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SEX DIFFERENCES IN CRITICAL TORQUE

Abstract

Critical torque (CT) is a key measure of the relationship between performance and fatigue. CT is the highest force production that can be supported by primarily oxidative metabolism with no progressive accumulation of lactate or inorganic phosphate. Previous research has suggested that there is a difference in critical power (CP) between the sexes, but to our knowledge, no study has examined sex differences and CT. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine sex differences in CT. METHODS: Seventeen individuals participated in the study and were divided into 2 groups: males (9; 24.8 yrs ± 4.68; 180.2 cm ± 7.5; 79.9 kg ± 12.0) and females (8; 21.4 yrs ± 3.2; 162.6 cm ± 4.2, 65.3 kg ± 15.4). Prior to the CT protocol, the participants completed 3 maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC) and the highest of the 3 was used to determine maximal strength. Following a 5-minute rest period, the participants completed a 5-minute maximal protocol consisting of 30 six-second contractions followed by a four-second rest. After the CT protocol, the participants were asked to provide rating of perceived exertion (RPE). RESULTS: The male participants (323.10 Nm ± 67.96) had higher maximal strength than the female participants (225.14 Nm ± 54.41; p=0.005, d=1.58). There were no between-group differences for absolute CT (Males: 122.63 Nm ± 28.46, Females: 105.83 Nm ± 20.08; p=0.185). When CT was normalized to MVC, the female participants (47.78% ± 5.73) had a higher relative CT compared to the male participants (38.89% ± 8.98; p=0.003, d = 1.16). The male participants (9253.17 Nm∙s ± 1873.73) had a higher impulse above critical torque (IACT) compared to the female participants (6121.91 Nm∙s ± 1830.50, p=0.002, d = 1.60). There were no differences between the groups for post-exercise RPE (p=0.967, d = 0.02). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge this is the first study to directly assess the sex differences in CT. There was also a wide range of relative CT values within groups with the female participants ranging from 41-56% of MVC and the male participants ranging from 31-51% of MVC. These findings are important for researchers to consider as it impacts the common assessment of CT when assigning the load for a fatiguing task using MVC.

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