Neck musculoskeletal model generation through anthropometric scaling.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Anatomy
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Accurate musculoskeletal models are crucial for understanding human movement and injury.
• Existing methods for generating detailed neck models are often time-consuming and require subject-specific data.
• There is a need for efficient tools to create anthropometrically scaled musculoskeletal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel methodology for rapid generation of whole-body musculoskeletal models with detailed neck architecture.
• To implement this methodology in user-friendly software for interactive model creation.
• To ensure generated models are anthropometrically scaled and possess realistic muscle strength.

Main Methods:

• Developed a methodology integrated into anthropometric model generation software.
• Enabled interactive generation of male/female models by adjusting parameters like height, weight, and neck dimensions.
• Utilized the US Army Anthropometric Survey (ANSUR II) database for 50th percentile models.
• Employed a bilevel optimization method to match literature-based muscle strength values.
• Generated percentile models (1st-99th) via anthropometric scaling.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated whole-body musculoskeletal models with detailed neck anatomy.
• Models were scaled for anthropometry and optimized for muscle strength comparable to experimental data.
• Interactive software allows user-defined model generation without motion capture or medical imaging.
• Percentile models demonstrated reasonable accuracy in geometry and strength.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology provides an effective and efficient approach for interactive neck model generation.
• The software facilitates the creation of diverse, anthropometrically scaled musculoskeletal models.
• These models can be valuable tools for research in biomechanics, ergonomics, and injury prevention.