Measuring Muscle Fatigue and Gender Differences with Isokinetic Contractions

Muscle fatigue has been defined as “any reduction in the force generating capacity of the total neuromuscular system regardless of the force required in any given situation” (Bigland-Ritchie and Woods, 1984). A reliable muscle fatigue measure has subtly emerged during maximal effort isokinetic contractions that has been able to highlight gender differences in quadriceps and hamstring torque generating ability. The objectives of this presentation are to: I) discuss and contrast different methods of documenting muscle fatigue during isokinetic contractions (Pincivero et al, 2001), II) demonstrate the relationship between isokinetic peak torque generating ability and muscle fatigue (Pincivero et al, 2000a), and III) examine gender differences in quadriceps and hamstring torque and muscle fatigue (Pincivero et al, 2000b).