Table 1.
Selected physical difference between untrained/moderately trained males and females. Female levels are set as the reference value
| Variable | Magnitude of sex difference (%) | References |
|---|---|---|
| Body composition | ||
| Lean body mass | 45 | Lee et al. [28] |
| Fat% | − 30 | |
| Muscle mass | ||
| Lower body | 33 | Janssen et al. [29] |
| Upper body | 40 | |
| Muscle strength | ||
| Grip strength | 57 | Bohannon et al. [30] |
| Knee extension peak torque | 54 | Neder et al. [31] |
| Anthropometry and bone geometry | ||
| Femur length | 9.4 | Jantz et al. [32] |
| Humerus length | 12.0 | Brinckmann et al. [33] |
| Radius length | 14.6 | |
| Pelvic width relative to pelvis height | − 6.1 | |
| Tendon properties | ||
| Force | 83 | Lepley et al. [34] |
| Stiffness | 41 | |
| VO2max | ||
| Absolute values | 50 | Pate et al. [35] |
| Relative values | 25 | |
| Respiratory function | ||
| Pulmonary ventilation (maximal) | 48 | Åstrand et al. [36] |
| Cardiovascular function | ||
| Left ventricular mass | 31 | Åstrand et al. [36] |
| Cardiac output (rest) | 22 | Best et al. [37] |
| Cardiac output (maximal) | 30 | Tong et al. [38] |
| Stroke volume (rest) | 43 | |
| Stroke volume (maximal) | 34 | |
| Hemoglobin concentration | 11 | |