L18: Sex-based Differences in Long Term Exercise

Question 1

At what level of intensity is the difference in VO₂ max most prominent between males and females?

Answer 1

High intensity

Question 2

What is an exmaple of aerobic exercise’s therapeutic effect?

Answer 2

Lower blood pressure (maximal reduction of 8 - 10 mmHg)

Question 3

Endothelium

Answer 3

Lining of the blood vessels

Question 4

How does aerobic exercise’s effect on endothelial function differ between older males and females?

Answer 4

Males: Preserves endothelial lining.
Females: Minimal effect on postmenopausal females (important to do before menopause)

Question 5

For which sex do absolute gains tend to be higher?

Answer 5

Males

Question 6

How do relative gains differ between males and females?

Answer 6

Relative gains in muscle size and strength are similar in both sexes (but older females need to do more training)

Question 7

What is the main controversy with including transgender athletes in sports?

Answer 7

Trying to be inclusive without compromising a level-playing field

Question 8

Why do most guidelines for transgender athletes only refer to male-to-female athletes?

Answer 8

Male-to-female athletes who have gone through puberty will likely have a longer exposure to testosterone than their cis-gendered counterparts

Question 9

What is the IOC’s 3 criteria for male-to-female transgender athletes?

Answer 9

1. Transition must be completed before the age of 12
2. Testosterone limit
3. Individual sport governing bodies decide criteria

Question 10

What is the main issue with measuring transgender athletes’ hormone levels?

Answer 10

There is no normative data to compare it to. Some cisgender athletes may even have higher than average homrone levels

Question 11

What is the Female Triad/REDs (relative energy deficiency in sport)?

Answer 11

1. Low energy avaliability
2. Low bone mineral density
3. Menstrual dysfunction

Question 12

What are 2 main mental health/behavioural issues in athletes?

Answer 12

1. Anxiety
2. Substance abuse

Question 13

How do anxiety levels differ between male and female athletes?

Answer 13

Females are more likely to have an anxiety disorder

Question 14

What are the 4 levels in the ecological systems model for athletes’ mental health?

Answer 14

1. Athlete
2. Microsystem
3. Exosystem
4. Macrosystem