Advancing knee adduction moment prediction for neuromuscular training via functional joint definitions and real-time...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Musculoskeletal modeling
• Neuromuscular training

Background:

• Neuromuscular training is crucial for treating musculoskeletal disorders and preventing age-related muscle loss.
• Accurate estimation of joint moments, like the knee adduction moment, is vital for effective rehabilitation and performance analysis.
• Current musculoskeletal models often rely on conventional scaling methods, which may limit personalization and accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate different individualization approaches for OpenSim musculoskeletal models.
• To assess the real-time implementation of these approaches for estimating the external knee adduction moment during leg-press exercises.
• To compare the accuracy of individualized models with conventional scaling methods.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a robotic neuromuscular training platform for isometric and dynamic leg extension exercises.
• Collected 3D motion capture and force plate data from 13 subjects.
• Integrated functional joint parameters, derived from dynamic reference movements, into OpenSim models for personalized joint representation.
• Compared this integration with conventional scaling methods.

Main Results:

• Functional joint axes integration significantly enhanced the accuracy of biomechanical simulations.
• Individualized OpenSim models provided a more precise real-time estimate of the external knee adduction moment compared to conventional scaling.
• The study demonstrated the importance of personalized model parameters in biomechanical research.

Conclusions:

• Individualized OpenSim models, incorporating functional joint parameters, offer superior accuracy in estimating the knee adduction moment.
• These advanced modeling techniques are essential for precise biomechanical analysis in neuromuscular training and rehabilitation.
• Personalization in musculoskeletal modeling is key to improving treatment strategies for musculoskeletal disorders and enhancing performance.