Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Gender influences neuromuscular adaptations to muscle unloading

  • Original Article
  • Published:
European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Muscle unloading results in decreased strength. This is partly attributed to reduced neural activation. This study examined whether men and women experienced different adaptations to muscle unloading. Ten men (21.4 ± 0.8 years; mean ± SE) and ten women (20.9 ± 0.2 years) were subjected to 1 week of muscle unloading. Muscle function was quantified during knee extensions before, and following unloading. Electromyography (EMG) was assessed during maximal isometric contractions before, and after unloading. Results showed greater (P < 0.05) unloading-induced decrement in muscle performance in women than men. The loss of peak torque was significantly correlated (r = 0.69) with the decline in EMG consequent to unloading, and women displayed significantly larger reductions in EMG. These findings indicate that: (1) women are more affected by muscle unloading than men, and (2) gender-related differences in strength declines are associated with similar disparities in the nervous system’s capacity to maximally stimulate muscle.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abt JP, Sell TC, Laudner KG, McCrory JL, Loucks TL, Berga SL, Lephart SM (2007) Neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristics do not vary across menstrual cycle. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 15:901–907. doi:10.1007/s00167-007-0302-3

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Adams GR, Caiozzo VJ, Baldwin KM (2003) Skeletal muscle unweighting: spaceflight and ground-based models. J Appl Physiol 95:2185–2201

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arafah BM (2006) Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal function during critical illness: limitations of current assessment methods. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 91:3725–3745. doi:10.1210/jc.2006-0674

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Berg HE, Dudley GA, Haggmark T, Ohlsen H, Tesch PA (1991) Effects of lower limb unloading on skeletal muscle mass and function in humans. J Appl Physiol 70:1882–1885. doi:10.1063/1.349490

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Charkoudian N, Joyner MJ (2004) Physiologic considerations for exercise performance in women. Clin Chest Med 25:247–255. doi:10.1016/j.ccm.2004.01.001

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clark BC, Collier SR, Manini TM, Ploutz-Snyder LL (2005) Sex differences in muscle fatigability and activation patterns of human quadriceps femoris. Eur J Appl Physiol 94:196–206. doi:10.1007/s00421-004-1293-0

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Daida H, Allison TG, Squires RW, Miller TD, Gau GT (1996) Peak exercise blood pressure stratified by age and gender in apparently healthy subjects. Mayo Clin Proc 71:445–452

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • de Boar MD, Morse CI, Thom JM A, de Haan A, Narici MV (2007) Changes in antagonist muscles’ coactivation in response to strength training in older women. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med 62:1022–1027

    Google Scholar 

  • Deschenes MR, Giles JA, McCoy RW, Volek JS, Gomez AL, Kraemer WJ (2002) Neural factors account for strength decrements observed after short-term muscle unloading. Am J Physiol 282:R578–R583

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Deschenes MR, Hillard MN, Wilson JA, Dubina MI, Eason MK (2006) Effects of gender on physiological responses during submaximal exercise and recovery. Med Sci Sports Exerc 38:1304–1310. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000227316.93351.56

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deschenes MR, Holdren AN, McCoy RW (2008) Adaptations to short-term muscle unloading in young and aged men. Med Sci Sports Exerc 40:856–863. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318164f4b6

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dudley GA, Duvoisin MR, Adams GR, Meyer RA, Below AH, Buchanan P (1992) Adaptations to unilateral lower limb suspension in humans. Aviat Space Environ Med 63:678–683

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Friden C, Hirschberg AL, Saartok T (2003) Muscle strength and endurance do not significantly vary across 3 phases of the menstrual cycle in moderately active premenopausal women. Clin J Sport Med 13:238–241. doi:10.1097/00042752-200307000-00007

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frye AJ, Kamon E (1983) Sweating efficiency in acclimated men and women exercising humid and dry heat. J Appl Physiol 54:972–977

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fulco CS, Rock PB, Muza SR, Lammi E, Cymerman A, Butterfield G, Moore LG, Braun B, Lewis SF (1999) Slower fatigue and faster recovery of the adductor pollicis muscle in women matched for strength with men. Acta Physiol Scand 167:233–239. doi:10.1046/j.1365-201x.1999.00613.x

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fulco CS, Rock PB, Muza SR, Lammi E, Braun B, Cymerman A, Moore LG, Lewis SF (2001) Gender alters impact of hypobaric hypoxia on adductor pollicis muscle performance. J Appl Physiol 91:100–108

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hakkinen K, Pakarinen A (1995) Acute hormonal responses to heavy resistance exercise in men and women at different ages. Int J Sports Med 16:507–513. doi:10.1055/s-2007-973045

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hakkinen K, Kallinen M, Izquierdo M, Jokelainen K, Lassila H, Malkia E, Kraemer WJ, Newton RU, Alen M (1998) Changes in agonist-antagonist EMG, muscle CSA, and force during strength training in middle-aged and older people. J Appl Physiol 84:1341–1349

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hakkinen K, Pakarinen A, Kraemer WJ, Hakkinen A, Valkeinen H, Alen M (2001) Selective muscle hypertrophy, changes in EMG and force, and serum hormones during strength training in older women. J Appl Physiol 91:569–580

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harms CA (2006) Does gender affect pulmonary function and exercise capacity? Respir Physiol Neurobiol 151:124–131. doi:10.1016/j.resp.2005.10.010

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hasselgren PO (1999) Glucocorticoids and muscle catabolism. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2:201–205. doi:10.1097/00075197-199905000-00002

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hather BM, Adams GR, Tesch PA, Dudley GA (1992) Skeletal muscle responses to lower limb suspension in humans. J Appl Physiol 72:1493–1498

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hicks AL, Kent-Braun J, Ditor DS (2001) Sex differences in human skeletal muscle fatigue. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 29:109–112. doi:10.1097/00003677-200107000-00004

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holtermann A, Roeleveld K, Vereijken B, Ettema G (2005) Changes in agonist EMG activation level during MVC cannot explain early strength improvement. Eur J Appl Physiol 94:593–601. doi:10.1007/s00421-005-1365-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Horton TJ, Pagliassotti MJ, Hobbs K, Hill JO (1998) Fuel metabolism in men and women during and after long-duration exercise. J Appl Physiol 85:1823–1832

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Janse de Jonge XA, Boot CR, Thom JM, Ruell PA, Thompson MW (2001) The influence of menstrual cycle phase on skeletal muscle contractile characteristics in humans. J Physiol 530:161–166. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7793.2001.0161m.x

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kamen G, Caldwell GE (1996) Physiology and interpretation of the electromyogram. J Clin Neurophysiol 13:366–384. doi:10.1097/00004691-199609000-00002

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kent-Braun JA, Ng AV, Doyle JW, Towse TF (2002) Human skeletal muscle responses vary with age and gender during fatigue due to incremental isometric exercise. J Appl Physiol 93:1813–1823

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kohl HW, Blair SN, Paffenbarger RS, Macera CA, Kronenfeld JJ (1997) The aerobic center longitudinal study physical activity questionnaire. Med Sci Sports Exerc 29(Suppl. 6):S10–S14

    Google Scholar 

  • Lemmer JT, Hurlbut DE, Martel GF, Tracy BL, Ivey FM, Metter EJ, Fozard JL, Fleg JL, Hurley BF (2000) Age and gender responses to strength training and detraining. Med Sci Sports Exerc 32:1505–1512. doi:10.1097/00005768-200008000-00021

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Melanson EL, Sharp TA, Seagle HM, Horton TJ, Donahoo WT, Grunwald GK, Hamilton JT, Hill JO (2002) Effect of exercise intensity on 24-h energy expenditure and nutrient oxidation. J Appl Physiol 92:1045–1052

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mikines KJ, Richter EA, Dela F, Galbo H (1991) Seven days of bed rest decrease insulin action on glucose uptake in leg and whole body. J Appl Physiol 70:1245–1254

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ogawa T, Spina RJ, Martin WH 3rd, Kohrt WM, Schechtman KB, Holloszy JO, Ehsani AA (1992) Effects of aging, sex, and physical training on cardiovascular responses to exercise. Circulation 86:494–503

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Richter EA, Kiens B, Mizuno M, Strange S (1989) Insulin action in human thighs after one-legged immobilization. J Appl Physiol 67:19–23

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roth SM, Ivey FM, Martel GF, Lemmer JT, Hurlbut DE, Siegel EL, Metter EJ, Fleg JL, Fozard JL, Kostek MC, Wernick DM, Hurley BF (2001) Muscle size responses to strength training in young and older men and women. J Am Geriatr Soc 49:1428–1433. doi:10.1046/j.1532-5415.2001.4911233.x

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Russ DW, Kent-Braun JA (2003) Sex differences in human skeletal muscle fatigue are eliminated under ischemic conditions. J Appl Physiol 94:2414–2422

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Russ DW, Lanza IR, Rothman D, Kent-Braun JA (2005) Sex differences in glycolysis during brief, intense isometric contractions. Muscle Nerve 32:647–655. doi:10.1002/mus.20396

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schulze K, Gallagher P, Trappe S (2002) Resistance training preserves skeletal muscle function during unloading in humans. Med Sci Sports Exerc 34:303–313. doi:10.1097/00005768-200202000-00019

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Semmler JG, Kutzcher DV, Enoka RM (1999) Gender differences in the fatigability of human skeletal muscle. J Neurophysiol 82:3590–3593

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shephard RJ (2000) Exercise and training in women, part I: influence of gender on exercise and training responses. Can J Appl Physiol 25:19–34

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simoneau E, Martin A, Porter MM, Van Hoecke J (2006) Strength training in old age: adaptation of antagonist muscles at the ankle joint. Muscle Nerve 33:546–555. doi:10.1002/mus.20492

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Staron RS, Karapondo DL, Kraemer WJ, Fry AC, Gordon SE, Falkel JE, Hagerman FC, Hikida RS (1994) Skeletal muscle adaptations during early phase of heavy-resistance training in men and women. J Appl Physiol 76:1247–1255

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Staron RS, Hagerman FC, Hikida RS, Murray TF, Hostler DP, Crill MT, Ragg KE, Toma K (2000) Fiber type composition of the vastus lateralis muscle of young men and women. J Histochem Cytochem 48:623–629

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tarnopolsky MA, Ruby BC (2001) Sex differences in carbohydrate metabolism. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 4:521–526. doi:10.1097/00075197-200111000-00010

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Widrick JJ, Trappe SW, Romatowski JG, Riley DA, Costill DL, Fitts RH (2002) Unilateral lower limb suspension does not mimic bed rest or spaceflight effects on human muscle fiber function. J Appl Physiol 93:354–360

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wilmore JH, Stanforth PR, Gagnon J, Rice T, Mandel S, Leon AS, Rao DC, Skinner JS, Bouchard C (2001) Heart rate and blood pressure changes with endurance training: the HERITAGE family study. Med Sci Sports Exerc 33:107–116. doi:10.1097/00005768-200101000-00017

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wiswell RA, Jaque SV, Marcell TJ, Hawkins SA, Tarpenning KM, Constantino N, Hyslop DM (2000) Maximal aerobic power, lactate threshold, and running performance in master athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 32:1165–1170. doi:10.1097/00005768-200006000-00021

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yasuda N, Glover EI, Phillips SM, Isfort RJ, Tarnopolsky MA (2005) Sex-based differences in skeletal muscle function and morphology with short-term limb immobilization. J Appl Physiol 99:1085–1092. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00247.2005

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from The Jeffress Memorial Trust, and The Borgenicht Program for Aging Studies and Exercise Science.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187-8795, USA

    Michael R. Deschenes, Raymond W. McCoy & Margaret K. Eason

  2. Program in Neuroscience, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187-8795, USA

    Michael R. Deschenes, Ashley N. Holdren & Margaret K. Eason

Authors
  1. Michael R. Deschenes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Raymond W. McCoy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ashley N. Holdren
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Margaret K. Eason
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael R. Deschenes.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Deschenes, M.R., McCoy, R.W., Holdren, A.N. et al. Gender influences neuromuscular adaptations to muscle unloading. Eur J Appl Physiol 105, 889–897 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0974-5

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0974-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation