Contribution of musculoskeletal simulation analysis to motion analysis in physical therapy

Abstract

Musculoskeletal simulation models that estimate the muscle tension force are widely used to explain muscle and joint function during motion. This model has an advantage to calculate muscle tension force and joint contact forces during motion with noninvasive gait measurement. The musculoskeletal simulation model-based analysis enables easy access for researchers to predict the joint contact force during human motion and determine the risk of osteoarthritis. It can also clarify the direct relationship between muscle tension force and joint angular acceleration or acceleration of the center of mass. Determination of which muscle supports body weight or controls joint motion will provide basic knowledge for physical therapists. In addition, determination of how patients maintain kinematic equilibrium during motion can help understand the patient-specific compensated strategy and decide on an appropriate intervention. This paper focuses on the introduction of the basic concept of musculoskeletal simulation analysis and applications of the result of previous studies to motion analysis in physical therapy.