L17: Sex-based Differences in Exercise Response

Question 1

In what 3 ways does heart rate differ between males and females during aerobic exercise?

Answer 1

1. Male heart rate rises and falls more rapidly
2. Male heart rate is lower similar intensities
3. Male heart has a greater capacity for reaching maximum intensity

Question 2

What is the primary reason for why cardiac output is higher in males than females?

Answer 2

Higher stroke volume (and therefore higher arterial blood pressure too)

Question 3

Why do females have enhanced vasodilation?

Answer 3

To better deliver blood to working muscles. This compensates for their lower stroke volume

Question 4

Why do females tend to dedicate mroe energy to the breathing process than males?

Answer 4

Because of smaller airways which tend to take in less oxygen than males

Question 5

If respiratory muscles in females demand a greater proportion of cardiac output, what is the effect on skeletal muscles?

Answer 5

They have less bloodflow, subsequently putting greater strain on the cardiorespiratory system

Question 6

Why part of the respiratory system is more fatigue resistant in females than males

Answer 6

The diaphragm

Question 7

How does absolute and relative VO₂ max during sub-maximal exercise differ between males and females?

Answer 7

Absolute VO₂ max is higher in males

Relative VO₂ max is similar between males and females

Question 8

How does relative VO₂ max during maximal exercise differn between males and females?

Answer 8

Higher in males than females

Question 9

Why is a-vO₂ Max higher in females than males?

Answer 9

Because females tend to have a higher capilalry density, thus compensating for the lower amount of haemoglobin

Question 10

What 3 physiological mechanisms in females hinder aerobic performance?

Answer 10

1. Less haemoglobin
2. Lower stroke volume
3. Increased fat percentage (less functional weight/muscles)

Question 11

How does menstrual loss affect iron levels in females, and why is iron important for blood?

Answer 11

Decreases iron levels.

Iron is needed to produce heamoglobin

Question 12

What happens to mother’s hearts during pregnancy?

Answer 12

Hypertrophy

Question 13

How does concentric and eccentric force in the quads differ between males and females?

Answer 13

Concentric and eccentric force int the quads tends to be higher in males than females

Question 14

Why do males tend to have a hgiher maximal force in their quads than females?

Answer 14

Higher proportion of Type 2 fibres

Question 15

Between what ages do most people achieve maximal force in their quads?

Answer 15

Between 20 - 40

Question 16

What 2 types of anaerobic exercise influence the release of growth homrone and testosterone in males?

Answer 16

1. Heavy (near maximal load)
2. Explosive (quick and intesnse submaximal load)

Question 17

What type of anaerobic exercise influence the release of growth homrone in females?

Answer 17

Heavy (near maximal load)

Question 18

How quickly does hormone release subside after exercise?

Answer 18

Between 1 - 2 hours

Question 19

What are the implications for females having less blood lactate during anaerobic exercise?

Answer 19

Females may have more recovery and greater endurance than males.

They can maintain maximal isometric cotnractions for longer

Question 20

What is the performance gap in anaerobic sports between males and females, and how does this gap change with aerobic exercise?

Answer 20

10-30%

This gap decreases with aerobic exercise

Question 21

How have performance gaps between males and females changed between 1891 and 2008

Answer 21

Reduction in perfornance gap before entering a period of stbaility

Question 22

What are 3 reasons for the performance gap between males and females?

Answer 22

1. Physiological advantage in males
2. Sociocultural detriments to female athletes and education
3. Psychological alterations