group of 4 (Group A) and one group of three (Group B). All horses during this stage had their stable rugs removed for 45 minutes to ensure consistency with resting HR’s and baseline thermal activity. At the 45-minute stage Group A had the Protechmasta rug applied for one hour and Group B continued to have no rug applied for the same duration. After the one-hour of the Protechmasta rug application heart rates in Group A were measured [see Table 8.0] and thermal scans taken. [see Table 9.0] Likewise, heart rates in Group B were measured [see Graph 4.0] and thermal scans taken after the one-hour period without a rug application and exposed to ambient temperatures. [see Column 3.0] (Ambient temperatures stayed constant at 14 degrees)

The aim of this stage of the study was to establish the effects of the Protechmasta rug application on

heart rate and thermal activity of Group A and compare those readings with no rug application over

the same period of Group B.

Table 8.0

Graph 4.0


Stage 4 39 44 44 42 49 49 49

Group A Protechmast IR Rug Applied Group B No Rug

3944 44 42

49 49 49

0

10

20

30

40

50

60


Bea

ts p

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inu

te

Horses

Stage 4. IR rug applied to Group A before Exercise and no rug applied to Group B before exercise


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IR Thermogram results Stage 4 Table 9.0

Stage 4 IR Highest temp Lowest temp Average temp

Quarrat 32 29 32

Melodies 32 29 29

Alahram 30 27 30

Storm Jazz 33 32 33

Mutababy 34 32 34

Greek H 30 28 28


32 30 32

Column 3.0

32

33 34 33

29

30

28

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

Quarrat Storm Jazz Mutababy Canimar Melodies Alahram Greek H

Bea

ts p

er m

inu

te

Horses

Stage 4. Group A IR rug applied Group B no rug applied. MEANAverage temp recorded of each horse.


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Stage Five

Immediately after stage 4 all horses were taken out on exercise. This consisted of the following: 3 laps of walk,

3 laps of trot, 4 x Furlongs in canter, then a walk back to the yard. The horses were brought immediately to the

vet’s box, tack removed and heart rates [see Table 10.0] [see Graph 5.0] were immediately measured and IR

scans performed as per the standardised sequence. [see Table 11.0] [see Column 4.0]

Immediately after the measurements, Group A had the Protechmasta IR rug applied and Group B remained

without rugs.

The aim of this stage was to establish the effects of exercise on the heart rate and thermal activity of Group A

and Group B.

Table 10.0

Graph 5.0

IR Thermogram Results Stage 5.

Table 11.0

Stage 5 Highest temp Lowest temp

Average temp

Quarrat 37 33 36

Melodies 35 29 32

Alahram 36 30 33

Storm Jazz 36 32 34

Mutababy 32 29 33

Greek H 35 29 32


35 30 33


Stage 5 59 86 58 77 66 61 60


59

86

58

7766 61 60

0

20

40

60

80

100


Bea

ts p

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inu

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Horses

Stage 5 Heart rates Immediate Post Exercise


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Column 4.

36

34

33 33

32

33

32

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

Quarrat Storm Jazz Mutababy Canimar Melodies Alahram Greek HAve

rage

Tem

per

atu

re r

eco

rdin

gs

Horse Names

Stage 5. IR Scans MEAN AVERAGE recordings immediatly post exercise for each individual horse.


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Stage Six

Immediately after stage 5, Group A had the Protechmasta IR rug applied for 60 minutes and Group B remained

without rugs for 6o minutes. Immediately after the 6o minutes, both Group A and Group B had heart rates taken

[see Table 12] [see Graph 6.0] and thermal scans captured. [See Table 13] [see Column 5.0]

The aim of stage 6 of the study was to establish the effects of the Protechmasta rug application, 60

minutes after exercise, on the recovery heart rates and thermal activity of Group A and compare those

readings with the recovery heart rates and thermal activity of Group B who had no rug applied over

the same period as Group A.

Table 12

Graph 6.0

Table 13. IR Thermogram Results Stage 6.

Stage 6 Highest temp

Lowest temp Average temp

Quarrat 34 31 33

Melodies 33 26 28

Alahram 33 27 30

Storm Jazz 35 32 33

Mutababy 35 32 33

Greek H 31 27 28


236 34 206 29 218 31


Stage 6 39 44 39 42 51 44 46


3944

3942

51

44 46

0

10

20

30

40

50

60


Bea

ts p

er m

inu

te

Horses

Stage 6. Heart rates taken after 60 minutes post exercise. With Group A IR rugs on & Group B no Rugs applied


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Column 5.0

Stage 7

After the measurements at stage 6, Group A continued to wear the Protechmasta Rug for a further 30 minutes

and Group B had their stable rugs applied for 30 minutes. At the end of the 30 minutes only heart rates were

taken to measure the effects on heart rate from having a normal stable rug re-applied and compared to the

effects on heart rate from the Protechmasta IR Rug. [see Table 13.0] [see graph 7.0]

Table13.0

Graph 7.0

There were no infrared scans taken at stage 7, because the horses with the stable rugs had started to

sweat. Sweat acts as an insulator therefore gives false readings.

33 33 33 33

28

30

28

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

Quarrat Storm Jazz Mutababy Canimar Melodies Alahram Greek H

Stage 6. Group A IR rug applied Group B no rug applied.MEAN Average temp recorded for each horse


Stage 7 34 39 33 34 46 46 45


3439

33 34

46 46 45

0

10

20

30

40

50


Bea

ts p

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Names

Stage 7. 90 minutes post exerciseGroup A with IR Rug Group B with Stable Rug


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Storage:

The thermograms were stored on a high-resolution SD card and transferred to a researcher’s laptop for post-

imaging processing and evaluation. Flir Tools analytical software was used to analyse each scan. Each

thermograms level and span was changed to 19 and 40 to ensure standardisation of the qualitative analysis of

each thermogram. Effective mean average anatomical surface temperature (MAST) for the targeted anatomical

region was calculated from an approximately 3000-pixel area (each pixel contains an individual temperature).

The areas selected were the regions of the left & right neck, left and right shoulder, left and right barrel and left

and right hindquarters.

Image 1. Flir Tools analysis software used to measure high, Low and average temperatures of each scan.

Image 2. Level and span values 19 – 40 (Circled) and the target area measured in this case the right barrel

(arrowed)


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The analytical software utilises the MEAN temperature of the pixels, composing the targeted area within each

image to determine the surface temperature of each anatomical region. Effective mean average temperature

for these anatomical regions was calculated to allow comparison of changes in MAST, as affected by each stage

of application for each horse.

Regional surface temperature changes of each anatomical region in relation to each stage of analysis were

noted and recorded. The MEAN temperature of all the 8 scans images at each stage were compared to the

mean values of the 8 scans of all horses in Group A and Group B from all stage 2 to 6.

Statistical Analysis.

Stage 2 to 6 results reflect the mean average surface temperature (MAST) of 8 replicated thermal images, at

each stage of each horse’s selected anatomical regions and according to each groups application. Each groups

application was initially considered a separate application for the purposes of analysis. The mean values of the

8 scans taken of each horse at each stage were calculated and recorded. The final mean values from each stage

and for each horse, were then compared to each other to acquire the final mean values and results of the

research. We have compared all stages of capture for each horses MAST.

Data analysis was completed by using a the Flir Tools analysis software that captured the high, low and average

temperature of the anatomical regions measured in this research. Excel electronic software was used to store

and calculate this data from the Thermograms and tables were used to plot and evaluate the data and achieve

significance of the results.


Sandie Chambers


Study Results.

Heart Rate results of Stage 1, 2 and 3.

Heart rate measurements are based on beats per minute. (BPM)

Stage 1.

At stage one all the horses heart rates were found to be higher than would normally be expected for horses at

rest. [DR A.J. Davie. Scientific Training of thoroughbred horses. Nor Repro. 2003}. In four of the horses we saw

the resting heart rates after the stable rugs removal were higher than the post- exercise stage (from 64bpm up

to 81bpm). On removal of the stable rugs all the horses were visibly sweating. Due to the horses being at rest

and in their normal stables, wearing two stable rugs, it would therefore suggest that the high heart rates were

a result of overheating from the stable rugs and their inability to thermoregulate effectively [Hinchcliffe et al.

Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery. Saunders, 2nd edition. Pg.902/902. 2014].

There were no thermograms captured at this stage due to the excessive sweating. Sweat acts as an

insulator therefore create false readings.

Stage 2 and stage 3.

To achieve reliable baseline heart rates at rest, the horses heart rates were measure over two days, 60 minutes

after the removal of their normal stable rugs. They remained in their regular stables and the heart rates were

measured at the same time of day and under the same conditions. Heart rates of all horses ranged between 46

and 49bpm and were consistent on both days, therefore were reliable and considered to be within their own

personal norms. However, these were also considered to be slightly higher than that expected for normal heart

rates which range between 20 and 40bpm in the trained racehorse. [DR A.J. Davie. Scientific Training of

thoroughbred horses. Nor Repro. 2003].

Heart Rate results of Stage 4 & 5

Stage 4

• Group A. Protechmasta rugs applied for one hour prior to exercise

• Group B. NO rug applied for the same duration prior to exercise.

Heart readings were taken from all horses in Group A and Group B after a 60-minute period.

The heart rates of all four horses in Group A wearing the Protechmasta IR rug decreased between 5 and 8 beats

per minute compared to their resting heart rates in stages 2 and 3.

Two of the horse’s heart rates in Group B wearing no rug, stayed at the baseline level from stage 3 and one of

the horse’s heart rates increased by 1 bpm.


Sandie Chambers


Stage 5.

All horses heart rates in both Group A and Group B increased consistently with having done submaximal

exercise. (See Stage 5 study notes). Although, all horses were working at a similar level their working heart rates

will vary according to output. All horses at this stage had their heart rates measured on return to the yard

following the walk from the tracks. This stage was undertaken to allow us to measure the recovery of heart

rates of Group A and Group B in stage 6 and stage 7 after the exercise stage.

Heart Rate results for stages 6 and 7.

Stage 6.

• Group A. Protechmasta rugs applied for 60 minutes post exercise.

• Group B. NO rug applied for 60 minutes post exercise.

All the horses in Group A saw their heart rates return to the same or slightly lower heart rate than in the pre-

exercise stage (Stage 4.) The percentage drop in BPM from the exercise stage (stage 5) to the recovery stage

(Stage 6) is higher in Group A than in Group B with an average decrease of 39.5% BPM.

All the horses in Group B saw their heart rates decrease from their exercise stage by an average of 23.5%.

The results indicate that Group A wearing the Protechmasta IR rug, had an average of 15% extra decrease in

recovery heart rate in the 60 minutes post exercise, then Group B, the non-IR rug group.

Stage 7.

• Group A. Protechmasta rug continued to be applied for a further 30 minutes (90 minutes in total post

exercise).

• Group B. Stable Rug applied at the 60-minute stage post exercise for 30 minutes (90 minutes in total post

exercise).

All horses in Group A saw a further average decrease of 14.25% in recovery heart rates during this stage.

Two of the horses in Group B saw further heart rate reductions of an average of 5.5% and one saw an increase

in heart rate of 4.5%. This resulted in a total average further reduction in recovery heart rates of 3.65% for the

non-IR rug group.

The results indicate that Group A, wearing the Protechmasta IR rug, had a further recovery heart rate reduction

of 10.5% above the horses Group B who were wearing stable rugs.

Resting heart rate overall comparisons;

The overall results from stages 2 & 3 (stable resting heart rates) to stage 7 (90-minute post exercise heart rate)

indicate that Group A, wearing the Protechmasta IR Rug, had an average improvement in recovery heart rate

(BPM) of 27.4%. This compared with an average decrease of only 5.1% for Group B who did not use the

Protechmasta IR rug. Therefore, the Protechmasta IR rug had an average of 22.3% improvement on reducing

heart rate BPM compared to wearing no rug or a normal stable rug.


Sandie Chambers


Protechmasta IR Thermogram Results.

Results of Stage 2 and stage 3

Horses were without their normal stable rugs at rest in their stable for 60 minutes to establish baseline

MASTs.

Stage 2 & 3 were performed to establish an accurate baseline MAST (mean average surface temperature) of 8

anatomical regions of the horses at a cutaneous level while at rest. This is to allow a comparison of the results

of the MAST of the same regions on each horse in Group A (Protechmasta IR Rug applied) and Group B (no rug

applied) with stages 4, 5 and 6. [see Table 14.0 for stage 2] [see table 15.0 for stage 3]

During Baseline 1 - Stage 2 the MAST across all seven horses was established to be between 27⁰ and 32⁰

During Baseline 2 - Stage 3 the MAST across all seven horses was established to be between 30⁰ and 33⁰

Table 14.0

Stage 2. HIGH Temp LOW Temp Average temp

Quarrat 32 25 30

Melodies 32 28 31

Alahram 32 27 30

Storm Jazz 34 29 32

Mutababy 33 29 32

Greek H 32 27 30


228 33 193 28 212 30

Table 15.0


Quarrat 33 27 31

Melodies 33 29 31

Alahram 33 27 31

Storm Jazz 36 30 33

Mutababy 34 30 32

Greek H 32 28 30


236 34 201 29 220 31


Sandie Chambers


Results of Stage 4.

Group A. Had the Protechmasta rug applied for 60 minutes

Group B. Had NO rug applied for 60 minutes.

Table 16.0


Quarrat 34 30 32

Melodies 32 27 29

Alahram 33 28 30

Storm Jazz 35 32 33

Mutababy 35 32 34

Greek H 31 26 28


234 33 206 29 219 31

At the post 60-minute stage Thermograms were taken of all horses in Group A and Group B. [see Table 16.0]

• For all the horses in Group A wearing the Protechmasta IR rug, the MASTs regulated between 32⁰ and

34⁰ compared to a MAST of Group A of between 27⁰ and 30⁰ in stage 2, and the MAST of Group A

between 31⁰ and 33⁰ in stage 3.

• For the horses in Group B wearing no rug, the MASTs continued to fluctuate from 28⁰ to 30⁰ and

decreased between 2 and 4 degrees compared to stages 1 and 2. [see Table 16.0]

The results at stage 4 indicate that the MASTs of Group A, wearing the Protechmasta IR rug all regulated

whereas the MASTs of Group B maintained inconsistent variances.


Sandie Chambers


Results of Stage 5

Exercise Stage.

Table 17.0

Stage 5 HIGH Temp

LOW Temp

Average temp

Quarrat 37

33

36

Melodies 35

29

32

Alahram 36

30

33

Storm Jazz 36

32

34

Mutababy 32

29

33

Greek H 35

29

32


246 35 213 30 231 33

All the horses MAST rates measured in both Group A and Group B fluctuated consistently with having done

submaximal exercise. (See Stage 5 study notes). Although all horses were working at a similar level, sweat

rates and exercise induced metabolic activity influenced the MAST rates across both groups with MASTs

ranging between 31⁰ and 36⁰. [see Table 17.0]

Results of Stage 6

• Group A. Protechmasta rugs applied for 60 minutes post exercise.

• Group B. NO rug applied for 60 minutes post exercise.

Table 18.0

Stage 6 HIGH Temp LOW Temp Average temp

Quarrat 34 31 33

Melodies 33 26 28

Alahram 33 27 30

Storm Jazz 35 32 33

Mutababy 35 32 33

Greek H 31 27 28


236 34 206 29 218 31


Sandie Chambers


• The MASTs of all the horses in Group A regulated to the same temperature of 33⁰. [see Table 18.0] This

indicated that the Protechmasta IR rug helped to regulate temperature and bring the post exercise

temperature in line with the pre-exercise temperatures of Group A in stage 4. [see Table 16.0]

• For the horses in Group B wearing no rug, the MASTs continued to fluctuate between 28⁰ to 30⁰ and

decreased again by 1 degree compared to stage 4. All horses in Group B saw an irregular temperature

drop from their exercise stage by 3 to 5 degrees. This indicated that the horses in Group B were losing

body heat to the environment by evaporative cooling.

The results at stage 6 indicate that the MASTs of the horses in Group A wearing the Protechmasta IR rug all

regulated their Surface temperature. Whereas the MASTs of Group B wearing no rug maintained an

inconsistent variance and continued to lose body heat to the environment.

The overall results from stages 2 & 3 (baseline) to stage 6 (60-minute post exercise heart rate) indicate that

Group A wearing the Protechmasta IR Rug, had a regulation of temperature at a cutaneous level when the

Protechmasta IR rug was applied pre-and post-exercise. This was compared with an average temperature drop

of between 3 and 5 degrees for Group B who did not use the Protechmasta IR rug. Therefore, it would indicate

that the Protechmasta IR rug had a regulating effect on temperature of the equines skin compared to wearing

no rug or a normal stable rug.

Points to note:

It is not possible to get all horses at the exact starting baseline temperature for several factors these are due to

the following. This was combated by repeating baseline multiple time to achieve what would be considered

normal for each individual horse.

• Level of musculature

• Adipose fat levels

• Illness – although all horses were deemed as healthy and fit

• Level of activity in their boxes between increments.


Sandie Chambers


Overall Conclusion

The results of the study indicated that the Protechmasta IR rug had a positive effect on the thermoregulation

of the thoroughbred race horse and on their heart rate responses pre and post-exercise. This is an encouraging

and important factor for optimising performance and achieving performance longevity for the equine and its

trainer.

The data collected from the horses’ mean average surface temperature (MAST) and heart rate (bpm) in Group

A, when compared to the data collected from Group B indicated that the Protechmasta IR rug had a regulating

effect on the horses’ heart rates and skin temperature both pre and post-exercise. It would appear that the

properties of the Protechmasta rug promoted a healthy regulation of skin temperature pre-exercise and

encouraged heart rates to maintain healthy optimum rates at rest, with an improved resting heart rate

percentage of between 10% and 18% for Group A (wearing the Protechmasta IR rug) compared to no improved

resting heart rate in Group B who were without a rug. The Protechmasta IR rug also encouraged heart rates to

return swiftly back to their optimum healthy resting rates post-exercise at the 60 minute stage, with an

improved recovery heart rate of 15% compared to the horses without the Protechmasta IR Rug. It would also

conclude that heart rate recovery rates after 90 minutes post exercise were more efficient when the

Protechmasta IR rug was applied. A further 10% improvement on recovery heart rates was measured compared

to having no rug or wearing a stable rug. [see Table 18.0]. From stage 2 to stage 7 an overall total of a 27%

improvement in resting heart rate (BPM) was achieved by the horses in Group A who all wore the Protechmasta

IR rug.

This study would also conclude that over-rugging induces sweating and restricts the horse’s ability to regulate

its body temperature at a safe and healthy rate. This will have a negative effect on the thermoregulation of the

horse and cause reduced performance capacity and an inability to perform at their optimum level. [see table

1.0 and Graph 1.0] [see table 18.0] In stage one of this study the resting heart rates after the stable rug removals,

ranged from 64bpm up to 81bpm where normal healthy resting heart rates should range between 20bpm to

40bpm. This was because evaporative cooling could not effectively take place due to the placement of too many

rugs insulating the horse rather than cooling the horse.

The study also concludes in stages 2 to 3 that by not wearing a rug, the surface temperature of the horse’s skin was influenced by the ambient temperature and therefore the MAST between all horses fluctuated between 27⁰ to 32⁰. Consequently, maintaining an optimum temperature across all horses was not achieved and heart rates at rest during these stages ranged between 46bpm and 47bpm, still higher than what would be expected for horses at rest. They should be within a normal healthy range of between 20 to 40bpm. [see Table 18.0] [see Graphs 6.0 and 7.0]. Trained horses generally have a lower resting heart rate and slower heart rate at a specific submaximal working

pace and a faster recovery of heart rate to resting level. These characteristics, however, can be influenced by

external factors such as stress or injury and intervention may, therefore, be required. This study indicates that

the Protechmasta IR rug could be a successful intervention under these conditions.

Horse heart rates are greatly influenced by stress from travelling, competition environments, excitement, and

injury. It would therefore be of great benefit to horses, that have high demands placed upon them, to have help

in maintaining their optimal function. The results of this study indicate that the Protechmasta IR rug achieves

this.

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