Experiment 5 ATP and Muscle Fatigue Muscles require energy to contract Energy is released when biomolecules such as sugars and fats are broken down and is stored in the form of ATP ATP enables muscle contraction but can only be stored in relatively small amounts For this reason the body must continually metabolize new ATP molecules Muscle fatigue occurs if the local ATP reservoir for a muscle becomes depleted This is a common result of strenuous exercise in which ATP is consumed at a faster rate than it is produced At this point muscles may fail to contract and the intensity of an exercise must decrease In this experiment you will test how long it takes your muscles to fatigue Materials Stopwatch Participant Sturdy Wall to Stand Against You must provide Procedure 1 To begin find a wall that is strong enough for you to push against A temporary wall such as a partition panel is not suitable 2 Find the stopwatch and adjust the settings so it is ready to operate 3 Stand with your back pressed up against the wall and lower yourself into a wallsit To do this a Align the backs of your heels hips and shoulders with the wall b Keeping your back pressed against the wall take a few small steps forward your upper half will lower as you walk your feet out c Lower yourself into a sitting position keeping your back flat against the wall until your knees form a 90 degree angle d Steady this position by focusing the majority of your weight in your heels Do not allow your lower back to pull away from the wall 2013 eScience Labs LLC All Rights Reserved 4 Start the stopwatch and time how long you are able to hold the wall sit position The amount of time will vary but will likely fall within approximately 30 120 seconds When you are tired check the time on the stopwatch and move out of the position by slowly lowering your body down to the floor or standing up 5 Record how long you were able to hold the wall sit in Table 3 6 Allow your muscles to rest for approximately two minutes reset the stopwatch and repeat Steps 3 5 7 Again allow your muscles to rest for approximately two minutes reset the stopwatch and repeat Steps 3 5 You should have three trials of data Table 3 Muscle Fatigue Data Trial Time seconds Trial 1 80 Trial 2 70 Trial 3 65 Post Lab Questions 1 What happened to the time intervals between Trial 1 and Trial 3 What caused this change The time I was able to hold my wall sit went down with each trial I think muscle fatigue caused this change 2 Identify three muscles which were engaged during the wall sit The quadriceps located on the front thighs the hamstrings located on the back of my thigh and the adductors that are located in my inner thigh 3 Explain the biochemical reasoning behind muscle fatigue Muscle fatigue occurs when the muscles are being used intensely and the muscles become tired 2013 eScience Labs LLC All Rights Reserved
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