Summary of the main physiological adaptations to swimming exercise (full flotation) and exercise on a water treadmill (semiflotation) in the horse_ Values are presented as maximum and minimum means reported in the literature
| Parameters | Swimming | Water treadmill without water | Water treadmill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Velocity, m/s | 1.08–1.15 | 1.11–1.67 | |
| VO2, ml/kg/min | Not measured | 8.93–9.57 | 10.44–16.7 |
| RR, breaths/min | 25.0–30.0 | 37.6–39.7 | 33.5–51.9 |
| Vt, L | Not measured | 3.8–3.9 | 4.2–6.0 |
| VE, L/min | Not measured | 152.1–158.3 | 169.3–242.2 |
| HR, beats/min | 182–190 | 49–76 | 60–97 |
| LA, mmol/l | 2.3–2.8 | 0.7–1.4 | 0.7–2.0 |
Physical properties of water useful for rehabilitation and training purposes and therapeutic effects (according to references 16 and 31, with modifications)
| Physical property | Therapeutic effects |
|---|---|
| Buoyancy | Reduction of the axial forces supported by joints and surrounding soft tissues |
| Reduction of cardiovascular effort (lesser HR increase than during on-land exercise) | |
| Viscosity. and drag force | Improvement of the range of motion |
| Increase in muscle strength and power | |
| Increase in neuromotor control | |
| Hydrostatic pressure | Reduction of oedema and inflammation |
| Promotion of lymphatic return, increasing stroke volume | |
| Increases in blood flow to the muscles, and in diffusion of metabolic waste products from | |
| muscles to blood | |
| Reduction of pain | |
| Increase in the range of motion | |
| Muscle strengthening | |
| Temperature (cold) | Reduction of blood flow |
| Control of oedema, inflammation and pain | |
| Reduction of fatigue |