Physiological characteristics of male and female middle distance runners

The purpose of this investigation was to obtain physiological profiles of highly ranked middle distance runners in the province. Seven male (x age = 23.4 yr) and 5 female (x age = 18.6 yr) athletes were evaluated on selected measures related to performance. Average height, weight, and body fat were 176.7 cm, 67.0 kg, 7.8% and 166.7 cm, 51.6 kg and 14.9% for the males and females, respectively. Maximal oxygen uptake average 5.09 l X min-1, or 76.0 ml X kg-1 X min-1, for the males, and 3.59 l X min-1, or 68.0 ml X kg-1 X min-1, for the females. The difference was significant (p greater than 0.05) between the sexes for all of the above variables except maximal aerobic power expressed relative to body weight. Little sex related difference existed in peak torque or power, expressed relative to body weight, generated during flexion and extension of the knee and ankle. Percent body fat in the females was the only parameter that was significantly correlated with provincial ranking. The hematological status of the athletes was also determined, and the males had significantly greater hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cell counts, less mean corpuscular hemoglobin and smaller mean corpuscular volumes, than the females.