More Conclusions

What happens within the micro structure of bone during equine speed work, and after? Several logical possibilities:

1. Mineral lattices at the atomic level crunch together under pressure and thereafter, post race, "bounce back" inertia restores original shape of the lattice within a certain (unknown) period of time. It is surmised that if another speed work is done within a certain limited period that bounce back might eventually be over born and you have a denser, stronger lattice. This idea would apply particularly to mature mineralized structures.

2. During speed work bone glue proteins that fill up nano spaces between bone collagen fibrils "rearrange" their positions by being slung to one or the other end of the spaces. Post work these materials, because they have been compacted, leave empty spaces between fibrils that might subsequently be filled in by additional materials. Additional bone glue will provide stronger buttressing of the fibrils and stronger "sacrificial bonds" which hold the fibrils together under pressure. Again, timely subsequent speed work might reinforce this process.

3. The role of calcification/mineralization/ossification of the fibrils is unclear, but the possibility exists that during speed work mineral fibrils are pressed together--they "adhere" to adjoining fibrils. This is referred to as the "adherence and bounce back of fibrils and fibril arrays". Again, post race, there is a bounce back effect that might be overborn by subsequent timely speed work. Increased activity within the fibrils might also accelerate the process of calcification particularly of "adhered" fibrils!

4. Optimal alignment of fibrils within arrays, the arrays themselves and osteons. The idea is that the pressure of exercise will affect the orientation of the fibrils within the arrays in directions that increase overall strength of bone. The bounce back effect will be over born by timely subsequent speed work. As I consider the subject more and more, this "alignment" phenomenon might be the most important factor in bone strength/fracture resistance.

This is an "off the top of the head" summary of prior posts. The 64 thousand dollar question as to what needs to be done to get and maintain these effects, next.

Training:

Sun. 6/20: 1.5 miles mostly slow gallop.

Mon. 6/21: 7-8 min. riderless play with spurts + 1.5 miles gallop a little faster here and there.

Tues. 6/22: Light riderless speed work limited so we may go right on with galloping tomorrow--7-8 min of 85-90% 1f spurts, mostly play.