Heart rate responses to twelve laps Supermoto race simulation in motorcyclists

This study aimed to characterize Supermoto performance by correlating the fastest lap (best performance) with heart rate (HR), anthropometric characteristics, racing experience and the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) of riders.

Twenty Supermoto riders - data are shown as mean value±standard deviation (SD), age: 29±9 years, BMI: 23.0±2.4, riding experience: 4±3 years - performed 12 laps on a circuit 1167 m long, without off-road part, but data were available for 16 riders. The HR was monitored throughout all laps, RPE was asked at the end of the race. The fastest rider wore a portable metabolic unit to assess the aerobic load of Supermoto riding.

The HRmean was related to the best performance (r=0.747, P<0.001). The correlation between HR and the best performance was not mediated by racing experience, even though the latter correlated negatively with lap times (r=-0.548, P<0.050). The RPE and anthropometric characteristics did not correlate with best performance. Average-to-slow riders showed a higher HR than fastest riders (delta-HRmean: 20 beats·min(-1), P=0.010). The aerobic load during Supermoto riding was 4.29±1.50 METs (at 60% of HRmax) and a mean VO2 1142±398 mL·min-1. During the race simulation the rider had a HR 15% higher than during the lap with the metabolic unit, hence a mean MET around 5.3 was estimated during the race.

In conclusion, HR reflects performance in Supermoto racing independently from racing experience and it is lower in faster riders. Elevated HR seems not to be explained entirely by the aerobic load.