Swan, J. G., Ruby, B. C., Sharkey, B. J., & Puchkoff, J. E. (2000). Gender comparison of long-term exercise and three hydration strategies in a heated environment. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 680.

Ss (M = 4; F = 5) performed 180 minutes of treadmill walking at 50% VO2peak followed by a timed performance in a hot environment (32 degrees Celsius). Hydration strategies were:

• water before exercise (21.4 ml/kg) and water during exercise,
• a glycerol ( 1 gm/kg) solution before and water during exercise, and
• water before exercise and a 7% carbohydrate solution (5 ml/kg).

There were gender differences. Females lost less plasma volume than males and sweated less than males. The glycerol + water condition preserved plasma volume better than the water + water condition.

Implication. Females have better physiological adaptations to exercise in hot conditions than do males.

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