The Physiological Assessment and Analysis of the Physical Demand of Riding a Snowmobile

Abstract

Insufficient physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous chronic diseases and premature mortality, and this challenge of meeting recommended PA guidelines is exacerbated in the winter. Snowmobiling could potentially contribute to PA accumulation, but the objective metabolic and physical demands are unclear. Habitual snowmobile riders responded to a survey describing a typical ride (n=4,015). Using this data, terrain specific (Mountain or Flatland) testing courses were created and recreational snowmobile riders (n=40) participated in a scaled representative ride (21±8 mins). The mean riding VO2 was 18.5±8.4 ml∙kg-1∙min-1 (Flatland 13.4±5.2 ml∙kg-1∙min-1, Mountain 25.7±6.6 ml∙kg-1∙min-1, p<0.001). Muscular fatigue was apparent in maximal handgrip across both riding terrains, suggesting an upper body strength component. Snowmobiling is an activity that generally falls within the moderate intensity activity range and involves both aerobic fitness and muscular strength. The aerobic demand of mountain riding may confer additional benefits as the demand was significantly greater.