Influence of sex on performance fatiguability of the plantar flexors following repeated maximal dynamic shortening contractions.
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism

THE STUDY
Researchers took eight men and nine women that were at a similar level of physical fitness and had them flex their foot against a suite of sensors as quickly as they could 200 times.

The speed, power and torque of their movements, as well as the electrical activity of their muscles was recorded over time.

RESULTS
The females exhibited smaller reductions in power and similar changes in rate of neuromuscular activation than males. In other words, they were less fatiguable. The men were shown to have greater strength, especially in the initial stages, but couldn't keep movements as consistent as the women could.

Although this experiment only focused on one isolated muscle group, the results suggest there would be similar results with other movements.

WORDS FROM A SCIENTIST
"We chose to measure foot movements because it makes use of calf muscles on the back of the leg, which are essential for practical, everyday tasks like standing and walking," says UBC's Dalton. "What we found is that males were faster and more powerful at first but became more fatigued much faster than females."

WHY I CARE
How often do you go to the gym and work on maxing out your endurance? Is it just me, or do you tend to focus on the things you're naturally good at?

When it comes to fitness though, it's equally as important to recognize your weaknesses and then increase training in those areas too. If men have a tendency to put in more effort with strength training, without focusing on endurance, they're missing out on half the work that will allow them to be faster, longer.

Takeaway: Research shows women outlast men during dynamic muscle exercises. Might be a good indication to focus more time on endurance training to build speed and longevity.