THE INFLUENCE OF COMPETITION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF AN ISOMETRIC MUSCLE CONTRACTION.
Abstract
Thirty-six male subjects from collegiate intramural athletic teams were asked to maintain 50% of their maximum voluntary contraction on an isometric hand dynamometer as long as possible. The subjects were divided into two groups. One group performed individually while the other group, in teams of three men each, competed for a team prize. During the session, the active muscle was continuously monitored by electromyography. The results demonstrated that the introduction of the motivational factors of competition and team presence did not increase the mean endurance time. The EMG analyses indicated that muscle activity was significantly increased when additional motivational factors were introduced. It was concluded that team presence and competition are better described as stress factors which increase the general arousal level of the subject and reduce the efficiency of the muscles. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 25, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0692284
Entities
People
- Andree J. Lloyd
- J. H. Voor
- R. J. Cole
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Laboratory