Question

The footy show have decided to run a strongman competition where each contestant must hold a six-pack of beer in each hand with their arms horizontal to the ground (i.e. arms horizontally out to the side). The contestant who maintains this position the longest will be declared the winner. For this competition, indicate which of the follwing statements is correct.

	a.	The person with the shortest arms, and therefore the shortest moment arm lengths will win.
	b.	None of the statements are correct.
	c.	The person with the greatest dumbell lateral raise 1RM will be the strongest and win.
	d.	Competitors may cheat by holding their six-packs higher than perpendicular to the ground which will increase the moment arm length and the subsequent torque resistance. This technique will provide a mechanical advantage and position the muscles in a way that is easier (mechanically) to hold the resistance.
	e.	To be fairer, each competitor should have varying weighted six-packs that are matched to their arm lengths so that the torque resistance is equal for each competitor.

Answer 1

Correct option is (a), as the person with shortest arm length would have shortest moment arm and hence shortest torque resistance and as a result can hold the six pack of beer for the longest time.