WEIGHT BEARING KNEE JOINT MUSCLE ACTIVATION: SEX DIFFERENCES IN STABILISATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Evaluation of voluntary muscle action can be delineated as stabilisation strategies against externally applied loads. Deficits in neuromuscular function may increase one’s risk of joint injury. This study evaluated sex-related differences in muscle action during weightbearing force control tasks. Young adults maintained inferior loads generating direction dependent ground reaction forces against a force plate. Electromyographic data was used to display and quantify muscle activation patterns. Females demonstrated significantly different rectus femoris and vastus medialis activation characteristics compared to males. Also, in both sexes, the vastii and bicep femoris demonstrated activation different than its previously reported functional role. Observed sex-related differences in knee muscle action may provide insight into mechanisms of ACL injury.