Sex-related differences in submaximal but not maximal motor unit firing rates of the human vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis
Abstract
This study compares motor-unit (MU) firing rates between males and females in the quadriceps across a full force range. Our findings reveal no difference in maximal firing rates between sexes, but at submaximal intensities MU firings in females were modestly faster; with no difference in normalized muscle contractile properties. Overall force gradation strategies during voluntary contractions are different in females, perhaps related to sex-based differences in intrinsic motoneuron properties rather than musculoskeletal parameters.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Muscle activation and electromyography studies
Motor Control and Adaptation
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Applied Physiology
- Publisher
- American Physiological Society
- Volume
- 140
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 806–815
- Publication date
- 19 February 2026
- Language
- EN