The Effects of Training the Biceps Brachii Muscle to Failure

An experimental study was conducted to observe the effects on the size and strength of the biceps brachii muscle of an exercise routine that trained the biceps to failure during each workout. The workout routine used ten exercises that specifically isolated the biceps brachii. A series of experiments measuring the size, maximum force, and relationship between force and electromyographic signal of the biceps muscles was used to test the effectiveness of the failure routine. The month long training program was found to produce significant size and strength gains in the biceps muscle, with an increase in maximum force greater than 30% after four weeks. It was also found that the slow oxidative twitch motor units became able to provide higher forces as indicated by the increase in the force at which fast oxidative twitch motor units were recruited. Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Barbara J. Hughey Title: Instructor of Mechanical Engineering