The gender particularities of neuromuscular system state in humans with high level of adaptation to physical exercise

Abstract

Twenty two physically trained people, 20-30 years of age, took part in this EMG-study. To assess the functional state of humans neuromuscular system the method of H-reflex of soleus muscle was used. Registration of EMG-signals and tibial nerve stimulation were performed using neurodiagnostic complex (Nicolet Viking Select, USA-Germany). All tested people were divided in two groups – 11 males and 11 females. It was found that EMG-parameters had significant differences in men and women. H- and M-responses thresholds were higher in women than in men. This might be due to thicker subcutaneous fat tissue in female body. The amplitudes of the maximal H- and M-responses were smaller in women than in men. This might be the evidence of less muscle weight and muscle fiber volume in women in comparison with men. But the indices of segmental reflex motoneuron excitability (ratios of maximal H-and M-responses amplitudes) were equal in men and women. Such results reflects gender particularities of the functional state of human neuromuscular system, which are determined genetically and are also associated with adaptative neuromuscular system reactions to physical activity.