Physiology: Muscle Fatigue

Students will investigate how isometric exercise results in muscle fatigue.

Motion Sensors

Students attempt to apply equal force (30N) to the sensor for 60 seconds using their dominant and lesser hands.  Based on the graph above, can you guess what the dominant hand for this user is? Enlarge graph.

Lab Summary:

In this explorations, students will use a force sensor to investigate a loss of force as muscle fatigue develops during a sustained isometric contraction. Isometric (“same length”) contractions occur when a muscle is not allowed to shorten; consequently, the continual force increases tension in the muscle.

Students will explore the ability to maintain a force of 20 N, with and without looking at the displayed units. They will investigate muscle fatigue using both thumbs and calculate the onset of fatigue (observed reduction in applied force) when muscle performance becomes compromised. In addition, students will record classroom data to investigate statistical differences between males and females regarding muscle fatigue.

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(student versions)

Computer-based lab (PDF, 464 KB)

Xplorer GLX-based lab (PDF, 1.4 MB)

Method:

Use a Force Sensor to investigate a loss of force as muscle fatigue develops during a sustained isometric contraction.

Here's What You Need:

Required for computer-based lab:

(See lab download for Xplorer GLX-based lab requirements, which may differ)

Probeware

Lab Manual:

The computer-based activity is included in Explorations in Biology (PS-2807). The Xplorer GLX-based lab is included in Biology with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2820). Both manuals are complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data.

For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware for the activities in the manual. For more, please see:
Computer-based Biology Lab Manual and Bundles
Xplorer GLX-based Biology Lab Manual and Bundles