Maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold and running economy in women and men with similar performances level in marathons

Abstract

Sex differences in running economy (gross oxygen cost of running, C_R), maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), anaerobic threshold (Th_an), percentage utilization of aerobic power (% VO_2max), and Th_an during running were investigated. There were six men and six women aged 20–30 years with a performance time of 2 h 40 min over the marathon distance. The VO_2max, Th_an, and CR were measured during controlled running on a treadmill at 1° and 3° gradient. From each subject's recorded time of running in the marathon, the average speed (v _M) was calculated and maintained during the treadmill running for 11 min. The VO_{2 max} was inversely related to body mass (m _b), there were no sex differences, and the mean values of the reduced exponent were 0.65 for women and 0.81 for men. These results indicate that for running the unit ml·kg^−0.75·min⁻¹ is convenient when comparing individuals with different m _b. The VO_2max was about 10% (23 ml·kg^−0.75·min⁻¹) higher in the men than in the women. The women had on the average 10–12 ml·kg^−0.75·min⁻¹ lower VO₂ than the men when running at comparable velocities. Disregarding sex, the mean value of C_R was 0.211 (SEM 0.005) ml·kg⁻¹·m⁻¹ (resting included), and was independent of treadmill speed. No sex differences in Th_an expressed as % VO_2max or percentage maximal heart rate were found, but Than expressed as VO₂ in ml·kg^−0.75·min⁻¹ was significantly higher in the men compared to the women. The percentage utilization of f _emax and concentration of blood lactate at v _M was higher for the female runners. The women ran 2 days more each week than the men over the first 4 months during the half year preceding the marathon race. It was concluded that the higher VO_2max and Th_an in the men was compensated for by more running, superior C_R, and a higher exercise intensity during the race in the performance-matched female marathon runners.