THREE DIMENSIONAL MUSCULOSKELETAL MODELLING OF THE CHEST PRESS RESISTANCE EXERCISE FOCUSING ON THE BIOMECHANICAL AND ANTHROPOMETRIC CONSIDERATIONS OF THE END-USER

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether three dimensional (3D) musculoskeletal modelling could be effective in assessing the safety and efficacy of exercising on a chest press resistance training machine. Three anthropometric cases were created; these represented a 5th percentile female as well as a 50th and 95th percentile male based on body mass index (BMI). The results indicate that adjustments had to be made to the default model in order to solve the forward dynamics simulations using recorded joint angulations during the inverse dynamics simulations. The anthropometric dimensions of the end-users appeared to be adequately accommodated by the chest press’s engineered or manufactured adjustability. It did not appear as if the exercise put undue strain on the spinal structures when exercised with correct positioning and technique at an appropriate resistance.