BME 231 – Static Loading Pre-Lab Winter 2025
Lab 1: Static Loading Pre-Lab (10 pts)
Submit as a PDF to Gradescope by the start of YOUR Lab time. You may work with your
classmates, but this is an INDIVIDUAL assignment.
Purpose:
This pre-lab assignment summarizes the research question to be investigated during the lab
and prompts you to gather fundamental background information that will aid in writing your lab
report (due 10 days after your lab date). Additionally, much of this pre-lab assignment can be
included in the Introduction section of your lab notebook. Refer to Module 3 of the 2X1 Labs
Canvas page for further guidance.
Objectives:
● Understand the anatomy and physiology involved in isometric elbow loading (AKA
holding a bicep curl in position).
● Construct a free-body diagram (FBD) of a bicep curl held at 900 of flexion, with load L.
● Learn about electromyography (EMG) and apply knowledge to lab scenarios.
Grading Criteria:
Grading will be based on the accuracy and completeness of your responses to the 10 Pre-lab
questions. Note that Questions 11–16 relate to teamwork. Answers to these 6 teamwork
questions can count as up to 3 redemption points on this pre-lab assignment. If you lose points
on Questions 1–10, you can regain up to 3 points from Questions 11–16.
Background Story
Dr. Maize’s Lab, The Strong Arm Biomechanics Lab (SABL), is developing a myoelectric
prosthetic arm that responds to gradated EMG signals, enabling non-binary motion control.
Your team has been recruited into SABL to collect EMG data from willing participants.
For this fictitious lab setting, assume that IRB approval and informed consent has been
obtained such that data can be collected and published in an ethical manner)
Research Objective: Is there a measurable difference in EMG RMS while the arm is held in
different positions? Including positions such as: 900 and 1350 flexion, supinated and pronated,
as well as over time as the muscle fatigues (for safety purposes).
Training Videos (please watch before arriving at the lab)
“Introduction to the Electromyogram”, 23:15, will be posted to Media Gallery by Dr. Zhang, kindly
crafted by Dr. Claflin.
Pre-Lab Questions will begin on the next page
1
↑
1) Biceps brachii “Brachioradialis.” Brachioradialis - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, [Link]/
topics/engineering/brachioradialis. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
2) brachialis
3) Brachioradialis
Biceps brachii : effective in a paim up forearm position , originates
at the
Supraglenoid tubercle and the coracoid
connect afterwords “Biceps Brachii Muscle.” Kenhub, [Link]/en/library/
Process where
they eventually anatomy/biceps-brachii-muscle. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
brachialis : a pure flexor, active at all times,originates from distal half of the numerous and medialllateral
inter muscularSepta, “Brachialis Muscle.” Kenhub, [Link]/en/library/anatomy/brachialis-
muscle. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
brachioradialis : Contributes to elbow flexion , helps return theforearm to mid position (Stabilizer) .
originates from the outer side of
the elbow area (lateral Supracondylar ridge of the humerus(
“Brachioradialis Muscle.” Kenhub, [Link]/en/library/anatomy/
brachioradialis-muscle. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
length-tension relationship in simple terms means the length of the muscle will effect the
of tension the muscle has
amount .
Comparing tensions to different length the longer muscle will be
tension) Where
more
saggy Clower as the shorter muscle will be strained (higher tension) . If we
ignore this it could simpilize our calculation but also make our numbers off to the true values .
of bicep 30cm ↑elbow
Origin
:
-
insertion radius : 5cmfromelbow
M
given : on
FB
m= 1 7 9 8 -> 16 66N hand : 1
mass of forearm +
kg x
Tkg
. .
.
d3
.
dz 21cm
= >
- 0 zim .
G
hand and di = 35cm > 0 35m
- .
length of forearm+ hand : 35cm
dumbbell
dy 5cm-
- I
·
= > 0 05m COM of forearm +hand
elbow I : 2km from elbow
.
↓ 19 d3 = 30cm -
de v
1
dy
1
Mg
Y
* only move in I direction -
fi =
Mg-L =
0 O= tan" (2)
FB
. 05 X
0
Sin(so S4) ·
fi = 0 .
21(1 7x9 8)
. . + 0 35L
.
0 . 30 0 = 80 . 540
O(
fis = 3 49 + .
0 .
35)
-70 937N + 7 0974
OS
. .
0 0493
.
1) fex fiscosca 4) fey + figSinca-Mg-L
= =
0
fex (10 937N + 7 0971)0 164
fey 16 66N + 1 (70 93N + 7 0971)0 986
-
= .
.
= .
. .
.
fex 11 659N + 1 166L
fey
= .
. =
-53 312N
.
-
6)
root mean square , it gives us the
rough estimate of a EMG Signals energy.
yes , because on the surface all 3 muscles were
studying are
very
close together,
to
due to EMG Signals picking up the
Surrounding area When were
trying only look
be than that
at one specific muscle we
may actually looking at more .
lab RMs and
When we use EMG RMS for this we are
assuming
force have a linear relationship When in
reality this is not the case
which will cause error to occur
during our lab .
No , every person has a different amount of fat , muscle and conductivity
,
in every part of there bodies. This means we cannot compare different
placements or individuals to each other without our measurements changing .
A personal goal I am
working
towards
during this lab is
like
to broaden my proper Lab
knowledge making correct calculations ,
and samples to down
graphs use the road in my career .
Not too much just my BMe 221 lab experience and gen
I
chem/physics. general physics is the closest ive worked with this topic
over
OneObstacle I will face
during this lab is Cab reports .
I am not a Very strong
Scientific yet so the reports to be difficult for me.
going
writer are
I think teamwork should be done as a
group, that way other members
Of the can double check work and everyone knows how we
got
group
it if ever needed,
our results and could repeat again
In last lab we an made sure to come in and to
my group prepared ready
Start as we walked in , this allowed
as soon us to
Stay organized during
lab time and finishing timely manner.
Texting (messages Igroup me)