Under normal conditions muscles utilize oxygen (aerobic respiration) to make ATP
from glucose. When muscles undergo rigorous exercise they require more oxygen to make ATP than the blood can supply. At this point the muscle is forced to produce ATP without oxygen (anaerobic respiration). The product of this reaction is lactic acid.
The big disadvantage to anaerobic respiration is that it produces lactic acid which gives muscles a temporary burning sensation. Muscle fatigue results when the demand for ATP is greater than the rate at which ATP can be produced. As a consequence, ATP levels are too
low for muscles to produce their maximum force contraction. Under condition of
extreme fatigue, muscles become incapable of contracting or relaxing.
low for muscles to produce their maximum force contraction. Under condition of
extreme fatigue, muscles become incapable of contracting or relaxing.
This activity explored the relationship between cellular respiration and muscle fatigue by squeezing a clothespin continously for 20 seconds and repeating this action a couple of times for both hands.
After each successive trial, it was evident that both my dominant hand and non dominant hand became less forceful by the fact that less squeezes were made. The lower number of squeezes are because of muscle fatigue and the production of lactic acid.
My results with my non-dominant hand were significantly different probably because the use of the non dominant hand is less often so it would get tired faster.
After resting for 10 minutes, the squeeze rate would increase because during the rest, energy created would be enough for the muscles to perform to their ability.
