Revolutionizing Equine Performance Monitoring: Real-Time Sweat Lactate Sensing

For years, blood lactate measurements have been the gold standard for assessing performance and endurance in horses. However, this method is invasive and non-continuous, which may not be ideal for tracking performance. IDRO is taking a groundbreaking step by testing real-time sweat lactate sensors on horses for the first time. Could this technology revolutionise equine sports science? Let’s find out.

Traditionally, veterinarians and trainers assess lactate levels through intravenous blood sampling. However, recent advancements in human athletes have explored a less invasive approach: measuring lactate in sweat. In collaboration with Prof. Decloedt of the Equine Cardioteam Ghent at Ghent University, IDRO is investigating whether this method is equally viable for horses.

If successful, this new approach could provide:

• Real-time lactate monitoring without disrupting riding exercise

• A minimally invasive alternative to blood sampling

• Deep insights into horse physiology

• A meaningful step forward for animal welfare

This study assesses the relationship between sweat lactate, exercise intensity, and blood lactate levels in horses. Each horse undergoes a standardised exercise test (~25 minutes) with gradually increasing intensity. Blood samples are collected at the start of the test, at the end of each interval, and immediately post-exercise. The test ends with a 10-minute cool-down period, followed by a final blood collection. Throughout the test, sweat lactate levels will be continuously monitored using the IDRO device, while heart rate will be tracked with an ECG monitor. Some pictures of the first measurements are shown below:

With IDRO's continuous lactate monitoring providing real-time insights, the next step is learning how to use this biomarker to optimize exercise programs. This breakthrough paved the way for widespread adoption in equine sports science, offering trainers and veterinarians a new, non-invasive tool to track performance and recovery.

By applying advanced statistical analysis and leveraging our expertise in sports science, we aim to unlock the full potential of sweat lactate monitoring and transform how performance is managed in both equine and human athletes.

What This Means for the Future

The potential benefits of real-time lactate monitoring in equine sports are immense. Trainers, veterinarians, and researchers could use this technology to optimise training programs based on real-time data, minimise stress and discomfort for the horse, improve performance tracking with non-invasive techniques, and contribute meaningfully to animal welfare in equine sports.

If proven effective, sweat lactate sensors could redefine how we monitor and enhance equine performance, loading and recovery. Stay tuned as IDRO takes this exciting innovation to the next level!