Comparison of energy system contributions in lower body Wingate tests between sexes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare energy system contributions and examine the relationship between mechanical variables and energy system variables in lower body Wingate tests, with a focus on gender differences. A total of thirty martial artists participated in the study. Participants performed 30-second lower body Wingate tests. Mathematical methods were used to estimate the contributions of the oxidative, glycolytic and ATP-PCr pathways based on lactate levels and oxygen consumption kinetics during rest, exercise and recovery. The main results showed that in men the relative contributions of the oxidative, glycolytic and ATP-PCr pathways were 16%, 37% and 47% respectively. In women the relative contributions for the same pathways were 16%, 38% and 46% respectively. In men the total energy expenditure and the absolute contributions of the oxidative, glycolytic and ATP-PCr pathways were 132 kJ, 22 kJ, 49 kJ and 61 kJ, respectively. In women these values were 106 kJ, 17 kJ, 41 kJ and 49 kJ. Although the relative energy contributions were similar, men had higher total energy expenditure and absolute energy contributions than women. In addition, men had higher absolute and relative power outputs than women, while showing similarities in fatigue index, lactate levels, heart rate and perceived exertion ratings. The ATP-PCr pathway was able to explain the variation in mechanical variables in both male and female participants. The results suggest that the contribution of energy systems, physiological responses and performance variables varies according to gender.