A physical profile of novice and experienced professional motorcycle speedway riders

There is a paucity of data relating to Professional Motorcycle Speedway riders physical characteristics despite its growing popularity.

The participants were divided into two categories depending on their Calculated Match Average (CMA); high performers (CMA>5.0, N.=16) and low performers (CMA<4.9, N.=16). Anthropometric data, isometric hand grip strength, isometric knee extension strength, dynamic stability of the upper and lower limbs and functional movement scores were measured to establish differences between high and low performing professional speedway riders.

High performing riders had significantly better functional movement screen composite scores than low performers (P=0.003) and hurdle step (P=0.002) and shoulder mobility movements (P=0.032). Significant hand grip and leg strength was observed in riders right limbs compared to their left (P=0.004 and P=0.000 respectively) and greater dynamic stability in their right leg than left (P=0.011). High performing riders had greater grip strength (right hand P=0.016 and left hand P=0.034) and knee extension strength in the right (P=0.036) legs than their low performing counterparts.

The findings of this study provide a benchmark of physical characteristics of high and low performing riders, highlighting mobility, functional movement, dynamic stability and isometric strength as essential attributes of an elite rider.