A Biomechanical Simulation of Forearm Flexion Using the Finite Element Approach

Upper limb movement is vital in daily life. A biomechanical simulation of the forearm with consideration of the physiological characteristics of the muscles is instrumental in gaining deeper insights into the upper limb motion mechanisms. In this study, we established a finite element model of the forearm, including the radius, biceps brachii, and tendons. We simulated the motion of the forearm resulting from the contraction of the biceps brachii by using a Hill-type transversely isotropic hyperelastic muscle model. We adjusted the contraction velocity of the biceps brachii muscle in the simulation and found that a slower muscle contraction velocity facilitated forearm flexion. Then, we changed the percentage of fast-twitch fibers, the maximum muscle strength, and the neural excitation values of the biceps brachii muscle to investigate the forearm flexion of elderly individuals. Our results indicated that reduced fast-twitch fiber percentage, maximum muscle strength, and neural excitation contributed to the decline in forearm motion capability in elderly individuals. Additionally, there is a threshold for neural excitation, below which, motion capability sharply declines. Our model aids in understanding the role of the biceps brachii in forearm flexion and identifying the causes of upper limb movement disorders, which is able to provide guidance for enhancing upper limb performance.