glucose breakdown is pyruvate which is converted into the compound acetyl coenzyme A (8). The coenzyme enters the Krebs cycle where it undergoes a series of chemical reactions, with a range of compounds being produced, among which are two molecules of ATP. The waste products of this cycle

are hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and these are removed from the body through breathing, as carbon dioxide and water (hydrogen combined with oxygen), and through sweating (as water). Throughout this process the waste materials produced do not affect blood lactate levels because they are removed from the system, which indicates that there are minimal levels of lactate in the athlete’s body before starting a competition.

Practical application of the findings How can this study be applied to athletes, coaches and sports masseurs? Most significantly, the results enable a greater understanding of the positive physiological effects of a pre-event massage. As well as the effect it has on lactate levels, making cellular respiration more efficient, it decreases the chances of injury to an athlete. This is primarily because it will take longer for them to become fatigued because they are using oxygen more efficiently, so they can sustain high-intensity exercise for longer. The kinds of injuries that might be prevented are those relating directly to muscle fatigue – muscle strains due to overstretching and ligament damage due to decreased proprioception around the joints in use.

The findings of the study also

support the positive effects of massage generally and enhance the value of the sports masseur as part of the support system for eventing teams and individual athletes alike.

SUMMARY Not only does this article prove that there are physiological benefits of massage but the participants reported that they felt less tired after receiving the massage. There is a sound rationale for

massaging event riders before all three stages of eventing competitions. Massaging for 20 minutes before an event was shown in one study to reduce the riders’ blood lactate levels.

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n Federation Equestre Internationale www.fei.org

n British Eventing www.britisheventing.com sportEX dynamics 2010;26(Oct):15-18

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This meant they could metabolise oxygen aerobically for longer, and thus reduce their overall level of fatigue. An individual who can perform for longer without becoming fatigued will have improved performance. A pre-massaged rider is also more likely to sustain a balanced and consistent position in the saddle in all three phases, which in turn will reduce the effect that the rider has upon the horse’s performance. Any reduction in a rider’s fatigue will also help reduce the chance of mistakes occurring, and the sustained (heightened) psychological state of mind that often follows massage may well help to prevent accidents from occurring.

References 1. Wathen G. Horse trials; A comprehensive guide to the world of eventing. 1989 ISBN 1852250593 2. Devienne MF, Guezennec CY. Energy expenditure of horse riding. European Journal of Applied Physiology 2000; 82: 499–503 3. Grundy S. Queensland Equestrian Coach. Equestrian NCAS Queensland 2005; 2: 1–6 4. Witkorsson-Moller M, Oberg B, Ekstrand J, et al. Effects of warming up, massage, and muscle stretching on range of motion and muscle strength in the lower extremity.

THE AUTHOR

Sam Daplyn BSc Hons MSMA is a qualified level-4 sports masseur who has competed up to intermediate level in eventing. He has worked in a range of sporting settings ranging from equine and premiership rugby to skiing. Having completed a degree at the University of the West of England in sports conditioning and coaching, Sam is currently studying towards an MSc in physiotherapy at the University of Essex, and he hopes in the future to focus on rehabilitation of sports injuries, and event riders in particular.

INCREASE IN OXYGEN CONSUMPTION

American Journal of Sport Medicine 1983; 11: 249–252 5. Karageanes SJ. The principles of manual sports medicine. 2004 ISBN 0781741890 6. Hemmings B, Smith M, Graydon J, et al. Effects of massage on physiological restoration, perceived recovery, and repeated sports performance. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2000; 34: 109–115 7. Weerapong P, Hume PA, Kolt GS. Preventative strategies for exercise-induced muscle damage. Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine 2004; 16: 133–150 8. Nathan CF, Murray HW, Weibe ME, et al. Identification of interferon as the lymphokine that activates human macrophage oxidative metabolism and antimicrobial activity. Journal of Experimental Medicine 1983; 158: 670–689

n This article only used effleurage as an approach to treatment, but what other techniques would be beneficial for the performer at the different phases of competition?

DURING DRESSAGE THERE IS A STEADY