S02 EMG 2 Mechanical Work

• National Science Education Standards Correlation

Experimental Objectives

1. To record EMG response to increased weights lifted by dominant and non-dominant arms.
2. To compare differences between male and female students.
3. To observe, record, and correlate motor unit recruitment with increased mechanical work by skeletal muscle.
4. To record EMG and Integrated EMG when inducing fatigue.
5. Optional: To listen to EMG sounds and correlate sound intensity with motor unit recruitment.

Tasks Performed by the Student

• Lift weight (bicep curl) and hold for 2 seconds.
• Repeat cycles of weight lifting; add weight for each cycle until the Subject is lifting the maximum weight.
• Lift the maximum weight to 45 degrees and hold it until the onset of fatigue.
• Repeat the sequence for the non-dominant arm.
• Optional: Listen to the sound of their EMG.

Student Prep & Distance Learning

Click the link(s) below for sample data and/or lesson procedure video(s), BSL PRO Lesson procedures (PDF) for human lessons*, and graph template files (*.gtl) for BSL PRO Lessons. If more than one .gtl is available, download the .gtl with the _suffix to match BSL version and hardware.

• Biopac Science Lab Lesson S02 (review copy)

Lesson Hardware

This lesson requires a Biopac Science Lab (MP40) System and the following hardware. If your BScL System does not include all hardware items, expand your system by selecting required items below.