Energy expenditure in horses depends greatly on biomechanics, and in particular on gait length and frequency. Currently the most accurate and practical method to determine energy expenditure associated with physical activity is through heart rate monitoring during training. Nevertheless, the assessment of acceleration of different body parts is a widely discussed system to assess energy expenditure in human sports. Over the last years it was postulated that the 3 dimensions of movement (lateral, vertical and longitudinal) could be associated with energy expenditure in animals during training and competition. The aim of this research topic is to set different methods to asses energy expenditure in sport animals, including heart rate monitoring and biomechanics.

• Ricerca Locale, Università degli Studi di Torino 
  
  

• Nery J., Racioppi F., Valle E., Assenza A., Bergero D. - Proof of concept on energy expenditure assessment using heart rate monitoring and inertial platforms in show-jumping and riding school horses - (2018) Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (61):1-6.
• Assenza A., Tosto F., Nery J., Valle E., Bergero D. - Comparative analysis of movement in thoroughbred and saddle horses using an IMU system -  (2015) 19th European Society of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition Congress, 17-19 settembre, Toulouse, France.
• Cazzaniga NE., Nery J., Bergero D., Scaioni M., Albertella A. - Accelerometric measurements to assess horse welfare - (2016) Workshop “New Advanced GNSS and 3D Spatial Techniques”, 18-20 febbraio, Trieste.
• Racioppi F., Bergero D., Nery J. - Music in the interpretation of scientific data: an experience aimed to evaluate racehorse gait, spacing from spectral music to microtonality - (2017) 6° International Scientific Meeting for Sound and Musical Instrument Studies, 22-27 agosto, Porto, Portogallo.

Dr. Anna Assenza