Isometric versus isotonic contractions: Sex differences in the fatigability and recovery of isometric strength and high‐velocity contractile parameters

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate potential sex differences in the fatigue‐ and recovery‐induced responses of isometric strength and power, as well as select dynamic contractile parameters after isometric and isotonic plantar flexor (PF) contractions. Healthy males (n = 12; age = 21.8 ± 2.2 years) and females (n = 14; age = 21.4 ± 2.5 years) performed a 2‐min maximal voluntary isometric contraction and 120 concentric isotonic (30% peak isometric torque) contractions of the PFs on separate visits. Isometric strength, isotonic power, as well as torque‐ and velocity‐related parameters were recorded before, immediately after, and throughout 10 min of recovery. Rate of EMG rise (RER) for the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus was also obtained. All measures responded similarly between sexes after both fatiguing modalities (p > 0.05), except RER of the MG which, in males demonstrated both, a greater decrease during isotonic contractions (p = 0.038, ηp2 = 0.174) and more rapid recovery after isometric exercise (p = 0.043, ηp2 = 0.166). Although not significant, a nearly large effect size was demonstrated for the fatigue‐induced decrease in isometric strength (p = 0.061; d = 0.77) due to relative decreases tending to be greater in males (−29% vs. −17%). Regardless of fatiguing modality, sex differences were minimal for fatigue and recovery‐related responses in muscle function for the PFs, although the difference for RER may indicate a unique origin of fatigue. Further support for the disassociation between the response in isometric strength and power after fatiguing exercise was also demonstrated.

Keywords

• fatigue
• plantar flexors
• power
• rate of muscle activation
• skeletal muscle