What is the term for a condition where a muscle cannot generate tension despite continual stimulation?

The condition described, where a muscle cannot generate tension despite continual stimulation, is known as muscle fatigue. Muscle fatigue occurs when a muscle has been engaged in activity to the extent that it can no longer produce the necessary force for contractions. This typically arises from prolonged exercise or high-intensity activities, wherein energy stores become depleted and metabolic byproducts accumulate, leading to a decrease in muscle performance and strength.

In contrast, muscle hypertrophy refers to the increase in muscle size resulting from resistance training, while muscle atrophy signifies a decrease in muscle mass often caused by disuse or prolonged inactivity. Muscle strain, on the other hand, involves a specific injury where muscle fibers are torn due to overstretching or excessive load, which is fundamentally different from the condition of muscle fatigue. Therefore, muscle fatigue is the correct term to describe the inability of a muscle to generate tension in the face of ongoing stimulation.