Men and women differ in their interest and willingness to participate in exercise and sports science research

James L. Nuzzo; Robert O. Deaner

doi:10.1111/sms.14404

journal article Open Access May 23, 2023

Men and women differ in their interest and willingness to participate in exercise and sports science research

James L. Nuzzo

Robert O. Deaner

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports Vol. 33 No. 9 pp. 1850-1865 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/sms.14404

Abstract

AbstractUnequal proportions of male and female participants in exercise research might be attributed, in part, to differences in interest and willingness to participate. We tested if men and women are equally interested and willing to undergo exercise research procedures and if they consider different factors when deciding to participate. Two samples completed an online survey. Sample 1 (129 men, 227 women) responded to advertisements on social media and survey‐sharing websites. Sample 2 (155 men, 504 women) was comprised of undergraduate psychology students. In both samples, men were significantly more interested to learn their muscle mass amount, running speed, jump height, and ball throwing ability, and more willing to receive electrical shocks, cycle or run until exhaustion, complete strength training that causes muscle soreness, and take muscle‐building supplements (all p ≤ 0.013, d = 0.23–0.48). Women were significantly more interested to learn their flexibility, and more willing to complete surveys, participate in stretching and group aerobics interventions, and participate in home exercise with online instruction (all p ≤ 0.021, d = 0.12–0.71). Women rated the following significantly more important when deciding to participate: study's implications for society; personal health status; confidence in own abilities; potential anxiety during testing; type of research facility; time to complete study; and invasiveness, pain/discomfort, and possible side effects of procedures (all p < 0.05, d = 0.26–0.81). Differences in interest and willingness to participate in research probably contribute to different proportions of men and women as participants in exercise research. Knowledge of these differences might help researchers develop recruitment strategies aimed at encouraging both men and women to participate in exercise studies.

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Details

Published: May 23, 2023
Vol/Issue: 33(9)
Pages: 1850-1865
License: View

Authors

J

James L. Nuzzo

School of Medical and Health Sciences Edith Cowan University Joondalup Western Australia Australia

R

Robert O. Deaner

Psychology Department Grand Valley State University Allendale Michigan USA

Cite This Article

James L. Nuzzo, Robert O. Deaner (2023). Men and women differ in their interest and willingness to participate in exercise and sports science research. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 33(9), 1850-1865. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14404

Men and women differ in their interest and willingness to participate in exercise and sports science research

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