How swimming affects plasma insulin and glucose concentration in Thoroughbreds: A pilot study.
Authors: Bonelli F, Sgorbini M, Meucci V, Sighieri C, Baragli P
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Swimming and Glucose-Insulin Metabolism in Thoroughbreds Submaximal aquatic exercise programmes have long been valued in equine rehabilitation for low-impact conditioning, but metabolic benefits have remained largely undocumented. Bonelli and colleagues investigated whether one month of swimming training could enhance insulin sensitivity in 12 Thoroughbreds using intravenous glucose tolerance testing (IVGTT), measuring plasma glucose and insulin concentrations at multiple timepoints before and after the training intervention. Following aquatraining, horses demonstrated significantly lower plasma glucose concentrations during the post-glucose challenge period (particularly at 15, 25 and 35 minutes), reduced overall glucose exposure (area under the curve), and a lower peak glucose response—alongside elevated baseline insulin levels and lower circulating insulin at 45 and 60 minutes post-challenge, collectively indicating improved insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest that regular swimming may enhance skeletal muscle glucose uptake and systemic carbohydrate handling, which has practical implications for conditioning programmes, metabolic disease prevention, and potentially managing horses predisposed to insulin dysregulation or equine metabolic syndrome. Whilst this pilot study provides promising evidence supporting aquatraining's metabolic benefits beyond traditional cardiovascular conditioning, larger cohort studies and evaluation across different Thoroughbred populations would strengthen recommendations for swimming-based protocols in preventative and therapeutic practice.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •One month of regular aquatraining (low-intensity swimming) improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in Thoroughbreds, suggesting potential benefits for metabolic health
- •Aquatic exercise may be particularly useful for horses with metabolic concerns or those requiring controlled rehabilitation due to its low-impact nature while delivering metabolic conditioning
- •Monitor training intensity using heart rate and blood lactate to ensure submaximal effort for optimal metabolic adaptations
Key Findings
- •Post-training plasma glucose concentrations at 15, 25 and 35 minutes were significantly lower than pre-training values (P<0.05)
- •Area under the glucose curve and peak glucose concentration were significantly reduced after 1 month of aquatraining
- •Baseline plasma insulin concentrations were significantly lower pre-training compared to post-training period
- •Submaximal aquatraining for 1 month improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in Thoroughbreds