A Mathematical Model of the Locomotor Apparatus

Abstract

This study presents a mathematical model for the musculo-skeletal system of the locomotor apparatus. Muscle forces and joint reactions are calculated for the static problem of leaning and squatting and for the dynamic problem of walking on a level surface. Muscle forces thus calculated are compared with electromyographic (EMG) patterns. The model follows previous statically indeterminate mathematical models, from which it differs chiefly in introducing intermediate constraints (in addition to the points of insertion) for the muscles, and in setting bounds on muscle tensile stress depending on system geometry, kinematics, and loading.