With the constant increase of the female population in obstacle races in sport it is important to consider possible comparisons with men in terms of physical capacities. Thus, the present study aims to compare the morphological and functional characteristics between male (n = 27) and female (n = 6) of obstacle course running (OCR). The results show that, comparing the runners of both sexes, men have a BMI (t = 0.135, d = 0.692) and body mass (t = 0.001, d = 1.905) slightly higher, with women having more fat mass t = 0.001, d = 2,541). In terms of functional aspects, male practitioners obtained significantly higher values of MRI in the back squat (t = 0.019; d = 1,120), pull-up (t = 0.001; d = 2,019) and throwing of the medicine ball (t = 0.001; d) = 3,469) compared to women. Concluding that in general men are more resistant, powerful, fast and agile, but with higher fatigue rates compared to women.Resumen: Con el constante aumento de la población femenina en el deporte, se hace importante la concienciación y caracterización de la modalidad en lo que se refiere a la diferencia entre géneros. En este seguimiento, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo comparar las características morfológicas y funcionales entre género masculino (n = 27) y femenino (n = 6) de practicantes de carreras de obstáculos (OCR). Los resultados muestran que, comparando los corredores de ambos sexos, los hombres presentan un IMC (t = 0,135, d = 0,692) y masa corporal (t = 0,001, d = 1,905) ligeramente superiores, siendo que las mujeres presentan más masa grasa t = 0,001, d = 2,541). En cuanto a los aspectos funcionales, los practicantes masculinos obtuvieron valores significativamente superiores de RM en el back squat (t = 0,019; d = 1,120), pull-up (t = 0,001; d = 2,019) y lanzamiento de la bola medicinal (t = 0,001; d) = 3,469) en comparación con las mujeres. Concluyendo que en general los hombres son más resistentes, potentes, rápidos y ágiles, pero con índices de fatiga superiores en comparación con las mujeres.Comparison of the physical profile of male and female athletes of obstacle races SPORT TK, 9(1) (supl. 1), 49-58
ConclusionsIt was verified in the present study that men presented a slightly higher BMI and body mass, with women presenting more fat mass. Regarding functional aspects, it was con-cluded that male practitioners were more resistant and more powerful considering the upper limbs. With regards to the lower limbs, men were faster, more powerful and agile than women, but they had lower rates of fatigue.