Women generally have lower VO₂ max (ml/Kg/min) than men. Research reveals that part of this difference is attributed to

(A) Higher heart rate

(B) Higher lactate threashold

(C) Higher fat mass

(D) Lower hemoglobin

(E) Lower cardiac out-put

Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 

The correct answer is (C), (D), (E) only.

Key Points

VO2 max:

• The maximum rate at which the heart, lungs, and working muscles can use oxygen during exercise.
• It measures person’s aerobic capacity.
• VO₂ max decreases with aging and inactivity.
• Women generally have lower VO2 max than men due to such reasons:
  • Higher fat mass:
    • VO2 max largely depends on the fat-free mass (lean body mass).
    • Women have a less lean body mass which is why their oxygen consumption is also low.
  • Lower hemoglobin:
    • Hemoglobin content is lower in females.
    • Hemoglobin is the carrier of oxygen so less hemoglobin less oxygen consumption.
  • Lower cardiac output:
    • It is the product of stroke volume and heart rate.
    • Lower cardiac output means less blood ejection to the body.
    • Less blood ejection means less oxygen transportation.

Additional Information

• Higher heart rate:
  • Heart rate is directly proportional to oxygen consumption.
  • Women have lower heart rates than men.
• Higher lactate threshold:
  • It is the point at which lactate begins to increase rapidly.
  • A higher lactate threshold means more oxygen consumption.