Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

my question isn't really even a question; i need to make a device that stimulates muscle growth in a certain area (my area is the triceps brachii ) but i've looked up muscle stimulation/growth devices and they're all these $1453692569742392163 dollar stuff . it's all biomedical and my partner left me so i'm determined to do better than i've done in past science fairs but i have no real interest in building scientific stuff so if someone could give me a boost or such and lead me into the correct direction, i'd be so very grateful thanks, if you help

I am not sure what type of device you mean, but I do know that there are several devices that use electrical current to stimulate specific muscles. I do not know how they would effect growth. It seems to stimulate growth you would want to develop a specific type of machine weight targeting the triceps. I would research those currently available, and think about simple versions based upon the known designs. Sorry, this is a bit out of my area.

DB

Hello,

I'm glad to see that you've chosen such an interesting topic! Like the expert who posted earlier, I am not exactly sure what type of device you are referring to. Do you mean a powder or supplement that helps growth? You could try typing "how to stimulate muscle growth" into Google because quite a few of the search results lead to pages about such supplements. Also, since you don't plan to build something, it would be a good idea to change your project a bit. Perhaps you could research different powders/milks/etc. and learn what it is about their ingredients that make them effective or ineffective. By compiling and interpreting this information, you would be able to show your classmates and teachers why there is so much hype surrounding muscle growth products, while learning something yourself!

Hi,

I see that the other experts are trying to help you with your specific question, and I agree with them that you need to give us a little more information so we can help you with this project. However, I have another suggestion. Since your project is not due for a few months and you are not interested in building scientific equipment, you could consider switching topics. The Science Buddies website has several hundred project ideas and I think you could find something to do that you are really interested in doing. The approximate cost of the project is included with each project idea and you will see that you don’t have to spend a fortune to do a great project.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... deas.shtml

And since you want to do better at the Science Fair this year, be sure to follow the science fair guide.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ndex.shtml

Do let us know if you need more help. Good luck!


Donna Hardy

If you are interested in studying muscle growth, perhaps you should look more into the physiology of muscle- perhaps learn about some of the key proteins involved in muscle contraction, repair, and maintenance. You could also study how things like diet, fatigue, psychology, etc. affect strength and/or endurance of specific muscles.

Although there are several of these electrical muscle stimulation devices on the market, I don't think the FDA really supports them.