Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular Implications of Gender Differences in Spinal Cord Injury

Taking into consideration the male predominance in the demographics of spinal cord injury (SCI), it is not surprising that gender differences have been overlooked. Gender differences have been described in numerous physiologic functions, body size and shape, sensory and cognitive functions, and even susceptibility to disease and injury. The focus of this article is to review some physiologic differences observed after SCI in terms of changes in joint biomechanics, specifically the shoulder, and reflex function, particularly as these changes relate to gender differences. The importance of biomechanical and neurophysiologic considerations relevant to SCI and gender are highlighted. The understanding of changes in musculoskeletal and reflex functions promotes a more complete appreciation of the long-term responses to SCI. This is an often overlooked but important perspective on SCI rehabilitation.