Sex-specific differences in neuromuscular activation of the knee stabilizing muscles in adults - a systematic review.

All included studies were cross-sectional, so they cannot establish causality or track changes over time. Methodological quality was mixed, with only four studies rated as good quality; most were fair or poor. There was significant heterogeneity in the tasks performed (e.g., different jumps, cuts, walking vs running) and how EMG data was normalized, making direct comparison difficult. Sample sizes in individual studies were small, and many did not justify their sample size or account for confounders like strength or hormonal status. The review excluded adolescents, so findings do not apply to younger populations undergoing physical changes.

No specific funding sources or conflicts of interest were declared in the provided text.

Do not interpret the three studies showing higher quadriceps activity in women as proof that women have a distinct 'quadriceps-dominant' risk profile. The majority of studies in this review found no difference or contradictory results, meaning this pattern is not a consistent finding across the literature.