Olivia Barry
Monday Human Physiology Lab
Fall 2020
LAB 1: EMG Grip Strength
Purpose: The purpose of this experiment was to determine the grip strengths and maximum forces of
the dominant and non-dominant forearms during both relative grip strengths tests and fatigue tests.
Hypothesis: If one forearm is dominant, then it will have a higher maximum force than the non-
dominant forearm. If one forearm is dominant, then it will fatigue slower than the non-dominant
forearm.
Experimental Design: The subject participated in five exercises designed for observing grip strength and
muscle fatigue in both forearms. An ITXA, iWire-B3G EMG, and electrode wires were used to record the
EMG and Muscle Force measurements. Exercise 1 measured the relative grip strengths of the dominant
hand. Exercise 2 measured how long it took for the dominant forearm to fatigue, by looking at the
maximum force and the half maximum force. Exercise 3 measured the relative grip strengths of the non-
dominant hand. Exercise 4 measured how long it took for the non-dominant forearm to fatigue, by
looking at the maximum force and the half maximum force. Exercise 5 measured how long it took for
the dominant forearm to fatigue, by looking at the maximum force and the half maximum force, after
icing the dominant forearm for 10 minutes.
Results:
Exercise 1
Figure 1: Graphs of EMG and Muscle Force during relative grip strengths of dominant hand.
Relative Grip Strength Absolute Int. of EMG Activity Absolute Int. under Force Curve
