Investigating a non-invasive method for determining muscle fiber composition

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.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Treers, Laura

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Anette Hosoi.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• MIT theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed, downloaded, or printed from this source but further reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/119934

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/119934