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Reformulation of the introduction and research paragraphs with new information about historical context and scientific explanations. Also deleted some statements about adrenaline/noradrenaline - the articles concluded nothing specifically about superhuman strength
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{{Short description|Incredible human strength that occurs in extreme situations}}
{{Short description|Incredible human strength that occurs in extreme situations}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}'''Hysterical strength''' refers to a display of extreme [[physical strength]] by [[humans]], beyond what is believed to be normal, usually occurring when people are in; or perceive themselves to be in [[fight-or-flight response|life-or-death situations]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Evans |first=Daniel R. |last2=Boggero |first2=Ian A. |last3=Segerstrom |first3=Suzanne C. |date=2016-06-21 |title=The Nature of Self-Regulatory Fatigue and “Ego Depletion” |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4788579/ |journal=Personality and Social Psychology Review |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=291–310 |doi=10.1177/1088868315597841 |issn=1088-8683}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-02 |title=From the archives: Unlocking the mystery of superhuman strength |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/26974392/unlocking-mystery-superhuman-strength |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> It was also reported to be present during situations of [[altered states of consciousness]], such as [[trance]] and alleged [[Spirit possession|possession]]. Its description is mostly based on [[anecdotal evidence]].
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}

'''Hysterical strength''' is a display of extreme [[physical strength]] by [[humans]], beyond what is believed to be normal, usually occurring when people are in; or perceive themselves to be in [[fight-or-flight response|life-or-death situations]]. The extra strength is commonly attributed to increased [[Adrenal gland|adrenaline production]]. Research into the phenomenon is difficult, though it may be possible as adrenaline is known to improve endurance and muscle twitch.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Bowman|first1=W. C.|last2=Zaimis|first2=Eleanor|date=1958-11-10|title=The effects of adrenaline, noradrenaline and isoprenaline on skeletal muscle contractions in the cat|journal=The Journal of Physiology|volume=144|issue=1|pages=92–107|doi=10.1113/jphysiol.1958.sp006088|issn=0022-3751|pmc=1356773|pmid=13599111}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Rizvi|first1=Mudassir Haider|last2=Abdul Azeem|first2=Muhammad|last3=Savanur|first3=Arifa|date=2019-12-01|title=Effects of adrenaline on contractility and endurance of isolated mammalian soleus with different calcium concentrations|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10974-019-09551-9|journal=Journal of Muscle Research and Cell Motility|language=en|volume=40|issue=3|pages=373–378|doi=10.1007/s10974-019-09551-9|pmid=31444710|s2cid=201282977|issn=1573-2657}}</ref> [[Norepinephrine]] is pointed as a more compelling cause of this phenomenon.
The name refers to [[hysteria]], a [[nosological]] category that included bouts of [[superhuman strength]] as one of the possible [[symptoms]], but in [[Europe]] this had also been an attribution in previous cases of alleged [[demonic possession]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Levack |first=Brian |url=https://books.google.com.br/books?redir_esc=y&hl=pt-BR&id=VnSEsi8Q510C&q=superhuman+strength |title=The Devil Within: Possession & Exorcism in the Christian West |date=2013-04-22 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-19538-5 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ferber |first=Sarah |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tsomDAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA26&dq=%22strength&hl=pt-BR |title=Demonic Possession and Exorcism: In Early Modern France |date=2013-01-11 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-61520-9 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Grossi |first=Roberta Vittoria |url=https://books.google.com.br/books?id=ErzoDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA40 |title=The Social Scientific Study of Exorcism in Christianity |date=2020-06-01 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-3-030-43173-0 |editor-last=Giordan, Giuseppe; Possamai, Adam |pages=40; 44 |language=en |chapter=Demonic Possession and Religious Scientific Debate in Nineteenth-Century France}}</ref> [[Charcot]] imputed to the phase of hysterical attacks called ''clownism'' the presence of strength and agility not consistent with the age and sex of the person, which before in the Catholic ritual of [[exorcism]] was attributed to demonic force. Thus, the cause of the phenomenon began at that time to be addressed by the investigation of [[insanity]].<ref name=":1" /> During that period in the 19th century, the term ''hysterical strength'' could also be found in the intersection of such fields, scientific and religious, for instance appearing in a statement by a physician for the [[Society for Psychical Research]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bzUNAQAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA23&dq=%22hysterical+strength%22 |title=Journal of the Society for Psychical Research |date=1895 |publisher=Society for Psychical Research. |volume=7 |language=en}}</ref>

It was also described in reports of [[trance]] or [[Spirit possession|possession]] in several other cultures, as for example in the [[New Testament]] ([[Mark 5]]:4) or in [[shamanic]] practices.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Keener |first=Craig S. |date=2010 |title=Spirit Possession as a Cross-cultural Experience |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26424297 |journal=Bulletin for Biblical Research |volume=20 |issue=2 |pages=215–235 |issn=1065-223X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Huiying |first=Meng |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Knui-SpO4GQC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA390&dq=%22superhuman+strength%22+%22trance%22&hl=pt-BR |title=Popular Religion and Shamanism |date=2011-02-14 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-17455-9 |editor-last=Ma, Xisha; Meng, Huiying |language=en |chapter=Characteristics of Shamanism of the Tungusic Speaking People}}</ref>


Unexpected strength is claimed to occur during [[excited delirium]].<ref name="ACEP white paper">[http://ccpicd.com/Documents/Excited%20Delirium%20Task%20Force.pdf "White Paper Report on Excited Delirium Syndrome"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011073329/http://ccpicd.com/Documents/Excited%20Delirium%20Task%20Force.pdf |date=11 October 2010 }}, ACEP Excited Delirium Task Force, [[American College of Emergency Physicians]], 10 September 2009</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Sztajnkrycer | first1 = Matt D. | last2 = Baez | first2 = Amado A. | title = Cocaine, Excited Delirium and Sudden Unexpected Death | journal = Emergency Medical Services | year = 2005 | volume = 34 | issue = 4 | pages = 77–81 | pmid = 15900873 | url = http://charlydmiller.com/LIB06/2005AprCocaineExDsuddendeath.pdf | access-date = 29 November 2012 }}</ref>
Unexpected strength is claimed to occur during [[excited delirium]].<ref name="ACEP white paper">[http://ccpicd.com/Documents/Excited%20Delirium%20Task%20Force.pdf "White Paper Report on Excited Delirium Syndrome"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011073329/http://ccpicd.com/Documents/Excited%20Delirium%20Task%20Force.pdf |date=11 October 2010 }}, ACEP Excited Delirium Task Force, [[American College of Emergency Physicians]], 10 September 2009</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Sztajnkrycer | first1 = Matt D. | last2 = Baez | first2 = Amado A. | title = Cocaine, Excited Delirium and Sudden Unexpected Death | journal = Emergency Medical Services | year = 2005 | volume = 34 | issue = 4 | pages = 77–81 | pmid = 15900873 | url = http://charlydmiller.com/LIB06/2005AprCocaineExDsuddendeath.pdf | access-date = 29 November 2012 }}</ref>
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*18th of March 1915, Corporal Seyit Seyit [[Seyit Çabuk]] lifted bombshells that weighed {{convert|276|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in the Gallipoli Campaign.
*18th of March 1915, Corporal Seyit Seyit [[Seyit Çabuk]] lifted bombshells that weighed {{convert|276|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in the Gallipoli Campaign.
*[[Tibetan people|Tibetan]] oracles, such as the [[Nechung Oracle|Nechung Kuten]] or Sungma Balung,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bell |first=Christine |url=https://books.google.com.br/books?id=pV48EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT38&lpg=PT38&dq=%22oracles+perform+%E2%80%9Csuperhuman%E2%80%9D+feats+of+strength+and+agility%22 |title=Expressions of Gender in the Altaic World |date=2021-08-23 |publisher=Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG |isbn=978-3-11-074887-1 |editor-last=Tekcan, Münevver; Corff, Oliver |language=en |chapter=Ceremonial Attire of the Oracle Priest Sungma Balung chö je}}</ref> are reported to display superhuman strength during possession. Eyewitnesses described the Nechung Oracle wearing a 80 or 90 pounds headdress, that normally outside the trance could break his neck.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tung |first=Rosemary Jones |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bHnJSq8yH4AC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA200&dq=%22nechung%22+superhuman+strength+headdress&hl=pt-BR |title=A Portrait of Lost Tibet |date=1996-01-01 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-20461-4 |language=en}}</ref> The [[14th Dalai Lama]] also stated that the oracle could barely walk with the total weight of his outfit (70 pounds) when not in trance.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pearlman |first=Ellen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=61ooDwAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT124&dq=%22seventy+pounds%22&hl=pt-BR |title=Tibetan Sacred Dance: A Journey into the Religious and Folk Traditions |date=2002-12-01 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-59477-522-2 |language=en}}</ref>
*Before May 1962, [[Jack Kirby]] claims a woman lifted a car off her baby, which inspired him to create the [[Hulk]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/featurepages/0,,999977,00.html |last=Hill |first=Dave |title=Green with anger |date=17 July 2003 |location=London, United Kingdom |work=[[The Guardian]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505014926/http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/featurepages/0,,999977,00.html |archive-date=5 May 2013 |url-status=dead |quote=one of the Hulk comic books' artists, Jack Kirby, has said he was inspired by seeing a woman rescue her child from beneath a trapped car.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tcj.com/jack-kirby-interview/6/ |title=Jack Kirby Interview - Part 6 |work=The Comics Journal |first=Gary |last=Groth |date=23 May 2011 |quote=KIRBY: The Hulk I created when I saw a woman lift a car. Her baby was caught under the running board of this car. The little child was playing in the gutter and he was crawling from the gutter onto the sidewalk under the running board of this car — he was playing in the gutter. His mother was horrified. She looked from the rear window of the car, and this woman in desperation lifted the rear end of the car.}} From The Comics Journal #134 (February 1990)</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-incredible-hulk-was-inspired-by-a-woman-saving-her-1727562968 |work=Gizmodo |first=Andrew |last=Lipstak |title=The Incredible Hulk Was Inspired By A Woman Saving Her Baby |date=30 August 2015 |quote=Jack Kirby witnessed a woman lift a car to get her child out from under it. The moment helped inspire one of his most famous creations: the Incredible Hulk.}}</ref>
*Before May 1962, [[Jack Kirby]] claims a woman lifted a car off her baby, which inspired him to create the [[Hulk]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/featurepages/0,,999977,00.html |last=Hill |first=Dave |title=Green with anger |date=17 July 2003 |location=London, United Kingdom |work=[[The Guardian]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505014926/http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/featurepages/0,,999977,00.html |archive-date=5 May 2013 |url-status=dead |quote=one of the Hulk comic books' artists, Jack Kirby, has said he was inspired by seeing a woman rescue her child from beneath a trapped car.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tcj.com/jack-kirby-interview/6/ |title=Jack Kirby Interview - Part 6 |work=The Comics Journal |first=Gary |last=Groth |date=23 May 2011 |quote=KIRBY: The Hulk I created when I saw a woman lift a car. Her baby was caught under the running board of this car. The little child was playing in the gutter and he was crawling from the gutter onto the sidewalk under the running board of this car — he was playing in the gutter. His mother was horrified. She looked from the rear window of the car, and this woman in desperation lifted the rear end of the car.}} From The Comics Journal #134 (February 1990)</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-incredible-hulk-was-inspired-by-a-woman-saving-her-1727562968 |work=Gizmodo |first=Andrew |last=Lipstak |title=The Incredible Hulk Was Inspired By A Woman Saving Her Baby |date=30 August 2015 |quote=Jack Kirby witnessed a woman lift a car to get her child out from under it. The moment helped inspire one of his most famous creations: the Incredible Hulk.}}</ref>
*In 1982, in [[Lawrenceville, Georgia|Lawrenceville]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], Tony Cavallo was repairing a 1964 [[Chevrolet Impala]] automobile from underneath when the vehicle fell off the jacks on which it was propped, trapping him underneath. Cavallo's mother, Mrs. Angela Cavallo, lifted the car high enough and long enough for two neighbors to replace the jacks and pull Tony from beneath the car.<ref name="How Stuff">Clark, Josh. [http://health.howstuffworks.com/adrenaline-strength.htm "How can adrenaline help you lift a 3,500-pound car?"], 11 December 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. Retrieved 13 November 2008.</ref>
*In 1982, in [[Lawrenceville, Georgia|Lawrenceville]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], Tony Cavallo was repairing a 1964 [[Chevrolet Impala]] automobile from underneath when the vehicle fell off the jacks on which it was propped, trapping him underneath. Cavallo's mother, Mrs. Angela Cavallo, lifted the car high enough and long enough for two neighbors to replace the jacks and pull Tony from beneath the car.<ref name="How Stuff">Clark, Josh. [http://health.howstuffworks.com/adrenaline-strength.htm "How can adrenaline help you lift a 3,500-pound car?"], 11 December 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. Retrieved 13 November 2008.</ref>
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==Research==
==Research==
{{see also|Fight-or-flight response}}
{{see also|Fight-or-flight response}}
Early experiments showed that [[Epinephrine|adrenaline]] increases twitch, but not [[tetanic force]] and rate of force development in muscles.<ref>{{Cite journal |url=http://circres.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/62/3/452 |doi=10.1161/01.RES.62.3.452 |title=Adrenaline increases the rate of cycling of crossbridges in rat cardiac muscle as measured by pseudo-random binary noise-modulated perturbation analysis |journal=Circulation Research |year=1988 |volume=62 |issue=3 |pages=452–461 |first1=JF |last1=Hoh |first2=GH |last2=Rossmanith |first3=LJ |last3=Kwan |first4=AM |last4=Hamilton|pmid=3342474 |doi-access=free }}</ref> It is questionable whether adrenaline, released from the [[adrenal medulla]] into the venous circulation, can reach the muscle quickly enough in order to be able to cause such an effect in the midst of a crisis. It may be that [[norepinephrine]] released from sympathetic nerve terminals directly innervating skeletal muscle<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Grassi|first1=C|last2=Passatore|first2=M|title=Action of the sympathetic system on skeletal muscle.|journal=Italian Journal of Neurological Sciences|date=February 1988|volume=9|issue=1|pages=23–8|doi=10.1007/BF02334403|pmid=2965685|s2cid=25661287}}</ref> has more of an effect over the timescale of seconds.
Early experiments showed that [[Epinephrine|adrenaline]] increases twitch, but not [[tetanic force]] and rate of force development in muscles.<ref>{{Cite journal |url=http://circres.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/62/3/452 |doi=10.1161/01.RES.62.3.452 |title=Adrenaline increases the rate of cycling of crossbridges in rat cardiac muscle as measured by pseudo-random binary noise-modulated perturbation analysis |journal=Circulation Research |year=1988 |volume=62 |issue=3 |pages=452–461 |first1=JF |last1=Hoh |first2=GH |last2=Rossmanith |first3=LJ |last3=Kwan |first4=AM |last4=Hamilton|pmid=3342474 |doi-access=free }}</ref>


One proposed explanation is [[Tim Noakes]]' "[[central governor]]" theory, which states that higher instances in the [[central nervous system]] dynamically and subconsciously control the number of active [[motor units]] in the muscle. Normally, in order to guarantee [[homeostasis]], the entire motor neural capacity is not activated and, therefore, the total capacity of the muscle during performances outside of an emergency situation remains inaccessible: this would lead to exhaustion of energy resources and even physical injuries. However, in life-threatening situations, it is adaptive for the central governor limits to be removed or modified.<ref name=":0" /> People in high load [[weightlifting]] training are able to activate more motor units, which ensures more strength and efficiency in muscle contraction, even though they had the same amount of [[muscle mass]] compared to people in low load training.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schrage |first=Scott |title=Does strength depend on more than muscle? Husker study suggests so |url=https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/does-strength-depend-on-more-than-muscle-husker-study-suggests-so/ |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=Nebraska Today |language=en}}</ref>
Starting from the [[amygdala]], such physical response is caused by, or by a combination of, [[adrenaline]], [[cortisol]] and [[endorphins]], as the effective cause of hysterical strength. However, the simplest explanation is that most of the time people use but a fraction of their maximum theoretical strength, and that even said strength has its limitations, such as physical condition and body mass.


Exercise physiologist Robert Girandola has pointed out that most cars have a 60/40 [[weight distribution]], as the engine block puts the center of mass slightly towards the front of the car. In most instances, the individual is lifting one or two wheels of the car from the back. Therefore, they are only actually lifting a small fraction of the vehicle's weight. While the fight or flight response allows for increased lifting capacity, it would be hundreds of pounds rather than thousands. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Romm |first=Cari |date=2016-05-04 |title=You Could Probably Lift a Car, If You Really Needed To |url=https://www.thecut.com/2016/05/you-could-probably-lift-a-car-if-you-really-needed-to.html |access-date=2023-01-15 |website=The Cut |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hadhazy |first=Adam |title=How it’s possible for an ordinary person to lift a car |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160501-how-its-possible-for-an-ordinary-person-to-lift-a-car |access-date=2023-01-15 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en}}</ref>
Exercise physiologist Robert Girandola has pointed out that most cars have a 60/40 [[weight distribution]], as the engine block puts the center of mass slightly towards the front of the car. In most instances, the individual is lifting one or two wheels of the car from the back. Therefore, they are only actually lifting a small fraction of the vehicle's weight. While the fight or flight response allows for increased lifting capacity, it would be hundreds of pounds rather than thousands. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Romm |first=Cari |date=2016-05-04 |title=You Could Probably Lift a Car, If You Really Needed To |url=https://www.thecut.com/2016/05/you-could-probably-lift-a-car-if-you-really-needed-to.html |access-date=2023-01-15 |website=The Cut |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hadhazy |first=Adam |title=How it’s possible for an ordinary person to lift a car |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160501-how-its-possible-for-an-ordinary-person-to-lift-a-car |access-date=2023-01-15 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en}}</ref>
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[[Category:Muscular system]]
[[Category:Muscular system]]
[[Category:Exercise physiology]]
[[Category:Exercise physiology]]
[[Category:Demonic possession]]

Revision as of 13:07, 12 February 2023

Hysterical strength refers to a display of extreme physical strength by humans, beyond what is believed to be normal, usually occurring when people are in; or perceive themselves to be in life-or-death situations.[1][2] It was also reported to be present during situations of altered states of consciousness, such as trance and alleged possession. Its description is mostly based on anecdotal evidence.

The name refers to hysteria, a nosological category that included bouts of superhuman strength as one of the possible symptoms, but in Europe this had also been an attribution in previous cases of alleged demonic possession.[3][4][5] Charcot imputed to the phase of hysterical attacks called clownism the presence of strength and agility not consistent with the age and sex of the person, which before in the Catholic ritual of exorcism was attributed to demonic force. Thus, the cause of the phenomenon began at that time to be addressed by the investigation of insanity.[5] During that period in the 19th century, the term hysterical strength could also be found in the intersection of such fields, scientific and religious, for instance appearing in a statement by a physician for the Society for Psychical Research.[6]

It was also described in reports of trance or possession in several other cultures, as for example in the New Testament (Mark 5:4) or in shamanic practices.[7][8]

Unexpected strength is claimed to occur during excited delirium.[9][10]

Examples

The most common anecdotal examples based on hearsay are of parents lifting vehicles to rescue their children, and when people are in life-and-death situations. Periods of increased strength are short-lived, usually no longer than a few minutes, and might lead to muscle injuries and exhaustion later. It is not known if there are any reliable examples of this phenomenon.

  • 18th of March 1915, Corporal Seyit Seyit Seyit Çabuk lifted bombshells that weighed 276 kg (608 lb) in the Gallipoli Campaign.
  • Tibetan oracles, such as the Nechung Kuten or Sungma Balung,[11] are reported to display superhuman strength during possession. Eyewitnesses described the Nechung Oracle wearing a 80 or 90 pounds headdress, that normally outside the trance could break his neck.[12] The 14th Dalai Lama also stated that the oracle could barely walk with the total weight of his outfit (70 pounds) when not in trance.[13]
  • Before May 1962, Jack Kirby claims a woman lifted a car off her baby, which inspired him to create the Hulk.[14][15][16]
  • In 1982, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Tony Cavallo was repairing a 1964 Chevrolet Impala automobile from underneath when the vehicle fell off the jacks on which it was propped, trapping him underneath. Cavallo's mother, Mrs. Angela Cavallo, lifted the car high enough and long enough for two neighbors to replace the jacks and pull Tony from beneath the car.[17]
  • In 1988, in Waialua, Hawaii, while working a construction contract two weeks after filming the finale for the television show Magnum P.I., pilot and Vietnam Veteran Steve Kux lost control of his Hughes 500D helicopter and crashed into a drainage ditch. His coworker, Warren Everal (also known as "Tiny") lifted the 1,400 pound[18] helicopter enough to allow another person to remove Kux from the cockpit. [19]
  • In 2006, Ivujivik, Quebec, resident Lydia Angiyou saved several children by fighting a polar bear until a local hunter shot the bear.[20]
  • In 2006, in Tucson, Arizona, Tom Boyle watched as a Chevrolet Camaro hit 18-year-old Kyle Holtrust. The car pinned Holtrust, still alive, underneath. Boyle lifted the Camaro off the teenager, while the driver of the car pulled the teen to safety.[17][21]
  • In 2009, in Ottawa, Kansas, 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in), 84 kg (185 lb) Nick Harris lifted a Mercury sedan to help a 6-year-old girl pinned beneath.[22]
  • In 2009, in Newport, Wales, Donna McNamee, Abigail Sicolo, and Anthony McNamee lifted a 1.1 ton Renault Clio off an 8-year-old boy.[23]
  • In 2011, in Tampa, Florida, 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in), 134 kg (295 lb) University of South Florida college football player Danous Estenor lifted a 1,600 kg (3,500 lb) car off a man who had been caught underneath. The man was a tow truck driver who had been pinned under the rear tire of a 1990 Cadillac Seville, which had lurched forward as he worked underneath it. The man suffered only minor injuries.[24]
  • In 2012, in Glen Allen, Virginia, 22-year-old Lauren Kornacki rescued her father, Alec Kornacki, after the jack used to prop up his BMW slipped, pinning him under it. Lauren lifted the car, then performed CPR on her father and saved his life.[25]
  • In 2012, in Michigan, Austin Smith (age 15) lifted a car to save his grandfather pinned underneath.[26][27]
  • In 2013, in Oregon, teenage sisters Hannah (age 16) and Haylee (age 14) lifted a tractor to save their father pinned underneath.[28]
  • In 2013, in Salvage, Newfoundland and Labrador, Cecil Stuckless, a 72-year-old man lifted a Jeep to save his son-in-law pinned underneath.[29][30]
  • In 2015, in St. John's, Newfoundland, Nick Williams lifted a four-wheel-drive vehicle to save a young boy pinned beneath its tire.[31]
  • In 2017, in Temple Terrace, Florida, Kenny Franklin, lifted an SUV from a state trooper after an accident.[32][33]
  • In 2019, in Ohio, Zac Clark, a 16-year-old football player, lifted a 3,000 lb car when he heard his neighbor call for help.[34][35]

Research

See also: Fight-or-flight response

Early experiments showed that adrenaline increases twitch, but not tetanic force and rate of force development in muscles.[36]

One proposed explanation is Tim Noakes' "central governor" theory, which states that higher instances in the central nervous system dynamically and subconsciously control the number of active motor units in the muscle. Normally, in order to guarantee homeostasis, the entire motor neural capacity is not activated and, therefore, the total capacity of the muscle during performances outside of an emergency situation remains inaccessible: this would lead to exhaustion of energy resources and even physical injuries. However, in life-threatening situations, it is adaptive for the central governor limits to be removed or modified.[1] People in high load weightlifting training are able to activate more motor units, which ensures more strength and efficiency in muscle contraction, even though they had the same amount of muscle mass compared to people in low load training.[37]

Exercise physiologist Robert Girandola has pointed out that most cars have a 60/40 weight distribution, as the engine block puts the center of mass slightly towards the front of the car. In most instances, the individual is lifting one or two wheels of the car from the back. Therefore, they are only actually lifting a small fraction of the vehicle's weight. While the fight or flight response allows for increased lifting capacity, it would be hundreds of pounds rather than thousands. [38][39]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Evans, Daniel R.; Boggero, Ian A.; Segerstrom, Suzanne C. (21 June 2016). "The Nature of Self-Regulatory Fatigue and "Ego Depletion"". Personality and Social Psychology Review. 20 (4): 291–310. doi:10.1177/1088868315597841. ISSN 1088-8683.
  2. ^ "From the archives: Unlocking the mystery of superhuman strength". ESPN.com. 2 May 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  3. ^ Levack, Brian (22 April 2013). The Devil Within: Possession & Exorcism in the Christian West. Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-19538-5.
  4. ^ Ferber, Sarah (11 January 2013). Demonic Possession and Exorcism: In Early Modern France. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-134-61520-9.
  5. ^ a b Grossi, Roberta Vittoria (1 June 2020). "Demonic Possession and Religious Scientific Debate in Nineteenth-Century France". In Giordan, Giuseppe; Possamai, Adam (ed.). The Social Scientific Study of Exorcism in Christianity. Springer Nature. pp. 40, 44. ISBN 978-3-030-43173-0.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link)
  6. ^ Journal of the Society for Psychical Research. Vol. 7. Society for Psychical Research. 1895.
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  15. ^ Groth, Gary (23 May 2011). "Jack Kirby Interview - Part 6". The Comics Journal. KIRBY: The Hulk I created when I saw a woman lift a car. Her baby was caught under the running board of this car. The little child was playing in the gutter and he was crawling from the gutter onto the sidewalk under the running board of this car — he was playing in the gutter. His mother was horrified. She looked from the rear window of the car, and this woman in desperation lifted the rear end of the car. From The Comics Journal #134 (February 1990)
  16. ^ Lipstak, Andrew (30 August 2015). "The Incredible Hulk Was Inspired By A Woman Saving Her Baby". Gizmodo. Jack Kirby witnessed a woman lift a car to get her child out from under it. The moment helped inspire one of his most famous creations: the Incredible Hulk.
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