The importance of biomechanics

When neuroscientists gather to discuss "Movement and Sensation", they tend to discuss neurons rather than muscles and bones. Neurons may be more interesting, but their roles in motor control depend on the mechanical properties of the system to be controlled. Understanding of those properties has been surprisingly elusive, despite the well-developed disciplines of biomechanics and muscle physiology. Each experimental field has its favorite, often unique preparation. Mathematical models range in scale from individual cross-bridges to articulated limbs, usually written in different computer languages. The shortcomings of such fragmented knowledge become particularly apparent when biomedical engineers must design safe and effective control systems for real limbs, such as for functional electrical stimulation (FES) of reach and grasp in quadriplegic patients. We are addressing the question of how to model neuromusculoskeletal systems so that they are sufficiently complete, valid and accessible to be useful in both basic and applied sensorimotor research.