Gender Influence on the Oxygen Consumption of the Respiratory Muscles in Young and Older Healthy Individuals

Abstract

To understand the influence of gender on oxygen consumption of respiratory muscles (V·O₂resp), 32 healthy subjects participated in the study (16 males, 16 females). They were divided into four groups: young males, young females, older males and older females. We used a closed circuit device which allowed a continuous increase in external dead space at a constant rate of 300 ml per 90 s and was equipped with a 9-L Gould spirometer filled with 100 % O₂. As log V·O₂tot (total body O₂ consumption) was linearly related to V·E, we calculated the slope value (log V·O₂tot/V·E) and the Y -intercept (V·E = 0) of the semilog regression, representing the increase of V·O₂resp and log V·O₂met (metabolic O₂ consumption). The main results showed that the mean of the individual slope Δ(logV·O₂tot/V·E) was steeper in the females than in the males in young and also in older subjects. In addition, V·O₂met in young and older females was lower compared with that in age-matched males. Therefore, we conclude that the oxygen cost of breathing was higher in females versus males subjects.

Key words

Dead space loading - aging - sexual effect - oxygen consumption

References

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