Once a simulation of movement is generated and tested, the simulation
can be analyzed to gain insight into neuromuscular function. The contributions
of individual muscles to the joint moments, joint angular accelerations,
ground reaction forces, segmental energies, and other variables of
interest can be determined. It is through the rigorous analysis and
interpretation of such data that the value of a simulation can be
realized.
We have used a variety of techniques
to analyze simulations to gain insights. For example, we have calculated
the instantaneous angular accelerations of the joints induced by
individual muscles during movement to determine which muscles are
responsible for generating knee extension during the single-limb
stance phase. Perturbing muscle forces in a dynamic simulation is
a powerful technique for understanding how muscles influence movement.
We have used this technique to determine which muscles have the
greatest potential to diminish knee flexion velocity prior to toe-off,
a possible cause of stiff-knee gait as well as to identify which
muscles contribute to forward progression and support during walking.
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