Assessment of the surface electromyographic activity of thigh muscles in males and females

Surface electromyographic (sEMG) signal is commonly used as input information to control robotic systems. sEMG signals vary from person to person; gender is a factor influencing this variation. The aim of the study is to detect gender-related differences in sEMG activity of main three thigh muscles (rectus femoris, RF, biceps femoris, BF and vastus lateralis, VL) during walking at comfortable speed and cadence. Statistical analysis of sEMG signals, performed in seven male (M-group) and seven female (F-group) adults, showed clear gender-related differences in VL behaviour and no relevant differences in the behaviour of RF and BF. F-group, indeed, adopts a walking modality with a higher number of VL activations during gait cycle, compared to M-group. This suggests a female propensity for a more complex VL recruitment, during walking. This novel information suggests considering separate approaches for males and females, in providing electromyographic signals as input information to control robotic systems.