Active muscle response using feedback control of a finite element human arm model
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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Force and Position Control in Humans - The Role of Augmented Feedback
Published on: June 19, 2016
Jonas Östh1, Karin Brolin, Riender Happee
1Department of Applied Mechanics, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden. jonas.osth@chalmers.se
Abstract:
Mathematical human body models (HBMs) are important research tools that are used to study the human response in car crash situations. Development of automotive safety systems requires the implementation of active muscle response in HBM, as novel safety systems also interact with vehicle occupants in the pre-crash phase. In this study, active muscle response was implemented using feedback control of a nonlinear muscle model in the right upper extremity of a finite element (FE) HBM. Hill-type line muscle elements were added, and the active and passive properties were assessed. Volunteer tests with low impact loading resulting in elbow flexion motions were performed. Simulations of posture maintenance in a gravity field and the volunteer tests were successfully conducted. It was concluded that feedback control of a nonlinear musculoskeletal model can be used to obtain posture maintenance and human-like reflexive responses in an FE HBM.
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