Aquapuncture Improves Metabolic Capacity in Thoroughbred Horses

Abstract 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aquapuncture on muscle enzymes release and cardiovascular and metabolic variables of Thoroughbred horses during and after exercise. Eighteen healthy Thoroughbred horses, submitted to training for competition, were used. The animals were randomly allotted into three groups: ConG (negative control group), ShG (sham aquapuncture or positive control group), and AcuG (treatment aquapuncture group). The treatments were done twice per week, during a 3-week interval. Physical performance was evaluated under field conditions, with two submaximal incremental velocity tests, separated by a 3-week period. The tests included evaluation of cardiovascular (V₂₀₀) and metabolic (V_La4) capacities and measurement of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) before and after exercise. V₂₀₀ values were not different between times or groups. V_La4 values were statistically greater after treatment for the AcuG group compared with pretreatment. CK concentrations were statistically greater after exercise for all groups, and AST concentrations were not different between times or groups. Aquapuncture influenced neither cardiovascular capacity nor the release of muscle enzymes; however, it did improve metabolic capacity of Thoroughbred horses.

Keywords: Acupuncture, Horse, Heart rate, Blood lactate, Exercise