Sex-related differences in motor unit behavior are influenced by myosin heavy chain during high- but not moderate-intensity contractions

AimsMotor unit recruitment and firing rate patterns of the vastus lateralis (VL) have not been compared between sexes during moderate- and high-intensity contraction intensities. Additionally, the influence of fiber composition on potential sex-related differences remains unquantified. MethodsEleven males and 11 females performed 40% and 70% maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals recorded from the VL were decomposed. Recruitment thresholds (RTs), MU action potential amplitudes (MUAP(AMP)), initial firing rates (IFRs), mean firing rates (MFRs), and normalized EMG amplitude (N-EMG(RMS)) at steady torque were analyzed. Y-intercepts and slopes were calculated for MUAP(AMP), IFR, and MFR versus RT relationships. Type I myosin heavy chain isoform (MHC) was determined with muscle biopsies. ResultsThere were no sex-related differences in MU characteristics at 40% MVC. At 70% MVC, males exhibited greater slopes (p = 0.002) for the MUAP(AMP), whereas females displayed greater slopes (p = 0.001-0.007) for the IFR and MFR versus RT relationships. N-EMG(RMS) at 70% MVC was greater for females (p < 0.001). Type I %MHC was greater for females (p = 0.006), and was correlated (p = 0.018-0.031) with the slopes for the MUAP(AMP), IFR, and MFR versus RT relationships at 70% MVC (r = -0.599-0.585). ConclusionBoth sexes exhibited an inverse relationship between MU firing rates and recruitment thresholds. However, the sex-related differences in MU recruitment and firing rate patterns and N-EMG(RMS) at 70% MVC were likely due to greater type I% MHC and smaller twitch forces of the higher threshold MUs for the females. Evidence is provided that muscle fiber composition may explain divergent MU behavior between sexes.

Automated summary

This study compared motor unit recruitment and firing rate patterns between sexes during different contraction intensities and found that females had higher firing rates and electromyographic signal amplitude, likely due to higher type I myosin heavy chain (MHC) content in their muscles.