Health related quality of life of off-road vehicle riders

Background:

Alternative forms of physical activity are becoming increasingly popular, but little is know about the effects of habitual involvement in these activities on health-related quality of life (QOL).

The purpose of this study was to characterize the heath-related QOL of Canadians who habitually participate in recreational off-road vehicle riding. A secondary purpose was to compare the levels of mental and physical functioning QOL of recreational off-road vehicle riders to Canadian population norms and determine whether differences exist among genders, age categories and vehicle types.

Habitual participants in recreational off-road vehicle riding were questioned regarding QOL using the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 questionnaire. Responses were compared between groups and to normative data. Results: SF-36 mental function (54.5) and physical function (55.4) scores of off-road riders were higher than Canadian norms (51.7 and 50.5, respectively).

Off-road riders have high levels of mental and physical functioning QOL. Given their higher physical function, off-road motorcycle riders are less likely than all terrain vehicle riders or the general population to have physical limitations or health problems.