Gender differences in salivary alpha amylase responses to exercise

Abstract

[Purpose] We investigated the effect of exercise on salivary amylase levels. [Subjects] The subjects were university students. [Method] Both male and female subjects performed exercise of equal intensity, and their salivary amylase levels were measured pre-exercise, post-exercise, and every five minutes thereafter for thirty-five minutes. [Result] The post-exercise salivary amylase level showed no significant difference from the pre-exercise level in the male group whereas that of the female group showed significant increases. Regarding temporal changes in the salivary amylase levels, the male group showed no distinctive change, whereas the female group demonstrated a bimodal change, although individual differences in time intervals was noted. [Conclusion] These results suggest a difference in the effect of exercise on salivary amylase levels between males and females. © 2013 by the Society of Physical Therapy Science.