Biological determinants of the sex difference in 12-min run performance

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Abstract
Le recreational runners, 19–35 yr of age. Men differed significantly (P<0.05) from women in VO2max (68.6 vs 65.1 ml·min-1·kg FFW-1), percent fat, (10.8 vs 19.8%), and 12-min run performance (3294 vs 2747 m), but not in running economy (39.0 vs 39.1 ml-min-1·kg BW-1). Simple and multiple regression and correlation analyses indicated that relations of the biological variables to 12-min run performance were similar within groups of men and women. Multiple regression analysis revealed that percent fat, VO-1 (ml · min-1 · kg FFW-1), and running economy accounted for 74, 20, and 2% of the average sex difference in 12-min run performance, respectively. It was concluded that for men and women similarly trained, the average sex difference in 12-min run performance is primarily due to differences in percent fat and cardiorespiratory capacity. If the observed differences between men and women on these variables are truly a function of sex, results of this study provide a biological basis for different distance running performance expectations for men and women. ©1983The American College of Sports Medicine...