Investigating a non-invasive method for determining muscle fiber composition
Name
1079909291-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
4.67 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
b3be902016d317d9f1c2243763e4ccb9
Author(s)
Treers, Laura
Advisor(s)
Anette Hosoi.
Date Issued
2018
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
This study aims to explore a new method for analysis of muscle fiber type, using data collected from weightlifts on a leg press. A dynamic muscle model is developed, which utilizes the Descherevskii kinetic theory in combination with a muscle "matrix" model to predict net muscle contraction forces and velocities as a function of fiber type. These relationships are integrated into a dynamic model for lifting a weight, allowing for the derivation of joint trajectories in time, from the molecular properties of muscle. The model-predicted velocity trajectories for the lift are compared with curves obtained experimentally from weightlifting trials. Longer lifts with slower peak velocities indicate higher ratios of slow-twitch fibers, and shorter lifts with greater peak velocities indicate higher ratios of fast-twitch fibers. This idea is supported by both the model results and in experimental trends. With further refinement of experimental protocols, the leg press test has the potential to be a powerful training tool for athletes-both to compare their muscle makeup with other athletes, and to track their own progress over the course of their training.
Description
Thesis: S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2018.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 39-40).
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
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