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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-10-2020 | Original Article

Sex differences in neuromuscular control of quadriceps

Authors: Yi-Ling Peng, Anthony E. Johnson, Lisa Griffin

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 10/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is twice as prevalent in females as males, yet a few studies have evaluated differences in quadriceps muscle control between sexes or across force levels. This study investigated sex differences in quadriceps EMG onset times and amplitude at different force levels during isometric knee extension in asymptomatic males and females and in females with PFPS.

Methods

Thirteen healthy males, 12 healthy females, and 10 females with PFPS performed isometric knee extension ramp contractions at 25%, 50%, and 75% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Surface EMG was recorded from the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus medialis (VM), and rectus femoris (RF).

Results

Healthy females showed delayed VL (222 ± 67 ms, p = 0.002), VMO (357 ± 101 ms, p = 0.001), and VM (258 ± 62 ms, p < 0.001) recruitment in comparison with healthy males. Healthy males activated the VL earlier than the VM (156 ± 51 ms, p = 0.02) and RF (379 ± 74 ms, p < 0.001), and at a similar time as the VMO; healthy females activated the VL earlier than the VM (192 ± 53 ms, p = 0.004) and VMO (239 ± 73 ms, p = 0.01). A lower VMO:VL activation ratio was found at 25% MVC (p < 0.001) than at higher force levels.

Conclusions

Delayed activation of the VMO relative to the VL has been proposed as a risk factor for PFPS. This study confirms a delay in VMO onset time in females.

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Title: Sex differences in neuromuscular control of quadriceps
Authors: Yi-Ling Peng
Anthony E. Johnson
Lisa Griffin
Publication date: 01-10-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 10/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04443-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sex differences in neuromuscular control of quadriceps

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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