FURI | Fall 2019

Investigation of Sex Differences in 2-Dimensional Ankle Stiffness During Upright Standing

Studies have shown a huge gender gap in ankle stability and increased incidence of ankle injury in females as compared to males, however, there is little information regarding the neuromuscular basis for this. As such, this research investigates the underlying sex differences in ankle stiffness in sagittal and frontal planes during standing, using a multi-axial robotic platform. Ankle stiffness at different levels of muscle activation and center of pressure were compared between six subjects; 3 females and 3 males. Results show a significant difference in ankle stiffness between both genders, with females having relatively lower ankle stiffness than men for both planes.