Michaela Keener (PI), Kimberly Tumlin,
Nicholas Heebner
University
of Kentucky, Rehabilitation and Health Sciences; University of
Kentucky, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health; University
of Kentucky, Sports Medicine Research Institute
Purpose: To 1) develop a multi-sensor system to predict reliable energy
expenditure through kinetic (e.g., heart rate, oxygen consumption, and
respiration rate) and kinematic (i.e., 3D acceleration) of race riders and
kinematic data of the horse while exercising live horses; and 2) advance a multi-sensor
system from existing pilot data on a galloping simulator to predict energy
expenditure through kinetics and kinematics data of race riders while training
on a mechanical galloping simulator.
Design: Observational repeated measures study with a convenience sample.
Methods: Eight exercise riders (ExR) will be recruited. Each ExR will
complete a set of five simulated rides on a galloping simulator. We will then
follow each ExR for a work week while they exercise Thoroughbreds (I.e., riding
a horse for fitness of the horse). During this time, we will record the
kinematic and kinetic data of the ExR, and the kinematic data of the horse. We
will also collect daily workouts, distance and speed traveled, weather, and
horse temperament (i.e., behavior) rated by the ExR. Throughout the ExR’s work
week, we will collect this data on four different days while they exercise the
same five horses.
Results: The devices used for data collection are being validated. Primary
data collection is targeted for November-December 2023.
Conclusion: The horse racing industry is fast-paced, with change being the
norm. Although the racing industry welcomes researchers, horse and rider safety
are at the forefront of horse trainers’ decisions. Working in this industry
requires patience and understanding of community feedback. We are currently in
the process of ensuring the equipment we use is validated and reliable but also
allows the trainer to feel comfortable that the equipment will not increase
risk for the horse or rider.
Impact Statement: The proposed results will inform the racing
community and health specialists working with race riders to create healthier
training and diet regimens to shift away from current weight-making practices
causing mental and physical health decrements. Secondly, this is an excellent
example of how community engagement enhances research protocols and the safety
of humans and animals.