Interactive Computer Modeling of the Musculoskeletal System

TLDR

Biomechanical systems such as the human musculoskeletal structure are complex, making their modeling and analysis painstaking. By integrating interactive computing and graphical display into a computerized analysis system, existing musculoskeletal models can be reformulated for diverse conditions and dynamic activities, and the approach can be extended to other vertebrates. The system’s graphics enable visual validation of models, convenient incorporation of muscle wrap lines, and allow users to analyze musculoskeletal structures without extensive engineering training.

Abstract

The complexity of many biomechanical systems, such as the human body musculoskeletal structure, can render their modeling and analysis a painstaking task. The incorporation of interactive computing and graphical display techniques into a computerized analysis system facilitates the reformulation of existing models of the human musculo-skeletal structure so they can be used to investigate many different conditions and complex dynamic activities. The system can also be used to easily extend the modeling technique to the investigation of the muscle load sharing of other vertebrates. The graphics capability of the system can be invaluable for visually checking the adequacy of the constructed models. For example, lines of action representing muscles which wrap on skeletal bones can be conveniently incorporated into the analysis. The developed system would allow users in many research and application activities to perform analysis of the musculoskeletal structure without extensive training in engineering analysis methods.