ITEST Lesson

Maximal Voluntary Muscle Contraction

Page 1

Maximal Voluntary
Muscle Contraction
Overview:
Physiology: Joint angle(s) and Maximal Voluntary Muscle Contraction
Software: Excel
When designing a static work (isometric muscle contractions) such as carrying a grocery bag by a hand, we have to
consider the relative effort, effort time, and no-load recovery time. The relative effort can be calculated using a
percentage ratio of the applied force to the maximum voluntary contraction. The maximum voluntary contraction
(MVC) is a measure of force that can be exerted maximally by muscle groups. The measure can be reported as
force (e.g., pound, kg, Newton) or as a moment around a joint (e.g., foot-pounds, meter-kilograms, meter-Newtons).
After finding the MVC, the relative effort can be reported as the percent maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC).
Since we are using a relative measure, it is very important to remember that we have to consider the same muscle
groups and same postures when calculating %MVC with MVC for a static work. The effort time (or endurance time)
is reciprocal to the relative effort. If we need to keep exerting our force at a maximum level, e.g., 100%MVC, to
carry a grocery bag, we can do the task only for a while. That is, our effort time or duration time is short. However,
when we need only 10%MVC for the task, it would be possible to carry the bag for a long time. In this experiment,
we will find a relationship between %MVC and endurance time.
Equipment:
Surface EMG and Electrodes
Computer Interface:
Experiment Preparation:
Muscle Monitor and Electrodes
1.
Plug the extender cable into the electrode harness (See Figure 1)
2.
Separate the 3 electrode pads and snap each electrode pad onto each end of the extender cable (See
Figure 2)
3.
Remove the protective cover from the adhesive side of a single electrode pad (See Figure 3)
4.
Plug the electrode harness into the muscle monitor unit (See Figure 4)
Skin Preparation and Attach Electrodes: (Wait until ready for the step 5 of the Data Recording Procedures)
1.
Wipe out skin areas as shown in the figure with the provided hand sanitizer (See Figure 5)
2.
Wait about 10 seconds until the skin areas are dry.
3.
Place electrodes on each lower arm as shown (see Figure 6)
Experimental Procedure:
Data Recording:
1.
Make approximately 90 degrees between the upper and lower arm while keeping the wrist straight, and
place the elbow on the body.
2.
Click the Start button on the Xplorer to begin collecting data.
3.
The student should then begin squeezing the Force Sensor using a maximal force until he/she cannot
exert the maximum force (stop squeezing when the Force graph declines). Click the Stop button.
4.
Record each students maximal force.
5.
Do the skin preparation and attach electrodes as described in the experiment preparation
6.
Make the posture as described at the step 1 and hold a 5 lb weight as long as you can.
7.
When the holding time elapses 5 minutes, stop recording.
8.
Save the record.
9.
Do the step 5 through 8 for the next student.
10.
When all students finish the 5 lb weight, repeat the same processes with a 10 lb, 15 lb, and 20 lb
weight.
East Carolina University

ITEST Lesson

Maximal Voluntary Muscle Contraction

Page 2

Data Analysis:
1.
Examine each students maximum force.
2.
Examine each students relative effort by calculating the %MVC (the ratio of applied weight to
maximum force).
3.
Examine the relationship between applied weight and muscle endurance time.
Conclusions and Extensions:
1.
What factors may have caused different results on muscle endurance time?
2.
Discuss how this experiment relates to muscle fatigue while carrying a grocery bag.

East Carolina University