Muscle Fatigue Inquiry Lab Problem: How are muscles affected by temperature and fatigue? Purpose: Design a lab experiment to test two variables: temperature and muscle fatigue. Decide on a measurement to collect for each variable. Make sure to keep everything else the same. Examples: • Is there a difference in the number of biceps curls that can be performed if that muscle is heated or cooled? • Is there a difference in the amount of time a weight can be held straight out to the side of the body if the deltoid is heated or cooled? Instructions: Consider the problem posed above. Choose a muscle or muscle group that you want to test. It can be an example listed in this lab or you may investigate a relationship of your choice. Lab Report: Write a complete lab report for this assignment. A. Observation ~ Include the following in complete sentences: • Background research about the relationship between muscle fatigue and temperature. Be sure to cite any sources that you use. • Record your observation about experiences you have had in the past involving this relationship. • Include a statement that states the question you have chosen to investigate. For example: Is there a relationship between the temperature of a biceps and how many curls with a 1 lb. weight that could be done in 10 sec.? B. Hypothesis ~ What is your hypothesis? Include a statement that clearly expresses your hypothesis. Make sure you write it in the "If…then…" format. C. Experiment ~ • Describe your plan to conduct the study. • What are the independent variable, dependent variable, and controls? • How will you limit variables in your study (what are the constants...BE SPECIFIC)? • Use at least ten subjects. D. Data ~ What exactly have you chosen to measure? Include a data table in this section that you will use to record your data (don’t forget units). Be sure to take data from at least 10 people. Comparison of Bicep Curls @ Different Temperatures Temperature of Bicep Room Temperature After Applying Ice for 1 Min. After Applying Heating Pad for 1 Min. # of Bicep Curls 8 5 1.6 E. Graph ~ include a graph that visually presents your data. Remember you are comparing data points so be sure to use a bar graph. Many of the labs would probably benefit from graphing the average. Remember, http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx is an available online graphing program if needed. F. Conclusion ~ Include the following in your conclusion: • Whether your hypothesis was correct or not? • Explain your results. • What could have gone wrong in your experiment? • How could you improve your experiment? • How could this relate to real life?
