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Georgia Southern University

Impedance Changes in Biceps Brachii Due to Isometric Contractions and Muscle Fatigue Using Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM)

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a non-invasive technique used to evaluate neuromuscular conditions by using a quantitative parameter called impedance (Z). It relies upon the application and measurement of high-frequency, low-intensity electrical current imbedded over a localized muscle to determine its opposition to current flow. In brevity, impedance determines the resistance of muscle fibers due to changes in muscle composition. The objective of this thesis was to establish a relationship between muscles at rest and during isometric contractions at various force levels(25%, 50%, and 100% of maximum voluntary contraction) of the biceps brachii over a multifrequency spectrum. Impedance measurements due to muscle fatigue was further studied and compared to muscles under static conditions. It was discovered that isometric contractions had a direct, but nonlinear effect on impedance measurements; as force increased, resistance and reactance decreased on the bicep. On the other hand during muscle fatigue, only the resistance increased and the reactance saw a decline. Supporting data was presented for seven healthy males, with ages ranging from 22 to 26 years. Evidence justified that resistance at maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) correlated to the greatest difference of 12.80% whereas a percent difference of 4.63 was calculated for 25% of the MVIC. Reactance decreased from an average of 11.165 Ω at rest to 9.6025 Ω at 100% maximum isometric contraction. In a similar fashion, the resistance values saw a reduction during muscle fatigue of the biceps brachii with an 11.24% decrease. However, the average reactance increased 3.58% from the muscle at rest to the muscle during fatigue. This research study will provide an understanding of underlying muscle tissue composition during dynamic changes using a quick, pain-free, and portable bioimpedance device.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science in Applied Engineering (M.S.A.E.)
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis (open access)
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Year dc:date.available
2013

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Orth, Travis
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Rocio Alba-Flores
  • Mosfequr Rahman

Subjects

dc:subject × 8

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/840
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-1837

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Georgia Southern University
Base URL
digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Orth, Travis. Impedance Changes in Biceps Brachii Due to Isometric Contractions and Muscle Fatigue Using Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM). Thesis (open access) thesis, 2013. https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/840