title: Physiological demands of downhill mountain biking.
abstract: Mountain biking is a popular recreational pursuit and the physiological demands of cross-country style riding have been well documented. However, little is known regarding the growing discipline of gravity-assisted downhill cycling. We characterised the physiological demands of downhill mountain biking under typical riding conditions. Riding oxygen consumption (VO(2)) and heart rate (HR) were measured on 11 male and eight female experienced downhill cyclists and compared with data during a standardised incremental to maximum (VO(2max)) exercise test. The mean VO(2) while riding was 23.1 ± 6.9 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1) or 52 ± 14% of VO(2max) with corresponding heart rates of 146 ± 11 bpm (80 ± 6% HRmax). Over 65% of the ride was in a zone at or above an intensity level associated with improvements in health-related fitness. However, the participants' heart rates and ratings of perceived exertion were artificially inflated in comparison with the actual metabolic demands of the downhill ride. Substantial muscular fatigue was evident in grip strength, which decreased 5.4 ± 9.4 kg (5.5 ± 11.2%, P = 0.03) post-ride. Participation in downhill mountain biking is associated with significant physiological demands, which are in a range associated with beneficial effects on health-related fitness.
authors.affiliation: Kinesiology, Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. jburr@upei.ca
authors.forename: Jamie F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Burr
authors.forename: C Taylor
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Drury
authors.forename: Adam C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Ivey
authors.forename: Darren E R
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Warburton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006112:Gravitation; D018737:Hand Strength; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010465:Perception; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D011998:Recreation