Sex and gender inequities in biomedical research are well-documented. To evaluate the recent exercise physiology literature, we analyzed participants, authors, and adherence to Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines in 629 systematically-selected original research articles (2018-2020) across six peer-reviewed journals. Nearly half of studies (46%) included only male/men (M/M) participants, 44% were mixed, and 8% were female/women (F/W)-only. Only 27% of authors were women, with even lower representation among senior authors (16%) and those with >2 publications (12%). Articles with women senior authors had 72% more women co-authors, and there was a dose-dependent association between women authors and inclusion of F/W participants. Articles adhered to 29 (20-43)% of relevant SAGER guidelines. Over half (58%) used inaccurate or unclear sex/gender-related language, and only 10-34% followed guidelines that support discovery of sex/gender-related differences. F/W-only articles were more likely than M/M-only to report (79% vs 12%), justify (69% vs 5%), and discuss (62% vs 20%) their single-sex/gender status. Articles with women authors were more likely to communicate clearly about sex/gender but otherwise had similarly poor adherence to SAGER guidelines. There are likely complex reasons why male bodies and men's voices continue to be centered in exercise physiology research. Our data implicate several logistical, attitudinal, and cultural contributors that warrant investigation and intervention. Structural support and enforcement will be needed to increase F/W inclusion and align research and reporting practices with SAGER guidelines. Associations between women authors and equitable practices suggest compound benefits of investing in recruitment and retention of women researchers.
Niazi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.