ReadySim: A computational framework for building explicit finite element musculoskeletal simulations directly from...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Computational modeling
• Finite element analysis

Background:

• Traditional musculoskeletal modeling uses simplified joint representations, limiting detailed analysis of internal stresses and strains.
• Musculoskeletal finite element (MSFE) analysis offers detailed representation for accurate stress/strain solutions, but muscle force optimization within this framework has been computationally intensive.
• Subject-specific MSFE simulations present formulation challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an open-source computational framework for scaling MSFE models.
• To efficiently estimate joint kinematics and muscle forces from human motion data.
• To improve the usability and consistency of single-framework MSFE simulations.

Main Methods:

• Developed a MATLAB and Python-based computational framework.
• Integrated laboratory marker data to scale model segment lengths and estimate joint kinematics.
• Performed concurrent muscle force and tissue strain estimations using kinematics and ground reaction forces.

Main Results:

• Created a framework for subject-specific MSFE simulations.
• Enabled efficient estimation of joint kinematics and muscle forces.
• Provided a freely available software and template model on SimTK.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework enhances the practicality of MSFE analysis for detailed biomechanical studies.
• Open dissemination of the software and model promotes broader research in musculoskeletal mechanics.
• This work facilitates more accurate and consistent analysis of internal tissue stresses and strains during human movement.