Gender Difference in Subjective Muscle-fatigue Sensation during Sustained Muscle Force Exertion

Abstract

Muscle endurance is one of the important composite factors to health-related physical fitness. However, previous measurement techniques for evaluation of isometric muscle endurance have been problematic, including rapid increase of blood pressure and heart rate. The progressive workload method which gradually increases the load can reduce subject's physical and mental burden and is safe even for the elderly. This study aims to examine the relationship between exerted force and subjective muscle-fatigue sensation (SMS) of the antebrachial region as well as differences with respect to gender during sustained static gripping. Subjects consisted of 12 males (age 20.8 ± 1.6 years) and 15 females (age 20.5 ± 1.3 years) with no history of neuromuscular disorders. They performed sustained static gripping, in which the demand values are gradually increased: 10 sec for 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), 20 sec each for 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70% MVC, and 10 sec for 80% MVC. Demand values (each %MVC) were determined based on each subject's MVC. The forces exerted during at the demand values of 70-80% MVC were significantly lower in males than in females. A gender difference in SMS between male and female subjects occurred at demand values of 40-60% MVC. In short, even when maintaining the same exertion force during demand values of 40-60% MVC, males may experience greater physical fatigue than females. subjective musclefatigue sensation; gender difference; progressive workload. Tohoku

Is the Use of a Low-Cost sEMG Sensor Valid to Measure Muscle Fatigue?

“…Generally speaking, men are stronger than women, but less fatigue resistant during isometric contractions at submaximal and maximal intensities. Males may experience greater muscle fatigue than females at 40–60% of maximum voluntary contractions [41,42]. Older subjects show higher electromyographic activity levels [43].…”

A Review of Non-Invasive Techniques to Detect and Predict Localised Muscle Fatigue

“…Several studies have suggested that subjects should be advised to refrain from alcohol and caffeine on or before the test day [9]. Demura et al [10] suggested that males may experience greater muscle fatigue than females for contractions at 40%–60% maximum voluntary contractions (MVC). In fatiguing contractions in young and old adults at different MVC, older subjects experience increased electromyographic activity levels [11].…”

Relation between perceived effort and the electromyographic signal in localized low-effort activities

“…Previous studies present contradictory findings about gender differences regarding perceived effort during physical activity. Demura et al (2008) found no gender difference in subjective muscle fatigue sensation during sustained static gripping. Laforest et al (1990) reported that there were no gender differences in muscle endurance during a cycle of 50 maximal contractions of knee extensors and flexors, performed using an isokinetic dynamometer.…”