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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
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Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model for Studying Bone Strain During Dynamic Motion
Published on: April 11, 2018
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Benchmarking of dynamic simulation predictions in two software platforms using an upper limb musculoskeletal model
Katherine R Saul1, Xiao Hu, Craig M Goehler
1a Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC 27695 , USA.
Summary
Comparing movement simulation software, we found technical differences, especially in muscle models, significantly alter kinematic predictions. This study provides a benchmark model for evaluating software like OpenSim and SIMM-Dynamics Pipeline-SD/Fast.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Computational modeling
- Software engineering
Background:
- Dynamic simulations of human movement are crucial in biomechanics research.
- Various open-source and commercial software platforms exist for these simulations.
- Technical implementation differences across platforms may lead to varied predictive outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel upper limb dynamic model for benchmarking movement simulation software.
- To quantify kinematic prediction differences between popular simulation platforms.
- To identify specific implementation aspects causing divergence in simulation outputs.
Main Methods:
- Developed a new upper limb dynamic model.
- Compared kinematic predictions using EMG- and optimization-based control signals.
- Benchmarked SIMM-Dynamics Pipeline-SD/Fast and OpenSim platforms.
- Analyzed differences stemming from muscle models and actuator paths.
Main Results:
- Identified substantial kinematic prediction divergences between SIMM-Dynamics Pipeline-SD/Fast and OpenSim.
- Pinpointed differences in muscle model and actuator path implementations as primary sources of divergence.
- Demonstrated the impact of technical variations on single and multi-joint movement simulations.
Conclusions:
- Technical implementation details significantly influence dynamic simulation outcomes in biomechanics.
- The presented upper limb model serves as a valuable resource for benchmarking software.
- Future research can utilize this model to evaluate other platforms and software updates.
