Sex differences in whole-body neuromuscular patterns during a 2000 m rowing time trial

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Previous research indicates higher injury rates in female rowers compared to males.
• Limited studies have explored sex-based differences in rowing performance and associated neuromuscular factors across the entire body.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex differences in rowing performance outcomes during a 2000m time trial.
• To examine sex-specific neuromuscular responses, including muscle oxygenation and electromyography (EMG) activity, across multiple body segments.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen varsity rowers (9 female, 7 male) performed a 2000m time trial on a Concept 2 ergometer.
• Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measured muscle oxygenation in the vastus lateralis.
• Surface EMG electrodes recorded activity in 10 dominant-side muscles (arm, trunk, leg) at 7 distance intervals.

Main Results:

• Females took significantly longer to complete the 2000m time trial than males.
• Sex-by-distance interactions were observed in heart rate, with earlier fluctuations in females.
• Females showed higher tissue oxygenation index until 1350m, while males generally maintained or increased upper body muscle activation amplitude, unlike females.

Conclusions:

• This study reveals novel sex-specific neuromuscular adaptations during a maximal effort 2000m rowing time trial.
• Understanding these sex differences in muscle recruitment and oxygen utilization can inform fatigue mitigation strategies.
• Findings contribute to comprehending sex-specific muscular load distribution and injury prevention in whole-body maximal effort tasks.