What are gender differences in lower limb muscle activity during jump–landing tasks? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundGender differences in muscle activity during landing have been proposed as a possible contributing factor to the greater incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in women. Conflicting results among a few studies in this regard makes it impossible to reach correct conclusions.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was systematic review and the meta-analysis of previous studies which have compared the electromyographic activity of lower limb muscles in gluteus muscles (maximus and medius), quadriceps (rectus femoris, vastus medialis and lateralis), hamstrings (biceps femoris and semimembranosus), and gastrocnemius in men and women in jump–landing task.MethodsA systematic search of the PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct databases was performed for eligible articles in October 2020. Cross-sectional studies that compared the muscle activity of male and female athletes without a history of previous injury in the jump–landing task were included. Unisex and non-athlete's studies were extracted from the included studies. The data were synthesized using a fixed and random effects model.ResultsEight studies involving 145 participants were included. All participants were people who participated in regular exercises. The meta-analysis of timing and muscle activity was performed in the feedforward (pre contact) and feedback (post contact) stages. There were no significant differences in the muscle activity of biceps femoris (MD = −12.01; 95% CI − 51.49 to 27.47; p = 0.55; I2 = 87%), vastus medialis (MD = −53.46; 95% CI − 129.73 to 22.81; p = 0.17; I2 = 91%), semimembranosus (MD = 1.81; 95% CI − 6.44 to 10.07; p = 0.67; I2 = 0%), gluteus medius (MD = −3.14; 95% CI − 14.24 to 7.96; p = 0.58; I2 = 48%), and rectus femoris (MD = −5.83; 95% CI − 14.57 to 2.92; p = 0.19; I2 = 87%) in the pre contact phase between two sexes. There was a significant difference between men and women in the activity of vastus lateralis muscle in the post contact phase (MD = −34.90; 95% CI − 48.23 to − 21.57). No significant difference was observed between the men and women in the timing of semimembranosus (MD = 23.53; 95% CI − 14.49 to 61.54; p = 0.23; I2 = 56%) and biceps femoris muscle activity (MD = −46.84; 95% CI − 97.50 to 3.83; p = 0.07; I2 = 82%).ConclusionThe results showed that in all lower limb muscles except vastus lateralis there were no significant differences between muscle activity and muscle contraction timing in both sexes before and after foot contact. Therefore, it can be concluded that the reason for the greater susceptibility of ACL injuries in women than men is maybe related to other factors such as biomechanical and hormonal. Additional good quality research in this regard is required to strengthen these conclusions.

Similarities and differences in skeletal muscle and body composition between sexes: an MRI study of recreational cyclists

“…There is renewed interest in understanding sex differences and similarities in skeletal muscle (SM) and body composition 1–5. On the one hand, SM is now known to be important in many physiological and disease processes 6–12.…”

“…There is renewed interest in understanding sex differences and similarities in skeletal muscle (SM) and body composition. [1][2][3][4][5] On the one hand, SM is now known to be important in many physiological and disease processes. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] On the other hand, sports performance differences between male and female athletes have attracted new attention in recent years because of the inclusion of transgender athletes in female competitions.…”

A World Update of Progress in Lower Extremity Transplantation

“…Depending on gender, the lower extremity constitutes almost 3 times the total body mass as the upper extremities. 76,77 Lower extremity amputees experience diminished cardiac contractility, work capacity, movement capabilities, and maximal oxygen intake, attributed to a significant loss of body mass, suggesting a potential impact on their cardiovascular and respiratory function. 78 To maintain hemodynamic stability, the surgical team must exercise heightened caution and meticulous attention to details when it comes to resuscitative measures, including monitoring blood pressure, assessing coagulation indicators, and administering blood product transfusions.…”

“…In terms of volume, muscle mass, etc, the lower extremity's anatomical compartments differ significantly from those of the upper extremity. Depending on gender, the lower extremity constitutes almost 3 times the total body mass as the upper extremities 76,77 . Lower extremity amputees experience diminished cardiac contractility, work capacity, movement capabilities, and maximal oxygen intake, attributed to a significant loss of body mass, suggesting a potential impact on their cardiovascular and respiratory function 78 .…”

Functional knee brace use for 21 h leads to a longer duration to achieve peak vertical ground reaction forces and the removal of the brace after 17.5 h results in faster loading of the knee joint

“…Furthermore, it has been suggested that before IGC, preactivation of the knee joint agonist and antagonist muscles leads to increased joint stiffness, which can provide greater knee joint stability and protection against a noncontact ACL episode [22,40]. On the contrary, during jump landing, researchers have suggested that increased joint stiffness may reduce GRF absorption [34]; preactivation of the knee joint agonist and antagonist muscles led to a high quadricep: hamstring (Q: H) ratio (mainly due to decreased activation of the hamstrings), which was negatively correlated with the knee flexion angle at IGC [46], which reduces the force threshold required to rupture the ACL [34,41].…”