Analyzing Modeled Torque Profiles to Understand Scale-Dependent Active Muscle Responses in the Hip Joint

Biomimetics

Matthew C. Tresch¹  Hillel J. Chiel²  Roger D. Quinn³  Fletcher R. Young³  Alexander J. Hunt⁴  Charles J. Heckman⁵ 

[1] Biomedical Engineering, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA;Departments of Neuroscience, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;

关键词: biomechanics;    locomotion;    scaling;    torque;   

DOI  :  10.3390/biomimetics7010017

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Animal locomotion is influenced by a combination of constituent joint torques (e.g., due to limb inertia and passive viscoelasticity), which determine the necessary muscular response to move the limb. Across animal size-scales, the relative contributions of these constituent joint torques affect the muscular response in different ways. We used a multi-muscle biomechanical model to analyze how passive torque components change due to an animal’s size-scale during locomotion. By changing the size-scale of the model, we characterized emergent muscular responses at the hip as a result of the changing constituent torque profile. Specifically, we found that activation phases between extensor and flexor torques to be opposite between small and large sizes for the same kinematic motion. These results suggest general principles of how animal size affects neural control strategies. Our modeled torque profiles show a strong agreement with documented hindlimb torque during locomotion and can provide insights into the neural organization and muscle activation behavior of animals whose motion has not been extensively documented.

【 授权许可】

Unknown