Table 1.
Task variables that influence the sex differences in fatigability
| Variables | Fatigability | Examples of supporting studies |
|---|---|---|
| Intensity of contraction | ||
| Low intensity | M > F | Hunter and Enoka 2001; Yoon et al. 2007; Keller et al. 2011 |
| Low intensity strength matched | M = F | Hunter et al. 2004b, 2006b |
| Moderate intensity | M > F | Fulco et al. 1999; Hunter et al. 2004c, 2009 |
| High intensity | M > F | Russ and Kent-Braun 2003; Hunter et al. 2006a; Martin and Rattey 2007 |
| M = F | Maughan et al. 1986; Yoon et al. 2007 | |
| Muscle group (isometric only) | ||
| Adductor pollicis | M > F | Fulco et al. 1999 |
| Elbow flexors | M > F | Hunter et al. 2004c; Avin et al. 2010; Keller et al. 2011 |
| Finger flexors (handgrip) | M > F | West et al. 1995; Hunter et al. 2006b |
| Elbow extensors | M = F | Dearth et al. 2010 |
| Trunk flexors | M = F | Deering et al. 2017 |
| Trunk extensors | M > F | Clark et al. 2003; Lariviere et al. 2006 |
| Knee extensors | M > F | Clark et al. 2005 |
| Ankle dorsiflexors | M > F | Russ and Kent-Braun 2003 |
| M = F | Kent-Braun et al. 2002; Hunter et al. 2008b; Avin et al. 2010 | |
| Velocity of contraction | ||
| Slow velocity concentric | M > F | Yoon et al. 2015 |
| Moderate velocity concentric | M > F | Pincivero et al. 2003 |
| High velocity concentric | M = F | Senefeld et al. 2013 |
| Slow to moderate eccentric | M = F | Hubal et al. 2008; Lee et al. 2017 |
| F > M | Sewright et al. 2008; Power et al. 2013 | |
| Cognitive challenge imposed | ||
| Elbow flexors (isometric) | F increase fatigability; M minimal change | Yoon et al. 2009b; Keller-Ross et al. 2014; Pereira et al. 2015 |
| Ankle dorsiflexors (isometric) | F and M no change | Vanden Noven et al. 2014 |
Shown are task variables that are known to alter the magnitude of the sex difference in performance fatigability during single-limb exercise, along with examples of how that variable can change and the general findings to date. Examples of supporting studies are cited in the last column although the list is not exhaustive.
F, Females; M, males.
M > F, Males are more fatigable than females.
F > M, Females are more fatigable than males.
M = F, Females are similar in fatigability.