Physiological demands of off-road vehicle riding.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to characterize the physiological demands of recreational off-road vehicle riding under typical riding conditions using habitual recreational off-road vehicle riders (n = 128).


METHODS
Comparisons of the physical demands of off-road vehicle riding were made between vehicle types (all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-road motorcycle (ORM)) to the demands of common recreational activities. Habitual riders (ATV = 56, ORM = 72) performed strength assessments before and after a representative trail ride (48 +/- 24.2 min), and ambulatory oxygen consumption was measured during one lap (24.2 +/- 11.8 min) of the ride.


RESULTS
The mean VO2 requirement (mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) while riding an off-road vehicle was 12.1 +/- 4.9 for ATV and 21.3 +/- 7.1 for ORM (P = 0.002), which is comparable to the VO2 required of many common recreational activities. Temporal analysis of activity intensity revealed approximately 14% of an ATV ride and 38% of an ORM ride are within the intensity range (940% VO2 reserve) required to achieve changes in aerobic fitness. Riding on a representative course also led to muscular fatigue, particularly in the upper body.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of the measured metabolic demands, evidence of muscular strength requirements, and the associated caloric expenditures with off-road vehicle riding, this alternative form of activity conforms to the recommended physical activity guidelines and can be effective for achieving beneficial changes in health and fitness.
Burr
Jamie F
JF
Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Jamnik
Veronica K
VK
Shaw
Jim A
JA
Gledhill
Norman
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D015541:Off-Road Motor Vehicles; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011998:Recreation / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult