Extended foot-ankle musculoskeletal models for application in movement analysis

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Motion Analysis
• Anatomical Modeling

Background:

• Accurate anatomical models are crucial for multibody simulations of human motion.
• Existing foot-ankle models lack the complexity needed for detailed biomechanical analysis.
• This study addresses the need for more representative foot-ankle models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe two detailed 3D multibody foot-ankle models.
• To evaluate the kinematic and dynamic performance of these models.
• To enhance the anatomical fidelity of human motion simulations.

Main Methods:

• Generation of two 3D multibody foot-ankle models from CT scans using a semi-automatic tool.
• Models comprise five rigid segments (talus, calcaneus, midfoot, forefoot, toes) and five joints.
• Models feature 15 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) and 8 DOF, respectively.
• Kinematic validation through gait trials and comparison with existing literature.
• Inverse dynamic analysis performed on the 8 DOF model.

Main Results:

• Both 15 DOF and 8 DOF models demonstrated realistic kinematics when evaluated against gait trials and literature.
• The 8 DOF model yielded feasible dynamic results during inverse dynamic analysis.
• The developed models provide a more representative anatomical structure of the foot-ankle complex.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D multibody foot-ankle models accurately represent human foot-ankle complex for motion simulations.
• These models offer improved kinematic and dynamic realism compared to previous models.
• The models are suitable for advanced biomechanical studies requiring detailed foot-ankle analysis.