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Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Measurement of Maximum Isometric Force Generated by Permeabilized Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Published on: June 16, 2015
Individual muscle force parameters and fiber operating ranges for elbow flexion-extension and forearm
Rena Hale1, Daniel Dorman, Roger V Gonzalez
1Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering LeTourneau University, Longview, TX, USA.
Abstract:
We have quantified individual muscle force and moment contributions to net joint moments and estimated the operating ranges of the individual muscle fibers over the full range of motion for elbow flexion/extension and forearm pronation/supination. A three dimensional computer graphics model was developed in order to estimate individual muscle contributions in each degree of freedom over the full range of motion generated by 17 muscles crossing the elbow and forearm. Optimal fiber length, tendon slack length, and muscle specific tension values were adjusted within the literature range from cadaver studies such that the net isometric joint moments of the model approximated experimental joint moments within one standard deviation. Analysis of the model revealed that the muscles operate on varying portions of the ascending limb, plateau region, and descending limb of the force-length curve. This model can be used to further understand isometric force and moment contributions of individual muscles to net joint moments of the arm and forearm and can serve as a comprehensive reference for the forces and moments generated by 17 major muscles crossing the elbow and wrist.
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