Treadmill exercise testing. Treadmill installation and training protocols used for clinical evaluations of equine athletes

Abstract

The use of motorized treadmills has made it possible to evaluate equine poor performance with sophisticated diagnostic techniques during peak exercise. Treadmill exercise tests currently being used for clinical evaluations include treadmill gait analysis, dynamic hoof balancing, endoscopic evaluation of upper airway function, and exercise performance profiling. Large motorized treadmills (1 to 1.5 m in width and 4 to 5 m in length) are best suited for clinical evaluations. Ideally, the treadmill should be installed in-ground using a pit. This type of installation results in the tread surface being at the same level as the surrounding floor. A standard protocol should always be used to train horses to exercise on a treadmill. Training should be designed to introduce the horse to procedures required for a specific clinical evaluation gradually.