OpenSim: a musculoskeletal modeling and simulation framework for in silico investigations and exchange

Abstract

Movement science is driven by observation, but observation alone cannot elucidate principles of human and animal movement. Biomechanical modeling and computer simulation complement observations and inform experimental design. Biological models are complex and specialized software is required for building, validating, and studying them. Furthermore, common access is needed so that investigators can contribute models to a broader community and leverage past work. We are developing OpenSim, a freely available musculoskeletal modeling and simulation application and libraries specialized for these purposes, by providing: musculoskeletal modeling elements, such as biomechanical joints, muscle actuators, ligament forces, compliant contact, and controllers; and tools for fitting generic models to subject-specific data, performing inverse kinematics and forward dynamic simulations. OpenSim performs an array of physics-based analyses to delve into the behavior of musculoskeletal models by employing Simbody, an efficient and accurate multibody system dynamics code. Models are publicly available and are often reused for multiple investigations because they provide a rich set of behaviors that enables different lines of inquiry. This report will discuss one model developed to study walking and applied to gain deeper insights into muscle function in pathological gait and during running. We then illustrate how simulations can test fundamental hypotheses and focus the aims of in vivo experiments, with a postural stability platform and human model that provide a research environment for performing human posture experiments in silico. We encourage wide adoption of OpenSim for community exchange of biomechanical models and methods and welcome new contributors.

Is My Model Good Enough? Best Practices for Verification and Validation of Musculoskeletal Models and Simulations of Movement

“…Transactions of the ASME [13], and IPOPT [14]. The OPENSIM [6,15] and SIM-BODY [16] software packages are also open source to promote community review and contributions. Publicly available modeling and simulation platforms should include a suite of verification tests for their modeling libraries and simulation algorithms.…”

Consistency Among Musculoskeletal Models: Caveat Utilitor

“…13, 55 Analysis of such cause-effect 77 relationships has great potential for incorporating 78 internal body measures into device and component 79 design. 30,32 The same relationships have also been…”

Lower limb loading during knee up in step aerobics: a pilot study

“…In the study there participated only ten female fitness instructors, who performed the exercise at the same step height at one music frequency. However, in many studies [19,21,27,32,33] that address the issue of muscles properties' simulation, or analysis of step aerobics movement [15,16,24,26], the number of 10 participants is sufficient.…”