Scalable musculoskeletal model for dynamic simulations of upper body movement

Abstract

A musculoskeletal (MSK) model is a valuable tool for assessing complex biomechanical problems, estimating joint torques during motion, optimizing motion in sports, and designing exoskeletons and prostheses. This study proposes an open-source upper body MSK model that supports biomechanical analysis of human motion. The MSK model of the upper body consists of 8 body segments (torso, head, left/right upper arm, left/right forearm, and left/right hand). The model has 20 degrees of freedom (DoFs) and 40 muscle torque generators (MTGs), which are constructed using experimental data. The model is adjustable for different anthropometric measurements and subject body characteristics: sex, age, body mass, height, dominant side, and physical activity. Joint limits are modeled using experimental dynamometer data within the proposed multi-DoF MTG model. The model equations are verified by simulating the joint range of motion (ROM) and torque; all simulation results have a good agreement with previously published research.

Keywords:

• Musculoskeletal system model
• dynamic simulation
• biomechanics
• muscle torque
• upper body

Authors’ Contributions

A.N. and J.M. conceived and designed the content structure. A.N. and J.M. read and selected the references. A.N. and A.H did the data gathering using a dynamometer system. A.N. coded the models, simulations, and did validations. A.N. wrote the first draft, A.H. polished the draft. A.N. and J.M. revised the manuscript. J.M. secured funding for this research. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research is supported by funding from the Canada Research Chairs Program and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.