Objective: Relationships between minute ventilation (VE), respiratory frequency (Rf) and tidal volume (VT) during incremental exercise test, which is work rate increases regularly from basal to maximal work capacity (Wmax), were comparatively investigated in male and female subjects.

Materials and Methods: Total of 28 subjects (14 female, age: 20.2±0.2 years and 14 male age: 19.9±0.1 years) were participated to an incremental exercise test (15 W/min). During exercise, heart rate was recorded using polar heart watch and respiratory parameters were determined using a spirometry. Anaerobic threshold (AT), which describes the region of metabolic changes from aerobic to anaerobic, was determined using the relationships VE and work rate.

Results: VE values at AT and Wmax were found to be 32.7±1.5 l/min and 84±3.4 l/min, respectively. In female subjects, increase in VE belove the AT was due to the VT, which increased from 0.85±0.03 l to 1.16±0.06 l (p<0.05). Above the AT, increased due to the BF which increased from 29 br/min to 53 br/min. In male subjects, increase in VE belove the AT was due to the VT, which increased from 0.98±0.06 l to 1.69±0.07 l (p<0.05). Above the AT, VE increased due to the Rf which increased from 26 br/min to 52 br/min.

Conclusion: As a result, respiratory parameters were found to be similar in male and female subjects. However, variation of the values depends the VT which is higher in male compared to female. The observation of normal values is an important factor when determining the pathological situations.