Measuring subject specific muscle model parameters of the first dorsal interosseous in vivo

Subject specific musculoskeletal models typically base some or all of their parameters on a source other than the subject being modeled. Evidence demonstrates that cadaveric measurements do not always scale appropriately to every subject, yet many musculoskeletal models still rely heavily on cadaveric based data. This study focused on the First Dorsal interosseous (FDI) given its unique function as the sole abductor of the second metacarpophalangeal joint. There were two purposes to this study: (1) to describe the procedures that can be used in vivo to determine the properties of a model of the FDI. (2). To determine the model parameters required to characterize the FDI for a group of four subjects. Parameters were determined using ultrasound imaging and a custom-built finger dynamometer. Some parameters were measured directly while other parameters had to be estimated using a least-squares criterion. For example, the parameters for the force-length properties were determined by fitting a model to experimentally determined data, with maximum isometric force values ranging from 86 to 102 N, and optimum lengths from 41 to 53 mm. It was shown that full characterization is possible for the FDI with parameters that are physiologically reasonable, but which showed variability between subjects. This model and approach for parameter identification will allow for more detailed analysis of the function of the FDI.