Age- and sex-related differences for electromyography gaps during daily activity and a discrete task

Temporal patterns of quiescent electromyography termed 'gaps' were investigated in young and old men and women for a discrete task and daily activity. Gaps in women (1.3 ± 3.2) and old adults (1.5 ± 3.4) were fewer compared with men (4.7 ± 6.7) and young adults (4.6 ± 6.9) for the discrete task (p < 0.001). Gap duration was shorter for women (0.1 ± 0.2 s) and old adults (0.1 ± 0.3 s) compared with men (0.2 ± 0.3 s) and young adults (0.2 ± 0.2 s) (p < 0.01). For daily activity, gap number was similar with age, but gap duration and percentage of total time occupied by gaps were less in old compared with young adults (50%), and in women compared with men (43%) (p < 0.001). Results suggest gap activity is sensitive to type and duration of activity and that old adults and women demonstrate less quiescent electromyography than young adults and men.