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Sex differences in human performance.

Sandra K Hunter1, Jonathon W Senefeld2

  • 1Movement Science Program, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

The Journal of Physiology
|August 6, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Sex differences significantly impact human physical performance, with males generally showing greater strength and speed post-puberty due to hormonal and physiological factors. Research must address knowledge gaps concerning female performance to ensure equitable scientific understanding.

Keywords:
athletic performanceenduranceexercisefatigabilitygendermuscle strengthsexsex hormones

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Area of Science:

  • Human Physiology
  • Sports Science
  • Sex Differences Research

Background:

  • Sex as a biological variable is increasingly recognized in biomedical research.
  • Understanding sex differences in human physical performance is crucial for various scientific and policy applications.
  • Historically, research has often overlooked sex-based variations, leading to knowledge gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of sex differences in human physical performance.
  • To highlight physiological and anatomical factors contributing to these differences.
  • To provide a scientific basis for sex-based categories in sports.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review assessing current knowledge on sex differences in physical performance.
  • Analysis of physiological and anatomical systems influenced by sex steroids and puberty.
  • Examination of data from observational studies and elite athletes.

Main Results:

  • Males typically outperform females in strength, speed, and power, particularly after puberty, due to sex steroids.
  • Key physiological mechanisms include differences in muscular strength, power, fatigability, and maximal aerobic capacity.
  • Sex-based performance disparities are influenced by sex steroids, sex chromosomes, and epigenetics.

Conclusions:

  • Profound sex-based differences in physical performance exist and are largely driven by hormonal and genetic factors.
  • These findings support a scientific framework for sex-based categorization in sports.
  • There is a critical need to address the underrepresentation of females in human performance research to fill knowledge gaps.