Computer simulation on the cueing movements in cue sports: a validation study

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Musculoskeletal Modeling

Background:

• Traditional musculoskeletal models analyze daily activities and sports, but their application to cue sports is unproven.
• Investigating cue sports movements requires validated models for kinematic and muscle activation profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the feasibility of using OpenSim simulation models for analyzing upper extremity movements in cue sports.
• To generate kinematic and muscle activation profiles for cueing movements.
• To calculate preliminary muscle forces after model validation.

Main Methods:

• A validated unimanual upper extremity musculoskeletal model was used.
• Simulations were performed for the back spin shot and 9-ball break shot.
• 3D motion capture and electromyographic (EMG) data were collected and used as model inputs.

Main Results:

• OpenSim-generated joint angles for the back spin shot closely matched experimental elbow data but showed discrepancies in shoulder angles.
• The break shot simulation indicated significant shoulder muscle contributions to the forward swing.
• Preliminary findings suggest shoulder muscle strengthening could improve break shot performance.

Conclusions:

• Simulation modeling in OpenSim is feasible for biomechanical analysis of upper extremity movements in cue sports.
• Model outputs can elucidate the roles of individual muscle forces during cueing actions.
• Further refinement of shoulder joint kinematic inputs may improve model accuracy.