Title: A comparison between inverse dynamics skeletal and muscular models

Authors: Silvia Mari; Ettore Pennestrì; Martina Trebbi; Francesco Nappi; Diego Rughi

Addresses: Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Piazzale Morandi, 6, 20121 Milano, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Università Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Università Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy. ' INAIL – CONTARP, Technical Advisory Department for Risk, Assessment and Prevention, 00143 Roma, Italy. ' INAIL – CONTARP, Technical Advisory Department for Risk, Assessment and Prevention, 00143 Roma, Italy

Abstract: This investigation has the purpose of developing and cross-validating algorithms and software tools for quantitative ergonomic analyses of workers movements. In particular, the results from a skeletal inverse dynamics model are directly compared with those obtained from a muscular model herein proposed. Both models rely upon experimentally gathered kinematic and electromyography data. The 2D skeletal model is based on a multibody dynamics formulation. The software implementation can perform both kinematic and inverse dynamic analyses. Kinematic input data required by the model have been collected using an optoelectronic human motion capture system. The kinematics of the model has been compared with experimentally collected data. The muscular electromyography (EMG)-assisted model discussed is particularly suitable for biarticular muscles. Joint torques, muscular forces and powers can be also estimated. The inputs required by this model have been collected recording surface electromyographic signals and using some kinematic output from the skeletal model. The results from mathematical models have been compared for cross-validation, and their adequacy for ergonomy analyses assessed.

Keywords: computational biomechanics; inverse multibody dynamics; human motion analysis; muscle modelling; inverse dynamics; skeletal models; ergonomics; worker movements; kinematics; EMG; electromyography; biarticular muscles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJECB.2012.049807

International Journal of Experimental and Computational Biomechanics, 2012 Vol.2 No.1, pp.74 - 95

Published online: 11 Aug 2014 *

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