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Cowburn J, Serrancolí G, Colyer S, Cazzola D. Optimal fibre length and maximum isometric force are the most influential parameters when modelling muscular adaptations to unloading using Hill-type muscle models. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1347089. [PMID: 38694205 PMCID: PMC11061504 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1347089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Spaceflight is associated with severe muscular adaptations with substantial inter-individual variability. A Hill-type muscle model is a common method to replicate muscle physiology in musculoskeletal simulations, but little is known about how the underlying parameters should be adjusted to model adaptations to unloading. The aim of this study was to determine how Hill-type muscle model parameters should be adjusted to model disuse muscular adaptations. Methods: Isokinetic dynamometer data were taken from a bed rest campaign and used to perform tracking simulations at two knee extension angular velocities (30°·s-1 and 180°·s-1). The activation and contraction dynamics were solved using an optimal control approach and direct collocation method. A Monte Carlo sampling technique was used to perturb muscle model parameters within physiological boundaries to create a range of theoretical and feasible parameters to model muscle adaptations. Results: Optimal fibre length could not be shortened by more than 67% and 61% for the knee flexors and non-knee muscles, respectively. Discussion: The Hill-type muscle model successfully replicated muscular adaptations due to unloading, and recreated salient features of muscle behaviour associated with spaceflight, such as altered force-length behaviour. Future researchers should carefully adjust the optimal fibre lengths of their muscle-models when trying to model adaptations to unloading, particularly muscles that primarily operate on the ascending and descending limbs of the force-length relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Cowburn
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Gil Serrancolí
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Steffi Colyer
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Dario Cazzola
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Gurchiek RD, Teplin Z, Falisse A, Hicks JL, Delp SL. Hamstrings are stretched more and faster during accelerative running compared to speed-matched constant speed running. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.25.586659. [PMID: 38585841 PMCID: PMC10996654 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.586659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Hamstring strain injuries are associated with significant time away from sport and high reinjury rates. Recent evidence suggests that hamstring injuries often occur during accelerative running, but investigations of hamstring mechanics have primarily examined constant speed running on a treadmill. To help fill this gap in knowledge, this study compares hamstring lengths and lengthening velocities between accelerative running and constant speed overground running. Methods We recorded 2 synchronized videos of 10 participants (5 female, 5 male) during 6 accelerative running trials and 6 constant speed running trials. We used OpenCap (a markerless motion capture system) to estimate body segment kinematics for each trial and a 3-dimensional musculoskeletal model to compute peak length and step-average lengthening velocity of the biceps femoris (long head) muscle-tendon unit. To compare running conditions, we used linear mixed regression models with running speed (normalized by the subject-specific maximum) as the independent variable. Results At running speeds below 75% of top speed accelerative running resulted in greater peak lengths than constant speed running. For example, the peak hamstring muscle-tendon length when a person accelerated from running at only 50% of top speed was equivalent to running at a constant 88% of top speed. Lengthening velocities were greater during accelerative running at all running speeds. Differences in hip flexion kinematics primarily drove the greater peak muscle-tendon lengths and lengthening velocities observed in accelerative running. Conclusion Hamstrings are subjected to longer muscle-tendon lengths and faster lengthening velocities in accelerative running compared to constant speed running. This provides a biomechanical explanation for the observation that hamstring strain injuries often occur during acceleration. Our results suggest coaches who monitor exposure to high-risk circumstances (long lengths, fast lengthening velocities) should consider the accelerative nature of running in addition to running speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed D. Gurchiek
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zachary Teplin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Antoine Falisse
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Hicks
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Scott L. Delp
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Davis DJ, Challis JH. Increasing midtarsal joint stiffness reduces triceps surae metabolic costs in walking simulations but has little effect on total stance limb metabolic cost. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38515264 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2024.2327635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The human foot's arch is thought to be beneficial for efficient gait. This study addresses the extent to which arch stiffness changes alter the metabolic energy requirements of human gait. Computational musculoskeletal simulations of steady state walking using direct collocation were performed. Across a range of foot arch stiffnesses, the metabolic cost of transport decreased by less than 1% with increasing foot arch stiffness. Increasing arch stiffness increased the metabolic efficiency of the triceps surae during push-off, but these changes were almost entirely offset by other muscle groups consuming more energy with increasing foot arch stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Davis
- The Biomechanics Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - John H Challis
- The Biomechanics Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Cowburn J, Serrancolí G, Pavei G, Minetti A, Salo A, Colyer S, Cazzola D. A novel computational framework for the estimation of internal musculoskeletal loading and muscle adaptation in hypogravity. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1329765. [PMID: 38384800 PMCID: PMC10880100 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1329765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Spaceflight is associated with substantial and variable musculoskeletal (MSK) adaptations. Characterisation of muscle and joint loading profiles can provide key information to better align exercise prescription to astronaut MSK adaptations upon return-to-Earth. A case-study is presented of single-leg hopping in hypogravity to demonstrate the additional benefit computational MSK modelling has when estimating lower-limb MSK loading. Methods: A single male participant performed single-leg vertical hopping whilst attached to a body weight support system to replicate five gravity conditions (0.17, 0.25, 0.37, 0.50, 1 g). Experimental joint kinematics, joint kinetics and ground reaction forces were tracked in a data-tracking direct collocation simulation framework. Ground reaction forces, sagittal plane hip, knee and ankle net joint moments, quadriceps muscle forces (Rectus Femoris and three Vasti muscles), and hip, knee and ankle joint reaction forces were extracted for analysis. Estimated quadriceps muscle forces were input into a muscle adaptation model to predict a meaningful increase in muscle cross-sectional area, defined in (DeFreitas et al., 2011). Results: Two distinct strategies were observed to cope with the increase in ground reaction forces as gravity increased. Hypogravity was associated with an ankle dominant strategy with increased range of motion and net plantarflexor moment that was not seen at the hip or knee, and the Rectus Femoris being the primary contributor to quadriceps muscle force. At 1 g, all three joints had increased range of motion and net extensor moments relative to 0.50 g, with the Vasti muscles becoming the main muscles contributing to quadriceps muscle force. Additionally, hip joint reaction force did not increase substantially as gravity increased, whereas the other two joints increased monotonically with gravity. The predicted volume of exercise needed to counteract muscle adaptations decreased substantially with gravity. Despite the ankle dominant strategy in hypogravity, the loading on the knee muscles and joint also increased, demonstrating this provided more information about MSK loading. Discussion: This approach, supplemented with muscle-adaptation models, can be used to compare MSK loading between exercises to enhance astronaut exercise prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Cowburn
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Gil Serrancolí
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gaspare Pavei
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Minetti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Aki Salo
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Steffi Colyer
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Dario Cazzola
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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5
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Van Wouwe T, Hicks J, Delp S, Liu KC. A simulation framework to determine optimal strength training and musculoskeletal geometry for sprinting and distance running. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011410. [PMID: 38394308 PMCID: PMC10917303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal geometry and muscle volumes vary widely in the population and are intricately linked to the performance of tasks ranging from walking and running to jumping and sprinting. As an alternative to experimental approaches, where it is difficult to isolate factors and establish causal relationships, simulations can be used to independently vary musculoskeletal geometry and muscle volumes, and develop a fundamental understanding. However, our ability to understand how these parameters affect task performance has been limited due to the high computational cost of modelling the necessary complexity of the musculoskeletal system and solving the requisite multi-dimensional optimization problem. For example, sprinting and running are fundamental to many forms of sport, but past research on the relationships between musculoskeletal geometry, muscle volumes, and running performance has been limited to observational studies, which have not established cause-effect relationships, and simulation studies with simplified representations of musculoskeletal geometry. In this study, we developed a novel musculoskeletal simulator that is differentiable with respect to musculoskeletal geometry and muscle volumes. This simulator enabled us to find the optimal body segment dimensions and optimal distribution of added muscle volume for sprinting and marathon running. Our simulation results replicate experimental observations, such as increased muscle mass in sprinters, as well as a mass in the lower end of the healthy BMI range and a higher leg-length-to-height ratio in marathon runners. The simulations also reveal new relationships, for example showing that hip musculature is vital to both sprinting and marathon running. We found hip flexor and extensor moment arms were maximized to optimize sprint and marathon running performance, and hip muscles the main target when we simulated strength training for sprinters. Our simulation results provide insight to inspire future studies to examine optimal strength training. Our simulator can be extended to other athletic tasks, such as jumping, or to non-athletic applications, such as designing interventions to improve mobility in older adults or individuals with movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Van Wouwe
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Hicks
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Scott Delp
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Karen C. Liu
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
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6
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Heinrich D, van den Bogert AJ, Mössner M, Nachbauer W. Model-based estimation of muscle and ACL forces during turning maneuvers in alpine skiing. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9026. [PMID: 37270655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35775-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In alpine skiing, estimation of the muscle forces and joint loads such as the forces in the ACL of the knee are essential to quantify the loading pattern of the skier during turning maneuvers. Since direct measurement of these forces is generally not feasible, non-invasive methods based on musculoskeletal modeling should be considered. In alpine skiing, however, muscle forces and ACL forces have not been analyzed during turning maneuvers due to the lack of three dimensional musculoskeletal models. In the present study, a three dimensional musculoskeletal skier model was successfully applied to track experimental data of a professional skier. During the turning maneuver, the primary activated muscles groups of the outside leg, bearing the highest loads, were the gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis as well as the medial and lateral hamstrings. The main function of these muscles was to generate the required hip extension and knee extension moments. The gluteus maximus was also the main contributor to the hip abduction moment when the hip was highly flexed. Furthermore, the lateral hamstrings and gluteus maximus contributed to the hip external rotation moment in addition to the quadratus femoris. Peak ACL forces reached 211 N on the outside leg with the main contribution in the frontal plane due to an external knee abduction moment. Sagittal plane contributions were low due to consistently high knee flexion (> 60[Formula: see text]), substantial co-activation of the hamstrings and the ground reaction force pushing the anteriorly inclined tibia backwards with respect to the femur. In conclusion, the present musculoskeletal simulation model provides a detailed insight into the loading of a skier during turning maneuvers that might be used to analyze appropriate training loads or injury risk factors such as the speed or turn radius of the skier, changes of the equipment or neuromuscular control parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Heinrich
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | | | - Martin Mössner
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Werner Nachbauer
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Yeadon MR, Pain MTG. Fifty years of performance-related sports biomechanics research. J Biomech 2023; 155:111666. [PMID: 37263075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the past fifty years there has been considerable development in motion analysis systems and in computer simulation modelling of sports movements while the relevance and importance of functional variability of sports technique has become increasingly recognised. Technical developments for experimental work have led to increased, and still increasing, subject numbers. Increased subjects per study give better statistical power, the ability to utilise different data analyses, and thus the determination of more subtle and nuanced factors. The overall number of studies has also increased massively. Most actions in sport can, and have, been studied at some level with even the more challenging ones, such as player on player impacts, having some developing research. Computer simulation models of sports movements have ranged from simple (one or two segment) models to very complex musculoskeletal models and have used parameters ranging from the generic to individual-specific. Simple models have given insights into the key mechanics of movement while individual-specific model optimisations have been used to improve athlete performance. Our depth of understanding of the mechanics of sports techniques has increased across a wide range of sports. In the future there is likely to be more development and use of markerless motion capture, individual-specific model parameters, and more consideration of motor control aspects in the analysis of sports technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Yeadon
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK.
| | - M T G Pain
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
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8
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Stingel JP, Hicks JL, Uhlrich SD, Delp SL. How Connecting the Legs with a Spring Improves Human Running Economy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.03.535498. [PMID: 37066206 PMCID: PMC10104051 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Connecting the legs with a spring attached to the shoelaces reduces the energy cost of running, but how the spring reduces the energy burden of individual muscles remains unknown. We generated muscle-driven simulations of seven individuals running with and without the spring to discern whether savings occurred during the stance phase or the swing phase, and to identify which muscles contributed to energy savings. We computed differences in muscle-level energy consumption, muscle activations, and changes in muscle-fiber velocity and force between running with and without the spring. Across participants, running with the spring reduced the measured rate of energy expenditure by 0.9 W/kg (8.3%). Simulations predicted a 1.4 W/kg (12.0%) reduction in the average rate of energy expenditure and correctly identified that the spring reduced rates of energy expenditure for all participants. Simulations showed most of the savings occurred during stance (1.5 W/kg), though the rate of energy expenditure was also reduced during swing (0.3 W/kg). The energetic savings were distributed across the quadriceps, hip flexor, hip abductor, hamstring, hip adductor, and hip extensor muscle groups, whereas no changes in the rate of energy expenditure were observed in the plantarflexor or dorsiflexor muscles. Energetic savings were facilitated by reductions in the rate of mechanical work performed by muscles and their estimated rate of heat production. The simulations provide insight into muscle-level changes that occur when utilizing an assistive device and the mechanisms by which a spring connecting the legs improves running economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon P Stingel
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Jennifer L Hicks
- Bioengineering Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Scott D Uhlrich
- Bioengineering Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Scott L Delp
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
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Nitschke M, Marzilger R, Leyendecker S, Eskofier BM, Koelewijn AD. Change the direction: 3D optimal control simulation by directly tracking marker and ground reaction force data. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14852. [PMID: 36778146 PMCID: PMC9912948 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimal control simulations of musculoskeletal models can be used to reconstruct motions measured with optical motion capture to estimate joint and muscle kinematics and kinetics. These simulations are mutually and dynamically consistent, in contrast to traditional inverse methods. Commonly, optimal control simulations are generated by tracking generalized coordinates in combination with ground reaction forces. The generalized coordinates are estimated from marker positions using, for example, inverse kinematics. Hence, inaccuracies in the estimated coordinates are tracked in the simulation. We developed an approach to reconstruct arbitrary motions, such as change of direction motions, using optimal control simulations of 3D full-body musculoskeletal models by directly tracking marker and ground reaction force data. For evaluation, we recorded three trials each of straight running, curved running, and a v-cut for 10 participants. We reconstructed the recordings with marker tracking simulations, coordinate tracking simulations, and inverse kinematics and dynamics. First, we analyzed the convergence of the simulations and found that the wall time increased three to four times when using marker tracking compared to coordinate tracking. Then, we compared the marker trajectories, ground reaction forces, pelvis translations, joint angles, and joint moments between the three reconstruction methods. Root mean squared deviations between measured and estimated marker positions were smallest for inverse kinematics (e.g., 7.6 ± 5.1 mm for v-cut). However, measurement noise and soft tissue artifacts are likely also tracked in inverse kinematics, meaning that this approach does not reflect a gold standard. Marker tracking simulations resulted in slightly higher root mean squared marker deviations (e.g., 9.5 ± 6.2 mm for v-cut) than inverse kinematics. In contrast, coordinate tracking resulted in deviations that were nearly twice as high (e.g., 16.8 ± 10.5 mm for v-cut). Joint angles from coordinate tracking followed the estimated joint angles from inverse kinematics more closely than marker tracking (e.g., root mean squared deviation of 1.4 ± 1.8 deg vs. 3.5 ± 4.0 deg for v-cut). However, we did not have a gold standard measurement of the joint angles, so it is unknown if this larger deviation means the solution is less accurate. In conclusion, we showed that optimal control simulations of change of direction running motions can be created by tracking marker and ground reaction force data. Marker tracking considerably improved marker accuracy compared to coordinate tracking. Therefore, we recommend reconstructing movements by directly tracking marker data in the optimal control simulation when precise marker tracking is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Nitschke
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab, Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert Marzilger
- Division Positioning and Networks, Fraunhofer IIS, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Leyendecker
- Institute of Applied Dynamics, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bjoern M. Eskofier
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab, Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anne D. Koelewijn
- Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab, Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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Movement in low gravity environments (MoLo) programme-The MoLo-L.O.O.P. study protocol. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278051. [PMID: 36417480 PMCID: PMC9683620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to prolonged periods in microgravity is associated with deconditioning of the musculoskeletal system due to chronic changes in mechanical stimulation. Given astronauts will operate on the Lunar surface for extended periods of time, it is critical to quantify both external (e.g., ground reaction forces) and internal (e.g., joint reaction forces) loads of relevant movements performed during Lunar missions. Such knowledge is key to predict musculoskeletal deconditioning and determine appropriate exercise countermeasures associated with extended exposure to hypogravity. OBJECTIVES The aim of this paper is to define an experimental protocol and methodology suitable to estimate in high-fidelity hypogravity conditions the lower limb internal joint reaction forces. State-of-the-art movement kinetics, kinematics, muscle activation and muscle-tendon unit behaviour during locomotor and plyometric movements will be collected and used as inputs (Objective 1), with musculoskeletal modelling and an optimisation framework used to estimate lower limb internal joint loading (Objective 2). METHODS Twenty-six healthy participants will be recruited for this cross-sectional study. Participants will walk, skip and run, at speeds ranging between 0.56-3.6 m/s, and perform plyometric movement trials at each gravity level (1, 0.7, 0.5, 0.38, 0.27 and 0.16g) in a randomized order. Through the collection of state-of-the-art kinetics, kinematics, muscle activation and muscle-tendon behaviour, a musculoskeletal modelling framework will be used to estimate lower limb joint reaction forces via tracking simulations. CONCLUSION The results of this study will provide first estimations of internal musculoskeletal loads associated with human movement performed in a range of hypogravity levels. Thus, our unique data will be a key step towards modelling the musculoskeletal deconditioning associated with long term habitation on the Lunar surface, and thereby aiding the design of Lunar exercise countermeasures and mitigation strategies.
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Haralabidis N, Colyer SL, Serrancolí G, Salo AIT, Cazzola D. Modifications to the net knee moments lead to the greatest improvements in accelerative sprinting performance: a predictive simulation study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15908. [PMID: 36151260 PMCID: PMC9508344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20023-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The current body of sprinting biomechanics literature together with the front-side mechanics coaching framework provide various technique recommendations for improving performance. However, few studies have attempted to systematically explore technique modifications from a performance enhancement perspective. The aims of this investigation were therefore to explore how hypothetical technique modifications affect accelerative sprinting performance and assess whether the hypothetical modifications support the front-side mechanics coaching framework. A three-dimensional musculoskeletal model scaled to an international male sprinter was used in combination with direct collocation optimal control to perform (data-tracking and predictive) simulations of the preliminary steps of accelerative sprinting. The predictive simulations differed in the net joint moments that were left 'free' to change. It was found that the 'knee-free' and 'knee-hip-free' simulations resulted in the greatest performance improvements (13.8% and 21.9%, respectively), due to a greater knee flexor moment around touchdown (e.g., 141.2 vs. 70.5 Nm) and a delayed and greater knee extensor moment during stance (e.g., 188.5 vs. 137.5 Nm). Lastly, the predictive simulations which led to the greatest improvements were also found to not exhibit clear and noticeable front-side mechanics technique, thus the underpinning principles of the coaching framework may not be the only key aspect governing accelerative sprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicos Haralabidis
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK. .,CAMERA-Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, UK. .,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Steffi L Colyer
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.,CAMERA-Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Gil Serrancolí
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aki I T Salo
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.,CAMERA-Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, UK.,KIHU Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Dario Cazzola
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.,CAMERA-Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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