How do I approximate the muscle energy to hold a weight at arms length?

Question

There must be an answer. Will it double with double the weight?

Answer 1

The musculoskeletal system is basically a bunch of levers and fulcrums, with forces being applied at the points of muscle insertion. Since the points of insertion are fixed and the location of the weight is fixed in this example, if you double the force being applied by the weight, you must also double the force being applied by the muscle to hold the weight in a static position. However, force and energy expenditure are not really the same thing, and I don't know if they have a linear relationship to eachother. I would guess that muscular efficiency i.e. calories burned per unit of force applied, varies based on the amount of force applied.

Answer 2

No. Take moments about a pivot point.

Or do you mean "energy" in terms of calories? I wouldn't know where to begin to calculate metabolic loss of the muscles involved in holding up a weight and I think it largely depends on your own unique metabolism. Some people burn up energy more easily than others.

Answer 3

I dont know