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(Note that this type of strength has never been proven to exist.)
Hysterical strength is when a person uses more than the average 33% of muscle fibers that our brain limits us to use, and is usually triggered in a hysterical state. It can be seen when muscles violently contract when a person is electrocuted. The most common anecdotal example is of mothers lifting cars to rescue their children, and when people are in life and death situations. Contrary to popular belief, hysterical strength is not observed in people who have taken mind-altering substances such as PCP.citation needed Hysterical strength can result in torn muscles and damaged joints.
Examples of Hysterical Strength
- In 1982, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Angela Cavallo lifted a 1964 Chevrolet Impala from her son, Tony, after it fell off the jacks that had held it up while he worked underneath the car. Mrs. Cavallo lifted the car high enough and long enough for two neighbours to replace the jacks and pull Tony from beneath the car.citation needed
- In 2006 in Tucson Arizona, Tim Boyle watched as a Chevrolet Camaro hit 18-year-old Kyle Holtrust. The car pinned Holtrust, still alive, underneath. Boyle ran to the scene of the accident and lifted the Camaro off the teenager, while the driver of the car pulled him to safety.citation needed
- In 2006, Lydia Angyiou wrestled a large polar bear that she saw advancing toward her son and another boy while they played hockey. Angyiou tackled the polar bear and fought it while the boys ran for help. While Angyiou suffered some wounds, the polar bear ultimately lost the fight. Angyiou sparred with it long enough that a neighbor was able to shoot the bear four times until it died.citation needed
- See also Berserker.
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- This page was last modified on 2 October 2008, at 21:11.
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