Gender differences in muscle activation patterns during squat and countermovement jumps in soccer players.

Assessing muscle activation during squat and countermovement jumps is crucial for soccer players because these exercises replicate the explosive movements often required in competition, such as jumping for a header. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the activation patterns of the rectus abdominis, lumbar erector spinae, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris on both the left and right sides in male and female soccer players during squat jumps (SJs) and countermovement jumps (CMJ). Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 30 healthy university-level players (15 males and 15 females). Surface electromyography (Noraxon-USA, MR3 3.8.30) was used to assess the activation patterns of the rectus abdominis, lumbar erector spinae, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris on both sides during SJs and CMJs. Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between left and right muscle activation patterns in male and female players during both types of jumps, revealing a significant correlation (p < 0.05). Discussion: Females exhibited more consistent left-right synchronization in muscle activation, especially in the core and leg muscles, compared to males, who showed more complex muscle interactions and asymmetries. These findings align with previous research indicating that men and women differ in their neuromuscular activation patterns, co-contraction ratios, and responses to dynamic movements such as jumping. Understanding these gender-specific patterns is important for developing targeted training and injury prevention strategies. Conclusion: The findings indicated that different jump types and genders displayed distinct muscle activation patterns. Females, in particular, demonstrated a significantly stronger correlation between the left and right muscle activation during both jumps compared to males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]