Physiological characteristics of top level off-road motorcyclists

Abstract

Objectives:The study aims to analyse the physiological characteristics of top level off-road motocross, enduro, and desert rally motorcyclists to facilitate the design of a specific training program.Methods:Twenty seven off-road top level riders participated in this study which measured anthropometric data, maximum aerobic power with incremental tests of both arms and legs, isokinetic dynamometry of the knee and elbow, handgrip strength, heart rate, and blood lactate concentrations during competition.Results:The physical demands of the various races appear to influence the development of distinct musculoskeletal characteristics, as well as aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Motocross riders have more muscle mass, higher isokinetic handgrip strength, and greater aerobic power than enduro and desert rally riders. However, there are no significant anthropometric and physiological differences between desert rally and enduro riders. Desert rally riders tend to be overweight with maximum aerobic power similar to that of healthy individuals. The mechanical characteristics of the motorcycle and the technical and tactical skills of the riders seem to be more important for race success than the metabolic capabilities of the rider.Conclusions:Desert rally and enduro riders present similar anthropometric and physiological characteristics. Both have a maximum aerobic power similar to that of healthy normal individuals, although desert rally riders tend to be overweight. Motocross riders on the other hand, have more muscle mass, more strength, and greater aerobic power. The differences observed suggest the need for a specific training program to address the requirements of different riders to reduce the possibility of injury.

Neuromuscular and Blood Lactate Response After a Motocross Training Session in Amateur Riders

“…In our study, concentrations of blood lactate in amateur riders remained elevated up to 8 minutes post-training session, with a peak value of 6.5 mM. These suggest a significant contribution of the glycolytic pathway and our results are consistent with data reported for high-level motocross riders (1,9). Therefore, a significant amount of anaerobic metabolism occurs during motocross due to continuous neuromuscular demands with muscular contractions in the upper and lower limbs.…”

“…The main findings were: (a) significant anaerobic metabolism demands; (b) decreased handgrip strength in both hands; and (c) no change in horizontal jump ability following the training session. Studies conducted to evaluate the physical and physiological requirements for high-level competitive motocross riders show values of heart rate close to the maximum predicted (1,(6)(7)(8), oxygen consumption~71% of maximum (6), blood lactate concentrations between 5-6 mM (1, 8), oxidative stress (8), and decreased handgrip strength (1, 6, 7, 9). These data demonstrate that high-level competitive motocross results in high physiological and physical demands.…”

“…Some studies have reported that motocross riders have greater muscular strength capacity in the left hand despite being the non-dominant hand. This difference is attributed to frequent use of the clutch (1,5), and professional riders are probably riding much more and have done so for many years. In contrast, we observed in amateur riders greater handgrip strength in the right hand.…”

“…Thus, riders' movements in motocross are continuous and acyclic, requiring constant isometric contractions of the arms and legs to control the motorcycle (weight~100 kg) due to constant and rapid changes of direction, jumps, curves, and braking. In this context, studies have been conducted to evaluate the physical and physiological demands placed on high-level motocross riders (1,(6)(7)(8)(9). On the other hand, these findings may not represent the physiological responses of amateur motocross riders.…”

Sport injuries in enduro riders: a review of literature

“…Lactate levels within 2 minutes after the race are 1.5±0.3 mM, and increase to 3.8±1.3 mM after high speed trials. Lactate accumulation leads to muscle fatigue and decreases the muscle force available for control of the motorcycle 4,6 . The Vo2max (maximal oxygen uptake) achieved in the upper limbs in enduro riders is between 64 and 80% of the lower limbs Vo2max 4, 7 , suggesting that the work generated by the lower limbs in enduro riders was greater than the upper limbs.…”