The Effect of Supplements on the Strength of Tendons
The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of supplements on the strength of tendons by determining at what force the tendon tears. Lamb tendon was exposed to three different supplements as well as water. The three supplements tested include ascorbic acid, caffeine, and creatine. Water was also used as a standard. The tendon was then tested to determine its strength.
To determine the strength of each tendon, a force sensor was attached by a clip to one side of the tendon and a bucket of sand was attached by a clip to the other side of the tendon. Sand (mass) was added continually into the bucket until the tendon tore. The force sensor attached to the tendon determined the force in Newtons at which the tendon tore. The tendon that endured the most mass was proven by the highest force of tear, indicating the strongest tendon. This experiment design depicted a realistic approach to decide what supplement provides the strongest tendons and most safety prior to intense physical activity such as sports.
A two-sample t test was conducted to compare the means between two independent populations. The first two-sample t test compared ascorbic acid to the standard tendon. The null hypothesis was rejected between the ascorbic acid and standard. There was evidence that the mean forces at which the tendons tore were not equal. There was indeed a difference in performance between the tendons. The second two-sample t test compared caffeine to the standard tendon. Ho failed to be rejected in the test between caffeine and standard. There was no evidence that the mean forces at which the tendons tore were not equal. It was concluded that the caffeine and creatine did not significantly affect the tendon strength. However, ascorbic acid increased the tendon strength. Based on these results, athletes should consume ascorbic acid prior to strenuous physical activity to strengthen their tendons.
Research Conducted By:
Kelcey Heaney
Cousino High School
Gracie Morris
Cousino High School
Warren Consolidated Schools