Anthropometric characteristics and cardiorespiratory capacity of male and female trail runners

Abstract

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to compare the anthropometric characteristics and the cardiorespiratory capacity of male and female mountain runners, and to examine the association between anthropometric and cardiorespiratory variables. Material and method: A total of 48 mountain runners, 16 women and 32 men take part in the study. Anthropometric parameters were measured and a maximum incremental test was performed on treadmill with ramp for cardiorespiratory assessment. Results: The results showed significant differences in the anthropometric characteristics corresponding to mass, height, body mass index (BMI), perimeters, diameters, % muscle mass, % residual mass and mesomorphic component between men and women, being significantly higher in the male group (p < 0.05). The female group obtained significantly higher values (p < 0.05) in tricipital, thigh, leg and ilecorestal skinfolds, as well as in 8 folds sum, % fat, fat mass, bone mass and in the endomorphic component. With respect to cardiorespiratory capacity, the male group obtained significantly higher values in the initial systolic volume (p < 0.01, TE = -1.45, large), oxygen consumption at the second ventilatory threshold (VO2VT2) (p < 0.01, TE = -1.66, large) and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) (p < 0.05, TE = -1.78, large). A large correlation was obtained between the sum of 8 skinfolds and the VO2max (r = -0.79, p < 0.01), between the % fat and the VO2max (r = -0.81, p < 0.01) and between % fat and VO2VT2 (r = -0.79, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results seem to show differences between male and female mountain runners in anthropometric characteristics and cardiorespiratory capacity and that anthropometric characteristics can influence the cardiorespiratory performance of mountain runners.