Published in:
01-04-2020 | Original Article
Isometric-based EMG threshold in girls and women
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 4/2020
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Background
The electromyographic threshold (EMGTh) has been suggested to indicate the onset of accelerated higher-threshold (type-II) MU recruitment. Previous research has demonstrated that boys’ EMGTh occurs at higher relative exercise intensities than men’s in both cycling- and isometric-based testing. Girls‒women EMGTh differences were demonstrated only in cycling, but findings were clouded by low EMGTh-detection rates in women (68%) and particularly in girls (45%)
Purpose
To examine the EMGTh, in girls and women, using the same males-employed isometric-based test protocol, and compare the females’ findings with those previously obtained in the males.
Methods
Seventeen girls and 17 women had their EMGTh determined as well as their one-repetition-maximum isometric knee-extension strength (1RM). Vastus-lateralis sEMG root mean square was recorded and the EMGTh was defined as the exercise intensity (%1RM) at the bi-segmental point of the least sum of squares.
Results
EMGTh was detected in 88.2% of girls and 94.1% of women and occurred at higher relative intensities in the girls than in women (56.0 ± 11.1 vs. 47.7 ± 8.0% 1RM). The girls’ 1RM (normalized to lean body mass) was only 69.1% that of the women.
Conclusions
Girls’ EMGTh values are higher compared with women’s, possibly reflecting lower ability to activate higher-threshold (type-II) motor units. The females’ EMGTh and detection-rate values were similar to the corresponding values previously observed in males. The females’ age-related difference in the recruitment of higher-threshold motor units, as reflected by the EMGTh, appears to be on par with the males.