Answer to Question 1
Muscular strength can be measured using the one repetition maximum (1 RM) test, which measures the maximum
amount of weight that can be lifted one time. Because the 1 RM test is not suitable for older individuals or
deconditioned people, often the estimated 1 RM test is used to evaluate muscular strength. The estimated 1 RM test
measures the maximum amount of weight that can be lifted 10 times (called the 10 RM). Using this weight, you can
estimate 1 RM using the 1 RM Prediction Table (Table 4.2).
Answer to Question 2
Muscle contraction is regulated by signals coming from motor nerves. Motor nerves originate in the spinal cord and
send nerve bers to individual muscles throughout the body. The motor nerve and all the muscle bers it controls is
called a motor unit.