Sex Differences in Cpet-Derived Cardiopulmonary Indices and Their Association With Aerobic Capacity in Recreational Runners Publisher



Pourgharib Shahi M H ; Ganjalikhani M ; Pourmohamadian Havesin Z
Source: Comparative Exercise Physiology Published:2026

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary fitness plays a crucial role in endurance performance among recreational runners. Understanding key physiological indices and their gender-specific differences can enhance training and performance assessment. This study aimed to investigate the association between cardiopulmonary indices – such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), oxygen pulse (O2Pulse), ventilatory thresholds, and ventilatory efficiency – and aerobic capacity in recreational runners. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 45 recreational runners (both male and female). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed to assess VO2max, oxygen pulse, second ventilatory threshold (VT2), and ventilatory equivalents (VE/VCO2 slope). Statistical analyses evaluated correlations and gender differences in these indices. VO2max, O2Pulse, VT2, and VE/VCO2 slope showed significant associations with aerobic capacity. Gender differences were observed in absolute values of some cardiopulmonary indices, while relative indices remained comparable between males and females. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive cardiopulmonary assessment in recreational runners and suggest that gender-specific considerations may optimise training and performance evaluation. This study contributes valuable data within the scope of sports medicine and exercise physiology. © M.H. Pourgharib Shahi et al., 2026. Published with license by Koninklijke Brill BV. This work is published by Koninklijke Brill BV. Koninklijke Brill bv incorporates the imprints Brill, Brill Nijhoff, Brill Schoningh, Brill Fink, Brill mentis, Brill Wageningen Academic, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Bohlau and V&R unipress. Koninklijke Brill BV reserves the right to protect the publication against unauthorized use and to authorize dissemination by means of offprints, legitimate photocopies, microform editions, reprints, translations, and secondary information sources, such as abstracting and indexing services including databases. Requests for commercial re-use, use of parts of the publication, and/or translations must be addressed to Koninklijke Brill BV.