Abstract
To examine sex differences in cardiopulmonary control after exercise in children, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and breath holding time were recorded before, during and after mountain climbing in elementary school children in the age range 11.3–12.3 years. Pulse rate increased to a significantly greater extent in girls than in boys during and after mountain climbing. Recovery of the pulse rate did not differ between sexes. Respiratory rate increased significantly during and after mountain climbing. Recovery of the respiratory rate after the climb was significantly slower in girls than in boys. Breath holding time was reduced at high altitude to a similar extent in both sexes.
Cardiopulmonary control during and after mountain climbing is different between girls and boys of age 11 or 12. Characteristics of the female response are a greater increase in pulse rate and a slower recovery in respiratory rate.