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Sex-based limits to running speed in the human, horse and dog: The role of sexual dimorphisms.

Abstract: Elite performing men continue to record faster record times in running events compared to women. These sex-based differences in running speed and endurance in humans are expected based on sexual dimorphisms that contribute to differences in the determinants of aerobic performance. Comparatively, the sexual dimorphisms contributing to sex-based differences in elite aerobic performance are not ubiquitous across other species that compete in running events. The purpose of this review is to offer a framework and model for ongoing discussions of the physiological determinants and ultimately limits of physical performance. The records for average running speed of champion athletes were delineated by sex for thoroughbred horses, greyhound dogs, and humans. Male and female performances within each of these species are being optimized by training, nutrition, and financial incentives, and are approaching a performance maximum. For horses and greyhounds breeding also plays a role. Analysis of athletic records shows that there is a sex-related difference of ~10% or more in elite athletic performance for humans; however, the upper limit of performance does not appear to be different between sexes for thoroughbred horses and greyhound dogs. In the context of the nil sex differences in running performance in thoroughbreds and greyhounds, we discuss the physiological role of sexual dimorphisms on sex-specific limits to running performance. We highlight that studies on both human and animal performance in athletic events stimulate critical physiological questions and drive novel research.
Publication Date: 2021-04-30 PubMed ID: 33913189PubMed Central: PMC8444096DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100161RGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research article explores the performance differences in running speed between males and females in humans, horses, and dogs. It concludes that sexual dimorphisms cause the notable gap in human athletic performance, but do not appear to affect the performance of horses and greyhounds.

The Gap in Human Performance

  • The study notes that there is a clear sexual dimorphism in running speed and endurance in humans. Elite male athletes consistently record faster times than their female counterparts.
  • These sex-based differences are expected due to physiological differences between males and females, such as muscle mass and oxygen consumption rates. This contributes to differences in the determinants of aerobic performance.

No Sex-Related Difference in Horses and Dogs

  • Conversely, the study found no distinct sexual dimorphism affecting the performance of horses and greyhounds. Performance for these species is influenced by factors such as training, nutrition, financial incentives, and breeding, rather than sex.
  • Both male and female horses and dogs are optimized for performance, and are believed to be nearing their performance maximum.

Analyzing Athletic Records

  • Athletic records were analyzed for horses, dogs, and humans. The data revealed a sex-based difference of approximately 10% or more, favoring males in elite human athletic performance.
  • However, the records showed no sex-related difference in the performance of thoroughbred horses and greyhound dogs.

The Role of Sexual Dimorphism

  • Considering the lack of sex difference in thoroughbred and greyhound’s performance, the researchers discuss the physiological role of sexual dimorphisms on the sex-specific limits to running performance.

The Importance of the Study

  • The study of both human and animal performance in athletic events raises crucial physiological questions and drives new research. It helps in understanding the physiological determinants and in determining the limits of physical performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Senefeld JW, Shepherd JRA, Baker SE, Joyner MJ. (2021). Sex-based limits to running speed in the human, horse and dog: The role of sexual dimorphisms. FASEB J, 35(5), e21562. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202100161R

Publication

ISSN: 1530-6860
NlmUniqueID: 8804484
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 35
Issue: 5
Pages: e21562

Researcher Affiliations

Senefeld, Jonathon W
  • Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Shepherd, John R A
  • Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
  • Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Baker, Sarah E
  • Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Joyner, Michael J
  • Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Dogs
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal
  • Physical Endurance
  • Running
  • Sex Characteristics

Grant Funding

  • F32 HL154320 / NHLBI NIH HHS
  • R35 HL139854 / NHLBI NIH HHS
  • U54 AG044170 / NIA NIH HHS

Conflict of Interest Statement

Conflict of Interest Statement. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
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