An investigation of the Physiological Demand and Potential Health - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

An investigation of the Physiological Demand and Potential Health & Fitness benefits associated with snowmobile riding

Brief Research Proposal

Jamie F. Burr, PhD

Purpose

Primary Outcomes

• Aerobic exercise intensity (Metabolic demand)
• Expressed as an average value over a ride, and considering %

time between high and low intensity exposures

• Expected effects on health and fitness – referencing American and

Canadian activity guidelines and extrapolating from ATV/off-road motorcycling training study data

• Characteristics of a typical ride (Frequency, Duration, Type)
• Characteristics of a typical rider (Objective quantification of

fitness, record of other training/activities etc) To

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Figure 1: An example output from previous research published by the Dr. Burr considering off-road motorcycle and ATV riding

Hypotheses

1) Snowmobile Riding will be associated with an average physical demand that is significantly above resting and which falls into the general classification of moderate-vigorous physical activity (wherein health and fitness changes occur)

• The majority of a ride will be in the “moderate” intensity zone, with

infrequent excursions into “vigorous” activity

2) Substantial differences will exist according to the terrain type

• This will dictate differences in riding style and physical demand between trail

riding and off-piste riding

Phase 1 Phase 3

February- Ontario/Quebec April- British Columbia

Phase 2

Fall- Understanding riding behaviours

• Some of this data may already be available
• Validation
• Questions about perceptions of riding

(physicality)

• Other physical activity
• Lifestyle factors
• Surveys done online (in person at

snowmobile shows etc)

• Circulated via distribution networks and

clubs

For both types of riding

Understanding the demands of a typical trail ride

• representative course – using local experts and data from phase 1
• 15 to 20 minute sample
• Expressed relative to the individual’s maximum (thus potential for changes in

health and fitness can be inferred)

• Indirect calorimetry (VO2)
• Heart rate response
• Cardiac output
• Riding characteristics (speed, altitude etc) – correlated with exercise intensity

Anticipated testing – 1 week (5-7 days) each site Conservative estimate 6 per day x 5d/wk = 30 per site (15m/15f)

Three Phases

Portable metabolic monitor

September October November December Summer 2016 Fall 2016 Winter 2017 Spring/Summer Fall 2017 Phase 1, Survey Data Manuscript Prep and presentations Data Collection Data Reduction/ Analysis

Snowmobile: Physical Demands Analysis- Potential health and fitness Implications

General study overview

Winter 2017 January February March April May June July August September October November December Eastern Canada Primary Data Collection Western Canada Primary Data Collection

Identification of MSc student and HQP training Physical Analysis studies prep/ logistics

Data collection contingency

Other Project Requirements

• Facilitator for phase one – connector to clubs, survey distribution
• Access to snowmobiles, trails, experienced riders (subjects)
• Modifiable helmets for testing (small, medium, large)
• Testing facilities (temp controlled room, running water, power, internet access)
• Budget – supplies (calibration gases, minor equipment and disposables,

trainee stipend, publication costs, travel)

• See included breakdowns and excel spreadsheet

Budget estimation - Overview

• Budget projections- Total project cost $194K including required new equipment
• University of Guelph contribution $111,000
• Estimated Research Costs $ 70-85K
• This range incorporates possible government offset to leverage dedicated trainee
• Largest single expense – University minimum stipend