The physiological fitness, cardiometabolic health and quality of life outcomes of participation in recreational off-road vehicle riding as an alternative mode of physical activity

The aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the physiological fitness and health-related effects of participation in habitual recreational off-road vehicle riding (all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-road motorcycle (ORM)) as an alternative form of physical activity (PA). The research involved: 1) a cross-sectional characterization of the physiological fitness, clinical health and quality of life (QOL) of Canadians who habitually ride recreational off-road vehicles along with comparisons of these characteristics to average Canadians; 2) determination of the acute physical demands of a typical recreational off-road vehicle ride and comparison of these demands to recommended PA guidelines; and 3) a longitudinal training study to establish a cause and effect relationship between participation in recreational off-road vehicle riding and changes in fitness and health. Habitual recreational off-road vehicle riders were observed to have higher aerobic fitness and a lower incidence of the metabolic syndrome than the general population, despite higher body fat. With increasing age, recreational off-road vehicle riders did not manifest the same age-related declines in fitness as average Canadians. Important physiological and physical QOL differences were found between ATV and ORM riders suggesting that ORM riders are less likely to have physical limitations or ill health. Recreational off-road riders have similar lifestyle behaviors to average Canadians except that a greater proportion consumes alcohol and a lower proportion smokes tobacco. Recreational riders are generally content, have high levels of mental and physical QOL and are not greater risk takers than average Canadians. A typical recreational off-road ride is of moderate intensity and falls within recommended PA guidelines similar to other common recreational activities; however, the metabolic demand of ORM riding is greater than that of ATV riding. In the training study, the demands of recreational off-road riding resulted in improvements in fitness and health. Also, the carbon monoxide levels measured while riding did not approach levels known to cause negative cardiovascular consequences. Recreational off-road vehicle riding is a viable alternative mode of exercise which, if aligned with PA guidelines, could increase the health-related fitness and QOL of Canadians and reduce their risk for morbidity and premature mortality.