Chapter 20Some gender differences for physiological parametersGender comparison for various physiological functionsGender comparison for various physiological functions (cont.)Comparison of world records for men and women as of January 2001Comparison of world records for men and women as of January 2001 (cont.)High-intensity exercise and hormonal disturbances in womenExercise and the menstrual cycleThe female athlete triadSports associated with the female athlete triadWhat should coaches and trainers look for to prevent development of the female athlete triad?Exercise and pregnancyMethods for counteracting the stigma against weight training for womenPrecautions for pregnant women during strength trainingChapter 20Gender Factors and ExerciseSome gender differences for physiological parameters•Height:–men are taller•Weight:–men weigh more•Body Composition:–men have less body fat and more fat-free weight•VO2 max:–women tend to have lower VO2 max values and anaerobic capabilities•Strength:–men tend to be stronger than women•Strength per unit of muscle mass:–no differenceFor more information, visit Gender Differences in Endurance Performance and Training at http://home.hia.no/~stephens/gender.htmGender comparison for various physiological functionsGender comparison for various physiological functions (cont.)Comparison of world records for men and women as of January 2001Comparison of world records for men and women as of January 2001 (cont.)High-intensity exercise and hormonal disturbances in women •Delayed menarche•Cessation of menstruation•Infertility•OsteoporosisExercise and the menstrual cycle•Intense training programs can result in amenorrhea and other athletic menstrual cycle irregularities (AMI).•There is no compelling scientific evidence that the menstrual cycle has a general effect on athletic performance. Individual athletes may or may not be affected.The female athlete triad•Disordered eating•Amenorrhea•OsteoporosisSports associated with the female athlete triad•Sports that emphasize low body weight:–gymnastics, figure skating, diving, cheerleading•Sports that use weight categories: –horse racing, martial arts, wrestling, rowingWhat should coaches and trainers look for to prevent development of the female athlete triad?•Early signs of disordered eating include– excessive weight loss – avoidance of food– use of laxatives and diuretics– vomitingFor more information, visit The Physician and Sports Medicine: Female Athlete Triad at www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/07_96/smith.htmExercise and pregnancyRecommended program–any program performed for about 43 minutes a day, three times a week, with a heart rate of no more than 144 beats per minute•Normal pregnancy and childbirth should not affect subsequent performanceMethods for counteracting the stigma against weight training for women•Female role models in the weight room•Coeducational coaching staffs•Coeducational weight rooms•Not communicating lesser expectations to female athletes than to male athletesPrecautions for pregnant women during strength training•Be cautious when performing heavy multi-joint free weight exercise after the first trimester.•Pay attention to dress and environment to avoid becoming