Abstract
Introduction: The adherence on endurance running events is increasing exponentially around the World in both previously untrained men and women, thus the incorporation of more appropriate and individualized training approaches are required. It is not known if male and female untrained runners differ in the responses to endurance running training on performancerelated variables. Objective: We aimed to compare performance-related responses to an endurance running training program between untrained men and women. Material and method: Sixteen participants (8 men and 8 women) were paired in the baseline by age, body mass index, and percentage in which time to complete 5 km (t5km) represented from the average of best 50 runners t5km in the greatest regional race for each gender. They completed an 11-week training protocol alternating high-intensity interval training and moderateintensity continuous running, three times per week, in a running track. In the week 1 and 11 of the protocol (baseline and post-training weeks), peak running velocity at treadmill (Vpeak), time limit (tlim) at 100% Vpeak, t5km, and the index rMSSD of heart rate variability (HRV) were measured for cardiac autonomic function. Baseline gender-differences were accounted in the analysis. Results: Male and female significantly improved Vpeak (9.4 ± 1.7% and 7.2 ± 1.7%, respectively) and t5km (-13.0 ± 1.8% for both), and no gender-related differences for the adaptations in these two variables were observed. The tlim at 100% Vpeak and rMSSD did not change across the training period in both groups. Percentage of change for men was “moderately” higher than for women for rMSSD (33.4 ± 40.7% vs. 13.9 ± 21.4%), although statistically non-significant. Conclusion: Men and women responses to training were similar with regards to their running performance and cardiac autonomic function. With regards to practical application, Vpeak and its tlim can be applied in exercise settings for the prescription of moderate- to high-intensity running training with similar benefits regardless of the biological gender
Published Version
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