Vislocky, L. M., Gaine, P. C., Martin, W. F., Pikosky, M. A., & Rodriguez, N. R. (2006). Gender differences in plasma substrates and hormones in response to endurance exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 1989.

This study attempted to identify gender differences in plasma substrates and hormones responses following an endurance exercise bout in healthy, trained runners. Following consumption of a eucaloric diet which provided 1.8 g/kg/day protein and 30% total energy as fat for eight days, blood was collected from trained male (N = 6) and female (N = 6) endurance runners at rest and during recovery from a 75 min run at 70% VO2peak. Substrate and hormone assessments and changes were compared between males and females.

Gender differences existed for plasma glucose and lactate, and 15 minutes following exercise for lactate. No differences were noted in free fatty acids. Changes in insulin, cortisol, growth hormone, and free IGF-I levels in response to exercise differed between females and males.

Implication. Gender differences exist in responses to exercise. It is possible that gender-specific training programs and nutritional interventions will be required of the modern coach.

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