Link Between Gastric Ulcers and Exercise

A study at the Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Laboratory at the University of Florida has uncovered information showing a possible link between gastric ulcers and exercise.

In the study, an inflated polyester bag was inserted into the stomachs of horses that were then exercised on a treadmill. Stomach volume and pressure within the abdominal cavity were measured, and pH level in the stomach was recorded. Results showed that, during exercise, contraction of the abdominal muscles forced food and gastric acid into the upper part of the stomach. The stomach lining in this area is not protected by mucus and can be burned by gastric acid.

Fasting the horses for as long as 18 hours before exercise had no effect on the change in pH in the upper stomach. This research adds to the knowledge of ulcer factors, but more work is needed to clarify the relation between ulcers and exercise.