Gender differences in repeated sprint ability

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that there is considerable research in gender related differences in athletic performance, limited studies have been found related with the gender differences in repeated sprint ability (RSA). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gender related differences in RSA. METHODS: Forty team sport athletes participated in this study voluntarily and RSA was determined by a 5 x 6 s cycling RSA test with 24 s recovery. Participants' peak power (PP), mean power (MP) and performance decrement (PD%) were determined as performance variables. Maximal blood lactate (La-max), heart rate (HRmax) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPEmax) were determined as physiological responses. RESULTS: Results indicated higher relative PP and MP for men (p < 0.05) while no significant gender differences was observed in PD% (p > 0.05). Men had higher La-max (p < 0.05), while there were no gender differences in HRmax and RPEmax (p > 0.05). In addition, the highest values was observed in the first sprint for both relative PP and MP regardless of gender and men performed higher than women in each cycle repetitions. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion gender related differences were observed in RSA except for PD%, HRmax and RPEmax which indicated that men and women were not different in terms of fatigue resistance and experienced the same physiological strain during the RSA test.