Sex Differences in Static Strength and Fatigability in Three Different Muscle Groups

Maximal voluntary static muscle force production was assessed both in strength trials and during 2-min contractions by three muscle groups (right-hand finger flexors [RHF], right-leg extensors [RLE], and both leg extensors [BLE]) in young males (n = 13) and females (n = 14). There was a significant difference (p less than .01) between males and females for RHF strength and BLE strength but no significant difference between sexes for RLE strength. During the 2-min task, impulse (force x time) declined significantly (p less than .001) and there was a significant difference (p less than .001) between muscle groups, but there was no difference between sexes. There was a significant (p less than .05) sex x time interaction for the impulse values indicating that the fatigability was greater in males than females.