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A Model of the Upper Extremity for Simulating Musculoskeletal Surgery and Analyzing Neuromuscular Control

Annals of Biomedical Engineering volume 33, pages 829–840 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Biomechanical models of the musculoskeletal system are frequently used to study neuromuscular control and simulate surgical procedures. To be broadly applicable, a model must be accessible to users, provide accurate representations of muscles and joints, and capture important interactions between joints. We have developed a model of the upper extremity that includes 15 degrees of freedom representing the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, thumb, and index finger, and 50 muscle compartments crossing these joints. The kinematics of each joint and the force-generating parameters for each muscle were derived from experimental data. The model estimates the muscle–tendon lengths and moment arms for each of the muscles over a wide range of postures. Given a pattern of muscle activations, the model also estimates muscle forces and joint moments. The moment arms and maximum moment-generating capacity of each muscle group (e.g., elbow flexors) were compared to experimental data to assess the accuracy of the model. These comparisons showed that moment arms and joint moments estimated using the model captured important features of upper extremity geometry and mechanics. The model also revealed coupling between joints, such as increased passive finger flexion moment with wrist extension. The computer model is available to researchers at http://nmbl.stanford.edu.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Mechanical Engineering Department, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305

    Katherine R. S. Holzbaur

  2. Bone and Joint Center, VA Palo Alto HCS, Palo Alto, California, 94304

    Wendy M. Murray Ph.D. & Scott L. Delp

  3. Bioengineering Department, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305

    Scott L. Delp

  4. The Bone and Joint Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue (153), Palo Alto, CA, 94304

    Wendy M. Murray Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Katherine R. S. Holzbaur
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  2. Wendy M. Murray Ph.D.
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  3. Scott L. Delp
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Correspondence to Wendy M. Murray Ph.D..

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Holzbaur, K.R.S., Murray, W.M. & Delp, S.L. A Model of the Upper Extremity for Simulating Musculoskeletal Surgery and Analyzing Neuromuscular Control. Ann Biomed Eng 33, 829–840 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-005-3320-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-005-3320-7

Keywords

  • Computer simulation
  • Upper limb
  • Muscle
  • Shoulder
  • Elbow
  • Wrist