Sex differences in torque steadiness, accuracy and activation of the shoulder girdle muscles during isometric shoulder scaption

Females present more neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders and have different activation strategies of the shoulder girdle muscles than males. However, the sensorimotor performance and potential sex differences are still largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate sex differences in torque steadiness and accuracy during isometric shoulder scaption. We also examined the amplitude and variability of the activation of the trapezius, serratus anterior (SA), and anterior deltoid muscles during torque output evaluation. Thirty-four asymptomatic adults (17 females) participated. Torque steadiness and accuracy were evaluated during sub-maximal contractions at 20 % and 35 % of peak torque (PT). There was no sex difference in torque coefficient of variation, but females had significantly lower torque standard deviation (SD) values than males at the two in-tensities evaluated (p < 0.001) and lower torque median frequency values compared to males, regardless of intensity (p < 0.01). Females had significantly lower absolute error values than males for torque output at 35 % PT (p < 0.01) and lower constant error values compared to males, regardless of intensity (p = 0.01). Females had significantly higher muscle amplitude values than males, except for SA (p = 0.10) and in general, females showed higher muscle activation SD values compared to males (p < 0.05). Females may require more complex muscle activation patterns to achieve a more stable and accurate torque output. Therefore, these sex differences may reflect control mechanisms that may also be at play when explaining the greater risk of neck/shoulder muscu-loskeletal disorders in females than males.

Automated summary

This study investigated sex differences in torque steadiness and accuracy during isometric shoulder scaption. It found that females had lower torque standard deviation values and lower torque median frequency values compared to males, indicating a more stable and accurate torque output. Females also had higher muscle amplitude values and generally higher muscle activation standard deviation values compared to males.