Training & Conditioning for Optimal Canine Performance

1. Training & Conditioning for Optimal Canine Performance Robert L. Gillette, DVM, MSE Director Sports Medicine Program College of Veterinary Medicine Auburn University Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

2. It’s The Little Things That Make A Difference! • Canine performance made up of multiple interactions of the body’s various components. • If one of the components malfunctions, the performance as a whole is disrupted. • The level of this disruption is determined by the level of performance needed. Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

3. Performance Physiology The winning dog is the one that produces and maintains the highest energy output for the length of the performance event. Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

4. Positive Forces Optimum Performance Positive Forces Negative Distractive Positive Forces Distractive Negative Performance Overview The Goal Goal Prevention Maximize Positives Minimize Negatives Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

5. Conditioning Training Nutrition Optimum Performance Injury Types Injury Prevention Performance Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

6. Performance Basics • Demands of performance • Dog’s actual ability to perform • Handlers expectations of performance • Personal performance • Comparative performance Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

7. Performance Potential • A dog’s athletic potential for an event or task, is based upon the amount of inherited potential with which it was born. • Our management program should be designed to allow the dog to perform at its maximum potential. • The performance expectations should not exceed the dog’s abilities. Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

8. Canine Performance Potential Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

9. Comparative Performance Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

10. General Comments on Canine Performance • Overall Mindset • Understand the athleticism of the dog • Understand the fine intricacies of the athlete • The whole body is involved in performance • Know the factors that influence ability • Understand the factors that impede ability Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

11. Body system functions that support primary function. • Muscular - Propulsion & Navigation • Skeletal - Support & Structure • Nervous - Stimulation & Balance • Cardiovascular - Cellular Energy & Waste • Respiratory - O2 & CO2; Thermoregulation • GI - Energy Production & Waste Removal • Renal - Fluid Balance & Waste Removal • Hormonal - Maintains Metabolic Balance • Skin - Provides Protective Covering Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

12. Optimizing Canine PerformanceFactors that Affect Performance Internal Factors • Anatomical • Physiological • Psychological External Factors • Environment • Dog interaction • Handler • Functional Demands • Design and Boundaries of Event Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

13. Canine Performance Impediments Fatigue Conditioning Pain Structural Drive Psychological Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

14. Winning Performance • To achieve optimum performance we must provide all the components needed for maximal output. • To allow for future performances we must minimize damage to the body at a cellular level, a tissue level, and a systemic level. • We must replenish energy stores in preparation for next performance. Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

15. Influence of the External Factors • Environment - Rain, Humidity, Altitude, etc • Dog interaction - Event, Behavioral, Housing • Handler - Training, Emotional, Psychological • Event Demands - Running, Jumping, Obedience • Design and Boundaries of Event - Distance, Time, Obstacles Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

16. Influences on Internal Factors Genetics Training Conditioning Medical Care Nutrition Internal Factors of Performance Anatomy Physiology Psychology Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

17. Areas of Influence Energy Metabolic Enzymes Waste Removal Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

18. Actin Myosin Actin & Myosin InteractionThe basic action of movement • Calcium opens the receptor site • ATP creates actin & myosin bond producing ADP + P • Myosin structure change provides leverage action • ADP is released and combines with P (ATP) Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

19. Areas of Metabolic Influence • Energy • Needed for daily maintenance • Needed To perform work or activity • Metabolic Enzymes • Break down and transfer stored energy to locations of function • Converts energy into function • Waste Removal • Waste or byproducts a created during metabolism • Without removal the process gets backed up and stops Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

20. Energy Contributions During Exercise Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

21. Energy ProductionMinimize the dips at the energy transfer phases Immediate Energy Sources • Stored ATP, CP, & Myokinase • 5-30 seconds Glycolytic Energy Production • Glucose breakdown (Anaerobic) • 15-30 seconds up to 2 minutes Oxidative Energy Production • 2 minutes or more Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

22. Immediate Energy Sources Intracellular ATP • Stored Intracellular ATP Creatine Phosphate (CP) • Replenishes ATP Myokinase • ADP + ADP “Lasts 5 seconds up to 30 seconds” Myokinase ATP + AMP Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

23. Glycolytic Energy Source • Glucose is made from Carbohydrates • Glucose is broken down to produce ATP • Needs two enzymes • End product is pyruvate • In the absence of O2, pyruvate becomes lactate, also known as lactic acid “Lasts 15 - 30 secs up to 2 minutes” Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

24. Oxidative Energy Production • Fuels energy needed for activity lasting longer than two minutes • Krebs Cycle, Fatty Acid Metabolism • Utilized in endurance activities • Most affected by training programs Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

25. Energy Reserves Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

26. Genetic Determination • Activities utilize different energy systems based upon metabolic demands. • Dogs are born with certain tendencies towards metabolic function. • Greyhounds vs Foxhounds • Performance is dependent upon the percentage of the various muscle fiber types. • Research should be developed to determine the limiting factors of performance and it’s related genetic formula. Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

27. Canine Muscle Cell Types Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

28. Designing the Proper Nutrition & Conditioning Program • Define the type of activity • Define level of activity • Understand roles of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in energy systems • Understand functions of vitamins & minerals • Design the nutritional program to match the needs of the work or activity. Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

29. Strength / Power Short Duration < 2 minutes Performed at maximal or supramaximal intensities Endurance Long Duration Longer than 2 minutes Performed at intensities less than 90% maximal aerobic power (VO2 max) Categories of Activity Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

30. Maintenance Energy Requirement • Energy used by a moderately active dog in a thermoneutral environment. • MER = 30 kcal/# for a 50# dog. • Dog hunting for one hour - 1.1 x MER • Dog hunting for full day - 1.4 - 1.5 x MER • Sled dog pulling for one day - 2-4 x MER Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

31. Nutrition and Conditioning • Train metabolic systems to function at optimum levels during competition • Adapt body to store energy pools at locations of need • Feed nutrients at appropriate times to ensure maximal energy sources at time of need Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

32. Nutritional Components Three energy sources used by the body • Carbohydrates • pastas, starches, sugars, glucose, etc. • Proteins • meats, plants • Fats • animal, plant Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

33. Carbohydrates • Sources include: • Complex: pastas, breads, rice, potatoes • Disaccharides (Sugars): sucrose, lactose, maltose • Monosaccharides: glucose, galactose, fructose • Have an energy yield of 3.5 kcal/gram Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

34. Carbohydrate Absorption Food Carbohydrates Starch Sucrose Lactose Cellulose Fructose Glucose Galactose Gastrointestinal Tract Fructose Glucose Galactose Cellulose (Fiber) RBC RBC Glucose Fructose Galactose Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

35. Proteins • Source for Amino Acids (AA’s) • Quality proteins provide AA’s used for tissue repair and enzymes • Source of energy • Utilized by the Krebs cycle • Higher amount of heat produced when metabolizing protein for energy • Have an energy yield of 3.6 kcal/gram Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

36. Fats • Essential for the absorption of the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, & K. • Metabolic water source • One of the metabolic side products of fat metabolism is water. • Highly digestible and palatable • Have an energy yield of 8.5 kcal/gram Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

37. Hydration and Nutrition Source • Carbohydrates • Produces  55 grams H2O per 100 g burned • Protein • Produces  55 grams H2O per 100 g burned • Fat • Produces  107 grams H2O per 100 g burned • Training the metabolism to use fat as an energy source may benefit the dog’s hydration status Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

38. Other Supplements • Vitamin B-Complex: Helps with mental stress, physical stress, and many other body functions • Vitamin E: Works as an anti-oxidant, combines with the inflammatory by-products to minimize post-race cellular damage. • Vitamin A & C: helps with maintaining muscle cell integrity Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

39. Optimal Performance Nutrition • Supplies the energy and other products needed for performance and basic metabolism. • Timing is very important to assure optimum performance and to minimize tissue damage. • Water needed for optimum metabolism Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

40. Nutrition and Conditioning • Train metabolic systems to function at optimum levels during competition • Adapt body to store energy pools at locations of need • Feed nutrients at appropriate times to ensure maximal energy sources at time of need Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

41. Water Supplementation • Water should be given prior to activity. • Frequent small amounts • Avoid large intakes of water just prior to an event. • Very small amounts can be given during activity and post-activity. • Address dehydration without predisposing the dog to GDV. Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

42. Pre-Activity Supplements • Carbohydrates given more than 2-6 hours prior to the activity. • Vitamin B-complex, & Vitamin E • Simple CHO’s (glucose, sucrose) less than 15 minutes prior to activity. • CHO during warm-up results in an increase in blood glucose.* *Brouns, F., Rehrer, N.J., Saris, W.H.M., et. al. (1989) Int. J. Sports Med Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

43. Intra-Activity Supplements • Simple sugars help to delay glycogen depletion. • Prevent Hypoglycemia in endurance activities • Glucose, Sucrose, Syrup, Nutrical (?) • Supplements seem to be absorbed somewhat immediately. Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

44. Post-Activity Supplements • Most important time for supplementation • Post-Activity immediate proteins supplementation has been shown to have an anabolic affect in the Human.* • Post-activity immediate glucose supplementation has shown a more rapid rate of Muscle Glycogen repletion.** * Biolo, G., Tipton, K., Klein, S., et.al. (1997) Am J Physiology ** Reynolds, A., Carey, D., Reinhart, G., et.al. (1997) AJVR Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

45. Ingredients for Optimum Performance Protein, Ca, pH, CHO CHO, Vit E Vit B Glucose H2O 6-12 Hours Pre-activity 15 min P-A 1/2 Hr Post-A 1 Hour Post-A 2 Hours Post-A Activity Time frame of Depressed Immunity Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

46. Ingredients for Optimum PerformanceSprint or Strength Activities H2O Protien, Ca, Ph, CHO CHO, Vit E Vit B Activity 1/2 Hr Po-A 1 Hour Po-A 2 Hours Po-A 6-12 Hours Pr-Activity Time frame of Depressed Immunity Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

47. Athletic Injuries • Defined as some physical damage causing a resultant loss of capacity or impairing of performance. • The severity of the injury is defined by the resultant amount of time away from the activity or “downtime”. • Dependent upon the type of tissue injured and the severity of the tissue injury. Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

48. Early problem recognition will minimize downtime Proper initial treatment & follow-up therapy minimizes downtime Returning too soon will lengthen downtime Resting too long will lengthen downtime “Downtime”Any amount of time away from a conditioning program will result in at least an equal amount of reconditioning. ** Please don’t just “rest” a dog without determining the primary cause of the problem. Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

49. Athletic Injury Classification I. Asymptomatic II. Symptomatic but performance unaffected III. Symptomatic and performance affected IV. Performance inhibiting V. Career ending Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette

50. Factors of Athletic Repair • Type of Tissue • Muscle, Bone, Ligament, Tendon, or Skin • Grade of Tissue Damage • Duration of Injury • Prior Performance Level • Future Performance Expectations • Age of Patient Slides are part of a presentation given May 20, 2002 by Robert L. Gillette