Differences between genders in anaerobic capacity during a supramaximal effort

Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to verify if there is a difference between genders in anaerobic capacity estimated by energetic equivalents of glycolytic and phosphagen pathways (AC[La-]+EPOCfast). Methods: In this way, 8 men and 8 women (physical education students) were subjected to the following sequence of tests: session 1) graded exercise test to measure the maximal oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O 2 max) and intensity associated with V ˙ O 2 max ( i V ˙ O 2 max ); sessions 2 to 3) familiarization with supramaximal effort at 115% of i V ˙ O 2 max; session 4) supramaximal effort at 115% of i V ˙ O 2 max to measure AC[La-]+EPOCfast. Results: The AC[La-]+EPOCfast was lower in women compared to men when expressed in absolute and relative values (-38.11%; p=0.01 and -25.71%; p=0.03, respectively). A non-significant difference was observed in performance in the supramaximal effort (-12.08%; p=0.15), besides which, a likely negative inference was observed when comparing women to men. In addition, energetic equivalents of the glycolytic pathway (e[La-]) were also lower in women when expressed in relative and absolute values (-47.01%; p=0.001 and -36.71%; p=0.001, respectively), however no statistical difference was found for energetic equivalents of the phosphagen pathway (ePCr) (p>0.05). Conclusion: The AC[La-]+EPOCfast is lower in women compared to men, mainly due to differences in the glycolytic pathway.