Validation of a smart textile electrocardiographic monitoring device in racehorses during high‐speed exercise

BACKGROUND: Exercise-associated cardiac arrhythmias may contribute to poor performance and sudden cardiac death in horses. Widespread monitoring is limited by device availability and suitability for field use. OBJECTIVES: To (1) compare electrocardiographic (ECG) quality from a smart textile system (Myant Skiin Equine) with a reference device (Televet II) during exercise, and (2) evaluate whether arrhythmia detection with Myant Skiin Equine is comparable to the Televet II. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective blinded clinical study. METHODS: Fifty racehorses (25 Thoroughbreds, 25 Standardbreds) underwent up to three high-speed exercise sessions, with simultaneous ECG recordings from both devices. Recordings were assessed for diagnostic quality and arrythmia detection. RESULTS: Simultaneous ECGs were recorded with both systems across 123 exercise sessions. Median (IQR) peak speed during exercise was 14.7 m/s (13.5-16.2). Twenty-nine (12%) recordings were non-diagnostic due to ≥10% artefact throughout the session (10 Myant; 19 Televet). The Myant Skiin Equine produced more artefact-free recordings (94/123; 76%) than the Televet II (45/123; 37%) (95% CI 28-46%; p < 0.001). Mean maximum heart rate (217.8 ± 10.1 bpm Myant; 217.6 ± 9.9 bpm Televet) showed strong agreement between devices (ICC = 0.995, mean bias = -0.153 bpm). In 79 paired diagnostic recordings assessed for arrhythmia detection, arrhythmias were detected in 85% of recordings, and in 43/50 horses (86%; 95% CI 73-94%). Agreement for arrhythmia classification was 97.5% (k = 0.96), with all discrepancies occurring because of artefact. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Modest sample size and exclusion of some recordings due to artefact and horse withdrawal. Only the best-quality lead per recording was analysed, limiting multi-lead assessment and arrhythmia characterisation. Differences in device software and data handling may have influenced signal interpretation. CONCLUSION: The Myant smart textile system provides ECG recordings of comparable quality and arrhythmia detection to Televet II during high-speed exercise in racehorses. This technology offers a practical and alternative tool for field-based cardiac monitoring and may facilitate broader adoption.