The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Consensus Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 55(12), С. 2328 - 2360

Опубликована: Сен. 28, 2023

ABSTRACT Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because fundamental differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by chromosomes hormones. Adult men are typically stronger, more powerful, faster than women similar age training status. Thus, for events sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, power, males outperform females 10%–30% depending the requirements event. These emerge with onset puberty coincide increase endogenous steroid hormones, particular testosterone males, which increases 30-fold adulthood, but remains low females. The goal this consensus statement to provide latest scientific knowledge mechanisms performance. This review highlights between that determinants response exercise training, role hormones (particularly estradiol). We also identify historical nonphysiological factors influence Finally, we gaps underlying mechanisms, providing substantial opportunities high-impact studies. A major step toward closing gap include equitable numbers mechanistic studies determine any an acute bout exercise,

Язык: Английский

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Sex differences in human performance

The Journal of Physiology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 602(17), С. 4129 - 4156

Опубликована: Авг. 6, 2024

Sex as a biological variable is an underappreciated aspect of biomedical research, with its importance emerging in more recent years. This review assesses the current understanding sex differences human physical performance. Males outperform females many capacities because they are faster, stronger and powerful, particularly after male puberty. highlights key physiological anatomical systems (generally conferred via steroids puberty) that contribute to these Specifically, we address effects primary affect development, discuss insight gained from observational study 'real-world data' elite athletes, highlight mechanisms several aspects Physiological discussed include those for varying magnitude performance involving: (1) absolute muscular strength power; (2) fatigability limb muscles measure relative performance; (3) maximal aerobic power endurance. The profound sex-based involving strength, power, speed endurance, largely attributable direct indirect sex-steroid hormones, chromosomes epigenetics, provide scientific rationale framework policy decisions on categories sports during puberty adulthood. Finally, bias problem research insufficient studies information across areas biology physiology, creating knowledge gaps opportunities high-impact studies.

Язык: Английский

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Edward F. Adolph Distinguished Lecture. Age and sex differences in the limits of human performance: fatigability and real-world data

Journal of Applied Physiology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 136(4), С. 659 - 676

Опубликована: Фев. 15, 2024

High-level athletic performances may be a proxy for the trajectory of optimal function human biology with advanced aging and differences between males females. Males are faster, stronger, more powerful than females these physical attributes decline dramatically both sexes. Experimental mechanistic studies determine physiological mechanisms sex age in performance. The assumption however, that real-world solely reflect biological sexes aging, even among elite athletes, is not complete. This review presents evidence an integrated approach encompassing analysis data experimental necessary to sociocultural factors attributed limits performance First, presented focus on fatigability absolute relative exercise Second, current historical including world records, elite, collegiate, competitive age-group athletes highlighted. These illustrate upper have changed historically, other such as influences, explain widening gaps observed present-day performances. approaches broader significance when applied understanding impact historically low representation minority groups biomedical research health outcomes.

Язык: Английский

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Effects of 8 Weeks of Moderate‐ or High‐Volume Strength Training on Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca²⁺ Handling in Elite Female and Male Rowers

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 35(1)

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT While acute exercise affects sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function, the impact of resistance training remains unclear. The purpose present study was to investigate SR Ca 2+ handling plasticity in response moderate‐ and high‐volume strength elite rowers. Twenty male ( n = 12) female 8) rowers performed three weekly sessions for 8 weeks were randomly allocated either perform 3 sets (3‐SET) or progressive increase from 5 10 (10‐SET) repetitions during period. Skeletal muscle biopsies collected before after intervention period analyzed vesicle handling, related proteins, myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition. Muscle determined by isometric midthigh pull (IMTP). Training increased both overall release (19%) uptake rates (34%), with no differences between groups. protein analysis revealed a high variability but suggests an RYR1 SERCA1, while SERCA2 decreased, corroborating changes Regardless volume, 9% higher relative MHCIIa proportion 7% decrease MHCI isoform observed. There 8% IMTP. Males exhibited compared females, likely explained MHCII. These findings suggest that enhances rowers, accompanied shift toward larger fiber type.

Язык: Английский

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Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation and exercise capacity in healthy volunteers: a randomized trial

European Heart Journal, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 19, 2025

Abstract Background and Aims Vagal parasympathetic dysfunction is strongly associated with impaired exercise tolerance, indicating that coordinated autonomic control essential for optimizing performance. This study tested the hypothesis neuromodulation by non-invasive transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) can improve capacity in humans. Methods single-centre, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover trial 28 healthy volunteers evaluated effect of bilateral vagal auricular innervation, applied 30 min daily 7 days, on measures cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak)) during progressive to exhaustion. Secondary endpoints included peak work rate, measures, whole blood inflammatory response lipopolysaccharide ex vivo. Results tVNS over consecutive days increased VO2peak 1.04 mL/kg/min (95% CI: .34–1.73; P = .005), compared no change after sham (−0.54 mL/kg/min; 95% −1.52 .45). No carry-over was observed following 2-week washout period. rate (by 6 W; 2–10; .006), heart 4 bpm; 1–7; .011), respiratory breaths/min; 2–6; < .001) at exercise. Analysis transcriptomic serial samples obtained from five participants showed reduced response. Conclusions Non-invasive improves attenuates inflammation, offering an inexpensive, safe, scalable approach capacity.

Язык: Английский

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Impact of biological sex and sex hormones on molecular signatures of skeletal muscle at rest and in response to distinct exercise training modes

Cell Metabolism, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 35(11), С. 1996 - 2010.e6

Опубликована: Ноя. 1, 2023

Язык: Английский

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Sex differences in frailty among older adults

Experimental Gerontology, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 184, С. 112333 - 112333

Опубликована: Дек. 1, 2023

By definition, aging is a natural, gradual and continuous process. On the other hand, frailty reflects increase in vulnerability to stressors shortens time without disease (health span) while longevity refers length of life (lifespan). The average expectancy has significantly increased during last few decades. A longer lifespan been accompanied by an decreased independence older adults, with major differences existing between men women. For example, women tend live than but also experience higher rates disability. Sex prevent optimization lifestyle interventions therapies effectively frailty. are rooted complex interplay uncontrollable (genetic, epigenetic, physiological), controllable factors (psychosocial factors). Thus, understanding underlying causes sex essential for developing personalized promote healthy improve quality In this review, we have discussed key contributors knowledge gaps related

Язык: Английский

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Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Performance Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval Training: Are There Differences Between Men and Women? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses

Sports Medicine, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 54(1), С. 127 - 167

Опубликована: Сен. 7, 2023

Abstract Background It is important to consider biological sex as a variable that might influence exercise adaptation in order optimize prescription for men and women. Objective The aim of this study was quantify the impact on maximal oxygen uptake ( $$\dot{V}$$ V˙ O 2max ) performance outcomes after high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Methods A systematic search review conducted by two independent reviewers up 8 September 2022 using MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Sports Medicine & Education Index ProQuest. Trials including healthy adults were included if they presented data or compared male female response HIIT. Performance measures concurrently measured physiological adaptations. Where appropriate, random-effects, pre-post meta-analysis undertaken. Data sub-grouped women, baseline level, mean age, intervention type, length. Heterogeneity assessed Chi 2 , Cochran’s Q Higgins I sensitivity analyses, where required. Study quality Newcastle–Ottawa Scale publication bias through visual inspection funnel plots. Results Thirty-three references from 28 trials n = 965; 462 women 503 men). Meta-analyses 19 studies eight peak power output testing (PPO), five threshold (power AT ). revealed similar increases g 0.57; 95% CI 0.44–0.69) 0.42–0.72), 0.38; 0.13–0.64) 0.11–0.64). Raw differences change Δ 0.32 L·min −1 3.50 mL·kg ·min men, versus 0.20 3.34 No significant present primary analysis any outcome. After sub-grouping, PPO effect size higher well-trained 0.37) with 0.17), interventions duration 4 weeks less had significantly smaller sizes those longer than p < 0.001). Unweighted percentage PPO, across 11.16 ± 7.39%, 5.99%, 8.07 6.55% 10.90 5.75%, 8.22 5.09%, 7.09 7.17% respectively. Significant heterogeneity both range: 62.06–78.80%). Sub-grouping status length decreased most groups. qualitative synthesis other indicated improvements fitness some evidence suggesting mechanisms adaptation. Limitations Risk Bias Publication unlikely have influenced results but could benefitted additional strengthen results. overlap age categories limits accuracy sub-grouping age. Conclusions Findings no sex-specific outcomes. Baseline accounted variability PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021272615.

Язык: Английский

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The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Consensus Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine

Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 8(4), С. 1 - 33

Опубликована: Сен. 29, 2023

ABSTRACT Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because fundamental differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by chromosomes hormones. Adult men are typically stronger, more powerful, faster than women similar age training status. Thus, for events sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, power, males outperform females 10%–30% depending the requirements event. These emerge with onset puberty coincide increase endogenous steroid hormones, particular testosterone males, which increases 30-fold adulthood, but remains low females. The goal this consensus statement to provide latest scientific knowledge mechanisms performance. This review highlights between that determinants response exercise training, role hormones (particularly estradiol). We also identify historical nonphysiological factors influence Finally, we gaps underlying mechanisms, providing substantial opportunities high-impact studies. A major step toward closing gap include equitable numbers mechanistic studies determine any an acute bout exercise,

Язык: Английский

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Utilization of Non-Invasive Maximal Gas-Exchange Measurements to Estimate Cardiovascular Performance

Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 10(1)

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Introduction A non-invasive measurement of arteriovenous difference (a-vO 2 D), equal to oxygen intake, might allow for the calculation stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO). Increasing SV CO in athletes may improve work production performance at a given heart rate. This study used gas measurements from standardized cycle test non-invasively quantify cardiovascular function compare sex differences. Methods Forty-five participants (23 males, 22 females) performed 3-min all-out (3MT) determine metabolic measurements. During initial visit, determined maximum resistance sustainable their test. After establishing cycling cadence an 10 s, each participant pedaled 3 min tempo equivalent 50% maximal resistance. In minutes 3–6, cycled Participants returned final min. Results The linear regression uptake (V̇O 2max ) a-vO D males females combined were statistically significant ( P < 0.001). pulse (OP) all 0.001) = 0.01), but not 0.75). V̇O OP 0.03), 0.85). Statistically differences observed between SV, CO, 42.6%, 41.0%, 7.9%, respectively Conclusion evaluation functioning is feasible provide quick accessible information on variations training response across sexes.

Язык: Английский

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