The influence of sex, hemoglobin mass, and skeletal muscle characteristics on cycling critical power
A.M. Caswell, Thomas R. Tripp, Hilkka Kontro, Brittany A. Edgett, J. Preston Wiley, Victor Lun, Martin J. MacInnis
Abstract
In males and females matched for aerobic fitness [maximal oxygen uptake normalized to fat-free mass (FFM)], absolute critical power (CP) was greater in males, but relative CP (per kilogram body mass or FFM) was similar between sexes. CP correlated with hemoglobin mass, mitochondrial protein content, myosin heavy chain type I proportion, and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. These findings demonstrate the importance of matching sexes for aerobic fitness, but further experiments are needed to determine causality.
Topics & Concepts
Internal medicineEndocrinologySkeletal muscleHemoglobinChemistryMuscle massAnimal scienceMedicineBiologySports Performance and TrainingCardiovascular Effects of ExerciseGenetics and Physical Performance