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The constrained control of force and position in multi-joint movements
G J van Ingen Schenau1, P J Boots, G de Groot
1Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Neuroscience
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Cycling involves complex leg movements where joint moments conflict with force direction. Bi-articular muscles coordinate joint moments for external force control, while mono-articular muscles optimize positive work during cycling.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Sports Engineering
Background:
- External forces in limb movements often require joint moments opposing displacement.
- Cycling involves intricate coordination of hip, knee, and ankle joints for effective force transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the conflicting requirements in joint moment distribution during cycling.
- To elucidate the role of mono-articular and bi-articular muscles in controlling pedal force direction and work.
Main Methods:
- Inverse dynamical analysis of cycling using kinetic and kinematic data.
- Linked segments model applied to data from experienced cyclists on an ergometer.
- Surface electromyography to record muscle activation patterns.
Main Results:
- Conflicting joint moment requirements were identified for optimizing pedal force direction and joint power.
- Bi-articular muscles demonstrated a key role in regulating net joint moments for force direction.
- Mono-articular muscles were primarily activated for positive work when able to shorten.
Conclusions:
- Co-activation of agonist and antagonist muscles, particularly bi-articular ones, offers a solution to conflicting biomechanical demands in cycling.
- Distinct control strategies may exist for mono-articular and bi-articular muscle activation during complex movements.
- The findings highlight a universal principle of constrained control for external force and joint position.