Aseel Samaro Analysing muscle strength

 The mans’s bicep muscle has torn, causing a strange looking lump and bruising  This means the muscle has ripped or the tendon snapped, detaching the muscle from the bone.  It can be repaired in surgery and heals over time. Analysing muscle strength

Strong muscles are important to a sportsperson’s success. Some sportspeople even risk their health with illegal drugs to grow bigger, stronger muscles. Outside the sporting world, testing muscle strength has an important role in diagnosing certain disorders. Analysing muscle strength

 Scientists have conducted muscle strength tests on large numbers of people.  Using their results, they have calculated the average muscle strength for different groups of people for different muscles.  Six volunteers had the strength of their forearms and hands tested in a sports science laboratory, using a device. Who is the strongest ?

Gender of volunteer AgeMass (kg)Muscle strength (N) A. Male B. Male C. Male D. Female E. Female F. Female The strength of forearms and hands

The tester predicted that males have stronger muscles than females. Is this supported by the results? The tester predicted that age affects the strength of men but not women. Does this data seem to support this idea?

If a muscle strength test suggests that a volunteer has weak muscles:  the first step is to repeat the test to ensure that the result is reliable. One cause of muscle weakness is injury. Muscles can be strained or torn. This can be very painful but the muscle repairs with rest. Damage or Disease ?

 Electromyography (EMG) tests : check if muscles are working properly by checking for electrical signals.  In healthy people, muscles receive electrical signals to make them contract.  EMG checks if the muscles: are receiving these signals and whether they are contracting or not.  Problems with the electrical signals to the muscles would need further treatment. Damage or Disease ?

An EMG test involves pricking the skin with needles to test for electrical signals.

 Professional sportspeople are regularly tested to check that they have not taken performance-enhancing drugs.  One type of these drugs are called anabolic steroids.  These increase muscle mass.  However, steroids can have serious side effects and can cause: heart attacks blood clots.  Sportspeople who are found to have anabolic steroids in their blood also face a ban from the sport. Give me strength

Muscle cramps are caused by involuntary contractions of one or more muscles – the muscles contract, but then do not relax. There are many causes of cramp but plenty of water and vitamins in the diet may help to prevent them. Did you know

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