Elsayed Walaa Hamdy
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Sep 5;104(36):e44349. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000044349.
The triceps surae performs vital functions during locomotion and possesses shock-absorbing capacity. The injury rate of the Achilles tendon is higher in males than females. Quantification of the triceps surae muscle force outputs across sexes has not been determined. This study aimed to investigate and quantify sex-related triceps surae isokinetic parameters and activation magnitudes. A repeated-measures comparative design is implemented. A total of 20 males and 20 females joined this study. An isokinetic dynamometer and a synchronized electromyography system were employed to measure isokinetic torque, power, work, and muscle amplitude during the dynamic plantar flexion test. The participants performed 3 trials at 2 knee angles to target the gastrocnemius and soleus. There were sex-related differences in triceps surae performance. Males demonstrated more isokinetic torque, power, and work (P < .05) than females. Males scored more normalized peak torque (49% and 80%) and work (47% and 108%) than females in extended and right-angled knees, respectively. All participants demonstrated improved isokinetic output when the knee was extended rather than flexed. The triceps surae muscle compartments were activated uniformly across sexes (P > .05). Males exerted greater plantar flexion isokinetic parameters than their female counterparts. Males may be more likely to sustain injuries than females due to increased strain on the Achilles tendon caused by greater torque and power output. Such differences may impact athletic performance, injury risk, functional tasks, and job demands. Therefore, clinicians and ergonomists could consider this finding when developing successful rehabilitation programs and maintaining workplace safety.
小腿三头肌在运动过程中发挥着重要作用，并具有减震能力。男性跟腱的损伤率高于女性。目前尚未确定不同性别的小腿三头肌肌力输出情况。本研究旨在调查和量化与性别相关的小腿三头肌等速参数及激活程度。采用重复测量比较设计。共有20名男性和20名女性参与了本研究。在动态跖屈测试中，使用等速测力计和同步肌电图系统来测量等速扭矩、功率、功和肌肉幅度。参与者在2个膝关节角度下进行3次试验，以针对腓肠肌和比目鱼肌。小腿三头肌的表现存在性别差异。男性比女性表现出更大的等速扭矩、功率和功（P < 0.05）。在膝关节伸展和直角时，男性的标准化峰值扭矩（分别为49%和80%）和功（分别为47%和108%）得分均高于女性。所有参与者在膝关节伸展而非屈曲时，等速输出均有所改善。小腿三头肌各肌室在不同性别间的激活情况一致（P > 0.05）。男性的跖屈等速参数高于女性。由于更大的扭矩和功率输出导致跟腱应变增加，男性可能比女性更容易受伤。这些差异可能会影响运动表现、受伤风险、功能任务和工作需求。因此，临床医生和人体工程学家在制定成功的康复计划和维护工作场所安全时可考虑这一发现。
