SEX DIFFERENCE IN ABSOLUTE AND NORMALIZED FORCE AT FOUR DIFFERENT ISOMETRIC CONTRACTION INTENSITIES

Abstract

Purpose: When measuring isometric contractions, providing real-time visual feedback differs from the practices in general clinical environment. In addition, even though men and women have clear physical and physiological differences, most of the existing studies analyzed absolute muscle contractions with no distinction between men and women. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in absolute and normalized hip extension forces measured without visual feedback between men and women. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adults participated (13 men and 15 women; age=- 22.00±11.44 years; height=165.86±18.30 cm; and weight=61.91±12.34 kg) in the study. Maximum (MVC) and submaximal voluntary contraction forces (75%, 50%, and 25% of MVC, in a random order) of hip extension were measured using a wireless strain gauge and with no visual feedback. Results: Absolute contraction forces measured at four target intensities were significantly greater in men (p