Module Identifier RS21020  
Module Title EQUINE AND HUMAN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Deborah M Nash  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Mark Burnley  
Course delivery Lecture   1 x 2 hr lecture per week  
  Practical   1 x 3 hour practical per week  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment WRITTEN PRACTICAL REPORT  50%
Semester Exam2 Hours  50%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate detail knowledge of the adjustment, regulation and integration of physiological systems during exercise.

2. Examine the physiological bases to physiological training techniques.

3. Evaluate sport and exercise activities to determine physiological demand and training need.

4. Demonstrate awareness of a range of advanced physiological assessment techniques.

5. Compile a written laboratory report demonstrating the critical analysis and interpretation of data.

Brief description

This module is essential for developing knowledge in the areas of equine and human exercise physiology. Practical skills of fitness assessment in both the horse and the human will be a key component of the module. This will develop skills in data handling and analysis commonly used in the assessment of athletic performance.

This module will develop understanding in how physiological systems of the body respond during a bout of exercise and how the performance of the body can be changed by regular physical training. Laboratory work will include the investigation of acute responses to exercise and the development of skills in 'fitness testing' (maximal heart rate, recovery time and blood lactate accumulation in the horse; assessment of anaerobic power and maximal oxygen uptake in the human). By analysing different types of sport and exercise activities in humans and examining the range of equine athletic activities from endurance work through to sprint racing, students will be able to apply physiological principles to practical situations.

Content

Muscle physiology (force velocity relationships, optimal stride rate/ cadence, gait analysis in the horse, physiology of different fibre types)
Cardiovascular function (Fick equation, determinants of maximal oxygen uptake)
Respiratory function (ventilatory control and lactate threshold, limitations of pulmonary function to exercise in the horse and the elite human)   
Principles of exercise testing and interpretation (validity and reliability of exercise tests, incremental exercise testing, constant work rate exercise, maximal intensity exercise)
Exercise energetics (aerobic and anaerobic systems of energy provision, oxygen deficit/ debt, energy balance and indirect calorimetry, measurement of anaerobic power and capacity)   

Module Skills

Problem solving Data analysis and interpretation associated with the practical assessment  
Communication Reading and evaluation of appropriate material for assessments  
Improving own Learning and Performance Peer assessment associated with laboratory reports will informally develop learning skills  
Team work Laboratory work  
Information Technology Will be developed through data analysis in assignment  
Application of Number Data analysis  
Subject Specific Skills Ability to perform fitness assessment  

Reading Lists

Books
Eston, R. and Reilly, T. (2001) Kinanthropometry and exercise physiology laboratory manual 2nd. Spon
Frandson, R.D. (1986) Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals Lea and Febiger
Hodgson and Rose (1994) The Athletic Horse W.B.Saunders Co.
International Olympic Committee The IOC medical commission series such as Endurance; Strength and power in sport; Swimming; etc Blackwell
Ivers, T. (1983) The Fit Racehorse. I and II. Esprit Racing team.
Marlin, D. and Nankervis, K (2002) Equine Exercise Physiology Blackwell Publishing.
McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I. and Katch, V.L. (2001) Exercise physiology, energy, nutrition and human performance 5th. Lea and Febiger
Snow, D. (1987) Exercise and Training In: Horse Management Academic press Ltd

Journals
Equine Exercise Physiology

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5