Sex differences in postures of upper limb, upper back, head and neck during a repetitive task performed until task failure

The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among women may be related to sex differences in associated biological factors such as postural biomechanics. The aim was to evaluate if there are sex differences in postures of upper limb, upper back, head and neck during a repetitive task performed until task failure. Nineteen females and 18 males were evaluated. Amplitude Probability Distribution Function (APDF), postural oscillation and duration of the task cycle were evaluated. Females showed higher postural oscillation for head and neck than males. This may indicate a lower joint stability of neck region in females compared to males. The muscle fatigue induced by the repetitive task caused postural adaptations over time and decreased the productivity of the task, regardless group.