A Physiological Comparison of Performance-Matched Female and Male Distance Runners

Abstract

Eight male and eight female runners were matched on performance in a 24.2 km (15 mile) road race (X time ± SD = 115.1 ± 2.2 min for females, 115.8 ± 3.2 min for males). All subjects completed a graded treadmill run during which Vdot]O ₂ and heart rate (HR) were monitored at several submaximal running speeds and at maximal exercise. Blood samples, collected at rest and 3 min after maximal exercise, were analyzed for hematocrit and hemoglobin (Hb), lactic acid (LA) and 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG) concentrations. Body composition was assessed via hydrostatic weighing. Group comparisons revealed that the males were taller, heavier, and higher in Hb than the females (p < .05). The sexes did not differ significantly in percentage of body fat or in Vdot]O ₂ (ml · kg ^–1 · min ^–1 ), HR, respiratory exchange ratio, or ventilatory equivalent of oxygen during submaximal running or at maximal exercise (p > .05). 2,3-DPG was higher in the females when expressed relative to Hb (p < .05). These data indicate that female and male distance runners of equal performance levels are very similar in body composition and in metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses to exercise. The higher Hb observed in males may have been offset in part by the females' higher 2,3-DPG/Hb ratio.