Sex Differences in Training

Question 1

Body composition differences between M+F

Answer 1

F tend to have +10% body fat + less muscle bone than M.

F tend to be lighter in total body weight than M.

M have more upper body muscle mass than F.

Question 2

Define relative strength

Answer 2

Amount of strength to body size.

How strong someone is compared to their size.

Question 3

Define absolute strength

Answer 3

Total amount of weight your body can lift

Question 4

Compare absolute strength between F + M

Answer 4

F likely to have 2/3rds the strength of a M in terms of 1 RM.
– More rel. to lower body than upper.

Question 5

What is absolute strength more likely due to in terms of muscle?

Answer 5

Size of the muscle fibres rather than the no. of fibres.

Question 6

Compare relative strength between M + F

Answer 6

F have ~5-25% lower strength.

Upper body = F < M
Lower body = F = M

Question 7

Is muscle QUALITY sex specific?

Answer 7

NO

Question 8

Compare relative power per unit of body weight

Answer 8

M > F

Question 9

Compare relative power per unit FFM

Answer 9

M = F

Question 10

Compare pennation angle between F + M

Answer 10

F have smaller muscle fibres = pennation angle more inline w/ attachment angle = narrower pennation angles.

Question 11

Composition change for F

In terms of hypertrophy

Answer 11

Less absolute growth in muscle mass in F.

M have greater muscle hypertrophy.

Question 12

Menstrual cycle triggered training

Answer 12

Higher levels of oestrogen during follicular phase creates a more anabolic env.

• Been reported to be an ⬆️ in strength + muscle CSA