Sex-Based Differences in Anthropometric Profiles and Physiological Responses to High-Intensity Strength-Endurance...

Objectives: This study evaluated sex differences in physical activity levels, anthropometric parameters, strength-endurance performance, and acute physiological responses to high-intensity strength-endurance exercise in emergency medical services students. Methods: Participants included 36 male and 23 female students aged 19-29 years. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and strength-endurance performance was assessed with the 3-Minute Burpee Test (3-MBT). Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, perceived exertion, and handgrip strength were recorded before and after the 3-MBT. Results: Men reported significantly higher PA levels than women (1963 vs. 1367 MET·min/week, p < 0.001). Women had a significantly higher percentage of body fat (31.0% vs. 19.4%, p < 0.001). Men completed more 3-MBT cycles than women (44 vs. 33 cycles/3 min, p < 0.001), whereas the between-sex difference in mean heart rate was not significant after Benjamini-Hochberg correction (170.2 vs. 162.2 bpm; adjusted p = 0.075). Systolic blood pressure was higher in men before and after the test (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively) and increased significantly in both sexes (p < 0.001). Oxygen saturation and handgrip strength decreased significantly after the 3-MBT in both groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Men demonstrated greater strength-endurance performance than women, although both sexes were classified as having "poor" performance according to established 3-MBT normative values. Men reported higher physical activity, whereas women had a higher body fat percentage. These findings demonstrate sex-based differences in physical activity, body composition, and strength-endurance performance among paramedic students.