THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MUSCULO-SKELETAL MODEL FOR THE ESTIMATION OF FORCE PRODUCTION AND POWER TRANSFER BY LOWER LIMB MUSCLES DURING EXPLOSIVE EXTENSION MOVEMENTS

Authors

  • António Veloso
  • Paulo Armada-da-Silva
  • Joao Abrantes

Keywords:

muscle-tendon complex, biarticular muscles, power output

Abstract

In this study a model with four segment rigid body link system (foot, shank, thigh and trunk) and seven muscles was developed with the purpose of gaining insight on the behaviour of the lower limb muscle-skeletal system during the performance of explosive leg extension movements. Ten elite sprinters performed sprint start movements. The second step after the start was performed over a force platform, and simultaneously, video and electromyography records were obtained. Using an inverse dynamics approach the net moments of force and joint powers of ankle, knee and hip were determined. Considering the physiological cross- sectional area of the muscles and the estimation of effective moment arms, individual muscle forces, muscle moments of force and muscle powers were estimated. The biarticular muscles played a unique role on the movement studied, transferring energy from the proximal to distal joints.

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