iWorx Newsletter

About iWorx

iWorx has everything you need to add excitement and distance learning to any physiology teaching program. Our products include data acquisition hardware, professionally -developed physiology courseware, innovative web tools, and a full selection of transducers, cables, front ends and accessories.

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1. Experiment: Electromyogram (EMG) Activity in
Antagonistic Muscles

The movement of parts of the body is accomplished through a system of levers composed of skeletal muscles and bones. Bones are the levers that move the body parts, the muscles connected to the bones provide the forces that move the bones, and the body parts are the loads moved by the bones. Since the muscles contract and relax in an integrated manner, body parts move to the desired positions in a coordinated manner.

By recording the EMG activity from a muscle during the movement or positioning of a body part, it can be determined if that muscle is involved in the movement. In this experiment, students record EMG activity from muscles on the anterior and posterior sides of the forearm to determine which ones are responsible for the flexion or extension of the hand. Recording of EMG activity from these muscles will also be done while a weight is held in the hand and moved. In another exercise, students record EMG activity from the anterior and posterior sides of the lower leg to determine which muscles are active during movements or positioning that are more complex, like: leaning forward, standing on toes, or rocking on heels.

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Electromyogram Activity experiment
(PDF file).

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Download high resolution, press optimized Electromyogram Activity experiment
(PDF file).

Download low resolution, screen optimized mitochondrial experiment PDF file.

2. Article: BP-100 Blood Pressure Transducer

The BP-100 is a clinical blood pressure transducer modified for use with digital recording equipment in research applications. It consists of an active element and a molded 5 ft. extension cable. The sensor used in the BP-100, like the sensors used in all disposable blood pressure transducers, is a laser cut strain gauge. Since all these strain gauges are made by a machine, the output of the gauge is linear over the range of pressures applied to the sensor, without variation between transducers. These facts make the calibration of the transducer much easier.

Learn more about the BP-100 from this tech note.

Special Offer to iWorx Users
For a limited time, iWorx is offering its customers a 30% discount on purchase of the BP-100 Blood Pressure Transducer.

Part No.	Item	List Price	Newsletter Special

BP-100	Intravascular Blood Pressure Transducer	$210	$147

Order Today!

3. Download: Settings for the Experiment Highlighted This
Month and the Other Experiments Recently Published in the
iWorx Newsletter

If you plan to use any of the experiments announced in recent editions of the iWorx Newsletter, you should obtain a copy of the settings group used to configure LabScribe for these experiments. Once you have a copy of the settings group, drop the group into the LabScribe folder on your hard drive, and use the Settings menu to load the group and the list of experiments.

iWorx Users Area
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Download copies of the settings groups for the experiments announced since May 2004.

4. Web Resources

In this month’s experiment, EMG activity is recorded from muscles that work antagonistically with each other to move body parts. Learn more from external Web sources about the system of levers in the body that are made of skeletal muscles and bones here.

On this page we have also accumulated a host of links to informative, external physiology Web sites and conveniently categorized them into major sub categories for easy reference.

5. LabsOnCD - A Requirement for Distance Learning
Physiology Curriculum

LabsOnCD is an excellent tool for Distance Learning Physiology Courseware. The browser-based CD includes 31 virtual animal and human lab experiments in neuromuscular, respiratory, and cardiovascular physiology. The virtual labs are totally self-contained and require no additional lab manuals, courseware, or supplies.

Each lab includes a topical overview, background, equipment set-up and lab procedure, quiz questions, and an interactive LabPlayer that displays recorded data from real experiments and allows students to manipulate and record data just as they would in a "wet" lab. Data can be captured and logged in an online Lab Journal that can be later copied to a new document or sent via email. Labs are further enhanced with animations, diagrams, and video clips.

The virtual labs can be accessed on a CD or from the Web and are designed specifically for student self-learning environments.

See more information, view an online demonstration, and request a free 30-day evaluation copy.

6. Trade-in Specials

We have recently acquired a large supply of GRASS FT03 variable range Force transducers and P23id / P23xl reusable pressure transducers. Many of these items are BRAND NEW and are offered at up to 75% off original list price. Call for price and availability but hurry these will go fast. Also check with us about trade in allowances for your older Powerlab or Biopac equipment. See specials