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Gender comparison of peak oxygen uptake: repetitive box lifting versus treadmill running

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European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The gender differences in peak oxygen uptake (O2peak) for various modes of exercise have been examined previously; however, no direct gender comparisons have been made during repetitive lifting (RL). In the present study the O2peak between RL and treadmill running (TR) was compared between 20 men [mean (SD) age, height, body mass and body fat: 21 (3) years, 1.79 (0.06) m, 81 (9) kg, 19 (6)%, respectively] and 20 women [mean (SD) age, height, body mass and body fat: 21 (3) years, 1.63 (0.05) m, 60 (7) kg, 27 (6)%, respectively]. O2peak (l · min−1), defined as the highest value obtained during exercise to volitional fatigue, was determined using discontinuous protocols with treadmill grade or box mass incremented to increase exercise intensity. For RL O2peak, a pneumatically driven shelf was used to lower a loaded box to the floor, and subjects then lifted the box, at a rate of 15 lifts · min−1. O2peak (l · min−1 and ml · kg−1 · min−1) and minute ventilation ( E, l · min−1) were determined using an on-line gas analysis system. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant gender effects, with men having higher values for O2peak (l · min−1 and ml · kg−1 · min−1) and E, but women having higher values of the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen ( E/O2). There were also mode of exercise effects, with TR values being higher for O2peak (l · min−1 and ml · kg−1 · min−1) and E and an interaction effect for O2peak {1 · min−1 and ml · kg−1 · min−1) and E/O2. The women obtained a greater percentage (≈84%) of their TR O2peak during RL than did the men (≈79%). There was a marginal tendency for women to decrease and men to increase their E/O2 when comparing TR with RL. The magnitude of the gender differences between the two exercise modalities appeared to be similar for heart rate, E and R, but differed for O2peak (1 · min−1 and ml · kg−1 · min−1). Lifting to an absolute height (1.32 m for the RL protocol) may present a different physical challenge to men and women with respect to the degree of involvement of the muscle groups used during lifting and ventilation.

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Accepted: 21 May 1997

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Nindl, B., Sharp, M., Mello, R. et al. Gender comparison of peak oxygen uptake: repetitive box lifting versus treadmill running. Eur J Appl Physiol 77, 112–117 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050308

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050308

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