Training versus Overtraining: Evaluation of Two Protocols

Forty Standardbred trotters were divided into two groups, A and B, and subjected to two training methods with a much more intense protocol in the second group. Compared with group A, group B showed an increase in red blood cells, leukocytes, and red cell distribution width (RDW); a decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); and elevations of aspartate amino transferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), total bilirubin (BUN), and α₁- and α₂-globulins. The authors believe that the concomitance of such findings may suggest a condition of overtraining.