Upper-body exercise performance: comparison between women and men

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This study compared upper-body (arm crank) aerobic fitness for a group of women (n = 8) and men (n = 9) matched for lower-body (cycle) aerobic fitness (X¯ ± S.E. = 50 ±2ml kg−1 min−1) and also examined the influence selected physiological factors had on upper-body exercise performance. The components of upper-body exercise studied included maximal power output (POmax), peak oxygen uptake (peak [Vdot]O2), elbow isokinetic strength i»nd endurance, arm volume and endurance time at 80% arm crank peak [Vdot]O2. During maximal effort upper-body exercise, there was no difference in peak [Vdot]O2 (ml kg−1 min−1) between the genders despite the men's significantly greater strength, arm volume and POmax; Likewise, there was no difference in upper body endurance time at 80% peak [Vdot]O2 between the genders. These data indicated that (i) women are not at a disadvantage in performing aerobic upper-body exercise, (ii) skeletal muscle strength provides a relatively minor influence on both maximal effort and prolonged upper-body exercise; and (iii) individuals can perform prolonged upper-body exercise at relative intensities greater than that needed to elicit an aerobic training effect.