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Anabolic steroids cause an increase in muscle size and there is some evidence that they can increase contraction velocity as well. Let’s assume as the result of taking these drugs an individual experiences a 10% increase in muscle size (cross-sectional area) and a 10% increase in Vmax. What will be the result of this changein:Express your answers below in % increase relative to no drug a. Isometric strength of the impacted muscles b. Maximum power output of the impacted muscles

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Final answer:

An individual taking anabolic steroids that experiences a 10% increase in both muscle size and contraction velocity (Vmax) would see a 10% increase in isometric strength and a significant increase in maximum power output potentially greater than 10%.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the sex hormone testosterone, which are known to increase muscle mass and enhance athletic performance.

When an individual experiences a 10% increase in muscle size (cross-sectional area) and a 10% increase in Vmax as a result of taking these performance-enhancing drugs.

There are specific changes that can be expected in the isometric strength and maximum power output of the muscles.Isometric muscle strength is primarily determined by the cross-sectional area of the muscle.

Given that muscle strength is proportional to its cross-sectional area, a 10% increase in muscle size would theoretically lead to a 10% increase in isometric strength.

Maximum power output, on the other hand, is affected by both the muscle size and the velocity at which muscles can contract, commonly known as contraction velocity or Vmax.

Since both of these factors have increased by 10%, the maximum power output of the muscles would also increase. The exact increase might not be straightforward to calculateAs maximum power output is a result of both force.

(which is related to muscle size) and velocity of muscle contraction. However, it's expected that the increase in maximum power output would be noticeably more than 10% because both contributing factors have increased.

Learn more about Effects of Anabolic Steroids

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