Effect of Deformation Constraint Conditions on Force-length Relationship in Skeletal Muscles

—Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Deformation in skeletal muscle during contraction is restricted by skin, bone, and adjacent muscles. In this study, the relationship between these constraints and muscle function was examined using finite element simulation. An unconstrained model (UC), a model with limited bulge in the direction of skin and bone (CC1), and a model with limited bulge in the direction of skin and bone and adjacent muscles (CC2) were used. In comparison to UC, the muscle strength in force-length relationship decreased by 6.2% in CC1 and 9.9% in CC2 on average. It suggested that the difference in strain distribution of muscle tissue and the energy loss other than the direction of the force line due to bulging and rotation of muscle resulted in these force differences.