Meeting Abstract
In this presentation, we will describe a quantitative biology lab that uses both computation and experiment to understand force-velocity and length-tension relationships for skeletal muscle mechanics. For the quantitative component of the lab, students were introduced to both micro- and macroscale models of skeletal muscle contraction. For the macroscale models, students were shown simple mathematical models of length-tension and force-velocity relationships. In the microscale model, a population density function was used to describe the configurations of each crossbridge and the total force generated. The relationship between the crossbridge dynamics and the macroscale model of the force-velocity curve was then derived. Students were asked to explore the parameter space and assumptions of the model using a MATLAB code. The experimental component of the lab was conducted at the university gymnasium. Students were asked to measure the time it takes to lift various weights using leg extensions and pull down machines. By calculating the velocity of contraction for a series of weights, each student was able to calculate their own force-velocity curves. In terms of mathematics, this exercise teaches students about probability density functions, stochastic simulations, and linear regressions.
