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Knee flexor torque and perceived exertion: a gender and reliability analysis
Danny M Pincivero1, Robert M Campy, Alan J Coelho
1Human Performance and Fatigue Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA. danny.pincivero@utoledo.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|October 3, 2003
Summary
Healthy young males exhibit greater hamstring muscle torque than females, yet perceived exertion remains similar between genders. Perceived exertion also decreased across testing days for both groups.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Understanding gender-based differences in muscle strength and exertion perception is crucial for tailored training programs.
- Isometric hamstring torque and perceived exertion are key metrics in assessing muscle function and fatigue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender disparities in isometric hamstring peak torque and perceived exertion.
- To analyze the between-day reliability of these measures in healthy college-aged adults.
Main Methods:
- 20 healthy college students (10 male, 10 female) performed maximal voluntary isometric hamstring contractions (MVC).
- Submaximal contractions (10-90% MVC) were assessed for peak torque and perceived exertion using the Borg CR-10 scale.
- A subset of participants repeated the protocol ~1 week later to assess between-day variability.
Main Results:
- Males produced significantly higher absolute, relative, and allometric-scaled hamstring torque compared to females (P < 0.05).
- No significant gender differences were found in perceived exertion across submaximal intensities or in power function parameters.
- Perceived exertion ratings were significantly lower on the second testing day across all contraction intensities (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Despite greater hamstring torque in males, perceived exertion during isometric contractions is comparable between young men and women.
- Perceived exertion demonstrates reduced ratings on a subsequent testing day, indicating potential learning or adaptation effects.
- These findings suggest that exertion perception is a reliable indicator across genders for submaximal isometric hamstring contractions.