A review of musculoskeletal modelling of human locomotion

Abstract

Locomotion through the environment is important because movement provides access to key resources, including food, shelter and mates. Central to many locomotion-focused questions is the need to understand internal forces, particularly muscle forces and joint reactions. Musculoskeletal modelling, which typically harnesses the power of inverse dynamics, unites experimental data that are collected on living subjects with virtual models of their morphology. The inputs required for producing good musculoskeletal models include body geometry, muscle parameters, motion variables and ground reaction forces. This methodological approach is critically informed by both biological anthropology, with its focus on variation in human form and function, and mechanical engineering, with a focus on the application of Newtonian mechanics to current problems. Here, we demonstrate the application of a musculoskeletal modelling approach to human walking using the data of a single male subject. Furthermore, we discuss the decisions required to build the model, including how to customize the musculoskeletal model, and suggest cautions that both biological anthropologists and engineers who are interested in this topic should consider.

Anthroengineering: an independent interdisciplinary field

“…Constraints come from muscles, joints and/or the external environment. Muscle force can be estimated by multiplying maximum force generation-originally estimated using physiological cross-sectional area [65][66][67] but now relying on muscle activation/strength [68] and often validated using electromyography [69][70][71]. Joint constraints are estimated using anatomical knowledge and skeletal collections.…”

“…Inverse dynamic simulation of walking in extinct hominins offers the opportunity to expand our understanding of this critical behaviour (e.g. [ 92 , 96 ]), but the integration of musculoskeletal models offers the best opportunity for future insights [ 68 ]. Masticatory loads cause mechanical strains in the skull, which significantly affect its mechanical properties and form [ 44 , 45 , 97 ].…”

Introduction to the theme issue ‘Biological anthroengineering’

“…Introduction to the theme issue 'Biological anthroengineering' Patricia Ann Kramer 1,2 and Michael A. Berthaume 3 1 Department of Anthropology, and 2 Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-3100, USA 3 Division of Mechanical Engineering and Design, London South Bank University, London, UK PAK, 0000-0002-6435-9130; MAB, 0000-0003-1298-242X While using the theoretical foundation and methodological techniques of mechanical engineering to understand living creatures is not unique to biological anthropologists, in 2016, the authors began discussing an integration of anthropology and engineering that is more than simply a borrowing of ideas of one discipline from another. We imagined-and continue to develop-this vision of anthroengineering [1].…”

“…Sylvester et al [3] use a technique employed by both biological anthropologists and biomechanical engineers-musculoskeletal modelling-to demonstrate the importance to each group to the other. Biological anthropologists can seek more realistic representations by understanding the underlying mechanical principles (such as mechanical strength variation due to muscle fibre type (Holmes et al [4])) while a deeper appreciation of human morphological variation would enable engineers to design applications for 'humans' that are appropriate for, and more representative of, more of them.…”

“…Holmes et al [4] extend previous research on chewing muscle mechanics by combining muscle physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) with muscle fibre type data to examine estimates for muscle force production. From an anthroengineering perspective, accurate estimates of muscle force are critical for the accuracy of biomechanical models (Sylvester et al [3]). Previous methods for estimating muscle force often assume homogeneity of muscle fibre type within a muscle: that is to say, all muscle fibres are assumed to have the same force production capabilities.…”