@article{DePieriAtzoriFergusonetal., author = {De Pieri, Enrico and Atzori, Federica and Ferguson, Stephen J. and Dendorfer, Sebastian and Leunig, Michael and Aepli, Martin}, title = {Contact force path in total hip arthroplasty: effect of cup medialisation in a whole-body simulation}, series = {HIP International}, volume = {31}, journal = {HIP International}, number = {5}, publisher = {Sage}, doi = {10.1177/1120700020917321}, pages = {624 -- 631}, abstract = {Background: Cup medialisation down to the true acetabular floor in total hip arthroplasty with a compensatory femoral offset increase seems to be mechanically advantageous for the abductor muscles due to the relocation of the lever arms (body weight lever arm decreased, abductor lever arm increased). However, limited information is currently available about the effects of this reconstruction type at the head cup interface, compared to an anatomical reconstruction that maintains the natural lever arms. Through a whole-body simulation analysis, we compared medialised versus anatomical reconstruction in THA to analyse the effects on: (1) contact force magnitude at the head cup interface; (2) contact force path in the cup; and (3) abductor activity. Methods: Musculoskeletal simulations were performed to calculate the above-mentioned parameters using inverse dynamics analysis. The differences between the virtually implanted THAs were calculated to compare the medialised versus anatomical reconstruction. Results: Cup medialisation with compensatory femoral offset increase led to: (1) a reduction in contact force magnitude at the head cup interface up to 6.6\%; (2) a similar contact force path in the cup in terms of sliding distance and aspect ratio; and (3) a reduction in abductor activity up to 17.2\% (gluteus medius). Conclusions: In our opinion, these potential biomechanical gains do not generally justify a fully medialised reconstruction, especially in younger patients that are more likely to undergo revision surgery in their lifetime. Cup medialisation should be performed until sufficient press fit and bony coverage of a properly sized and oriented cup can be achieved.}, subject = {H{\"u}ftgelenkprothese}, language = {en} } @article{AurbachSpickaSuessetal., author = {Aurbach, Maximilian and Spicka, Jan and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Evaluation of musculoskeletal modelling parameters of the shoulder complex during humeral abduction above 90°}, series = {Journal of Biomechanics}, volume = {106}, journal = {Journal of Biomechanics}, number = {June}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109817}, abstract = {Based on electromyographic data and force measurements within the shoulder joint, there is an indication that muscle and resulting joint reaction forces keep increasing over an abduction angle of 90°. In inverse dynamics models, no single parameter could be attributed to simulate this force behaviour accordingly. The aim of this work is to implement kinematic, kinetic and muscle model modifications to an existing model of the shoulder (AnyBody™) and assess their single and combined effects during abduction up to 140° humeral elevation. The kinematics and the EMG activity of 10 test subjects were measured during humeral abduction. Six modifications were implemented in the model: alternative wrapping of the virtual deltoid muscle elements, utilization of a three element Hill model, strength scaling, motion capture driven clavicle elevation/protraction, translation of the GH joint in dependency of the acting forces and an alteration of the scapula/clavicle rhythm. From the six modifications, 16 different combinations were considered. Parameter combinations with the Hill model changed the resultant GH joint reaction force and led to an increase in force during abduction of the humerus above 90°. Under the premise of muscle activities and forces within the GH joint rising after 90° of humeral abduction, we propose that the Hill type muscle model is a crucial parameter for accurately modelling the shoulder. Furthermore, the outcome of this study indicates that the Hill model induces the co-contraction of the muscles of the shoulder without the need of an additional stability criterion for an inverse dynamics approach.}, subject = {Schultergelenk}, language = {en} } @article{DendorferMaierTayloretal., author = {Dendorfer, Sebastian and Maier, Hans J{\"u}rgen and Taylor, David and Hammer, Joachim}, title = {Anisotropy of the fatigue behaviour of cancellous bone}, series = {Journal of Biomechanics}, volume = {41}, journal = {Journal of Biomechanics}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiomech.2007.09.037}, pages = {636 -- 641}, abstract = {The fatigue behaviour of materials is of particular interest for the failure prediction of materials and structures exposed to cyclic loading. For trabecular bone structures only a few sets of lifetime data have been reported in the literature and structural measures are commonly not considered. The influence of load contributions which are not aligned with the main physiological axis remains unclear. Furthermore site and species dependent relationships are not well described. In this study five different groups of trabecular bone, defined in terms of orientation, species and site were exposed to cyclic compression. In total, 108 fatigue tests were analysed. The lifetimes were found to decrease drastically when off-axis loads were applied. Additionally, species and site strongly affect fatigue lifetimes. Strains at failure were also found to be a function of orientation.}, subject = {Erm{\"u}dung}, language = {en} } @incollection{DendorferHammerLenich, author = {Dendorfer, Sebastian and Hammer, Joachim and Lenich, Andreas}, title = {Characterisation and testing of biomaterials}, series = {Basic Engineering for Medics and Biologists: An ESEM Primer}, booktitle = {Basic Engineering for Medics and Biologists: An ESEM Primer}, number = {Chapter IV.4.}, editor = {Lee, T. Clive and Niederer, Peter F.}, publisher = {Non Basic Stock Line}, isbn = {978-1607505266}, subject = {Biomaterial}, language = {en} } @article{AurbachŠpičkaSuessetal., author = {Aurbach, Maximilian and Špička, Jan and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Vychytil, J. and Havelkov{\´a}, Leonard and Ryba, T. and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Torus obstacle method as a wrapping approach of the deltoid muscle group for humeral abduction in musculoskeletal simulation}, series = {Journal of Biomechanics}, volume = {109}, journal = {Journal of Biomechanics}, number = {August}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109864}, abstract = {Musculoskeletal models of the shoulder complex are valuable research aids to investigate tears of the supraspinatus and the resulting mechanical impact during abduction of the humerus. One of the major contributors to this motion is the deltoid muscle group and for this, an accurate modeling of the lines of action is indispensable. The aim of this work was to utilize a torus obstacle wrapping approach for the deltoids of an existing shoulder model and assess the feasibility of the approach during humeral abduction. The shoulder model from the AnyBody™ modeling system was used as a platform. The size of the tori is based on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach and several kinematic couplings are implemented to determine the trajectories of the tori during abduction. To assess the model behavior, the moment arms of the virtual muscle elements and the resultant glenohumeral joint reaction force (GHJF) were compared with reference data from the literature during abduction of the humerus in the range 20°-120°. The root mean square error for the anterior, lateral and posterior part between the simulated muscle elements and reference data from the literature was 3.9, 1.7 and 5.8 mm, respectively. The largest deviation occurred on the outer elements of the muscle groups, with 12.6, 10.4 and 20.5 mm, respectively. During abduction, there is no overlapping of the muscle elements and these are in continuous contact with the torus obstacles, thus enabling a continuous force transmission. This results in a rising trend of the resultant GHJF. The torus obstacle approach as a wrapping method for the deltoid muscles provides a guided muscle pathing by simultaneously approximating the curvature of the deltoid muscle. The results from the comparison of the simulated moment arms and the resultant GHJF are in accordance with those in the literature in the range 20°-120° of abduction. Although this study shows the strength of the torus obstacle as a wrapping approach, the method of fitting the tori according to MRI data was not suitable. A cadaver study is recommended to better validate and mathematically describe the torus approach.}, language = {en} } @article{WeberSuessJerabeketal., author = {Weber, Markus and Suess, Franz and Jerabek, Seth and Meyer, Matthias and Grifka, Joachim and Renkawitz, Tobias and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Kinematic pelvic tilt during gait alters functional cup position in total hip arthroplasty}, series = {Journal of Orthopaedic Research}, volume = {40}, journal = {Journal of Orthopaedic Research}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1554-527X}, doi = {10.1002/jor.25106}, pages = {846 -- 853}, abstract = {Static pelvic tilt impacts functional cup position in total hip arthroplasty (THA). In the current study we investigated the effect of kinematic pelvic changes on cup position. In the course of a prospective controlled trial postoperative 3D-computed tomography (CT) and gait analysis before and 6 and 12 months after THA were obtained in 60 patients. Kinematic pelvic motion during gait was measured using Anybody Modeling System. By fusion with 3D-CT, the impact of kinematic pelvic tilt alterations on cup anteversion and inclination was calculated. Furthermore, risk factors correlating with high pelvic mobility were evaluated. During gait a high pelvic range of motion up to 15.6° exceeding 5° in 61.7\% (37/60) of patients before THA was found. After surgery, the pelvis tilted posteriorly by a mean of 4.0 ± 6.6° (p < .001). The pelvic anteflexion led to a mean decrease of -1.9 ± 2.2° (p < .001) for cup inclination and -15.1 ± 6.1° (p < .001) for anteversion in relation to the anterior pelvic plane (APP). Kinematic pelvic changes resulted in a further change up to 2.3° for inclination and up to 12.3° for anteversion. In relation to the preoperative situation differences in postoperative cup position ranged from -4.4 to 4.6° for inclination and from -7.8 to 17.9° for anteversion, respectively. Female sex (p < .001) and normal body weight (p < .001) correlated with high alterations in pelvic tilt. Kinematic pelvic changes highly impact cup anteversion in THA. Surgeons using the APP as reference should aim for a higher anteversion of about 15° due to the functional anteflexion of the pelvis during gait.}, subject = {H{\"u}ftgelenkprothese}, language = {en} } @article{WeberMerleNawabietal., author = {Weber, Markus and Merle, Christian and Nawabi, Danyal H. and Dendorfer, Sebastian and Grifka, Joachim and Renkawitz, Tobias}, title = {Inaccurate offset restoration in total hip arthroplasty results in reduced range of motion}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {10}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {13208}, publisher = {Nature}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-020-70059-1}, pages = {9}, abstract = {Offset restoration in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with postoperative range of motion (ROM) and gait kinematics. We aimed to research into the impact of high offset (HO) and standard stems on postoperative ROM. 121 patients received cementless THA through a minimally-invasive anterolateral approach. A 360° hip ROM analysis software calculated impingement-free hip movement based on postoperative 3D-CTs compared to ROM values necessary for activities of daily living (ADL). The same model was then run a second time after changing the stem geometry between standard and HO configuration with the implants in the same position. HO stems showed higher ROM for all directions between 4.6 and 8.9° (p < 0.001) compared with standard stems but with high interindividual variability. In the subgroup with HO stems for intraoperative offset restoration, the increase in ROM was even higher for all ROM directions with values between 6.1 and 14.4° (p < 0.001) compared to offset underrestoration with standard stems. Avoiding offset underrestoration resulted in a higher amount of patients of over 20\% for each ROM direction that fulfilled the criteria for ADL (p < 0.001). In contrast, in patients with standard stems for offset restoration ROM did increase but not clinically relevant by offset overcorrection for all directions between 3.1 and 6.1° (p < 0.001). Offset overcorrection by replacing standard with HO stems improved ROM for ADL in a low number of patients below 10\% (p > 0.03). Patient-individual restoration of offset is crucial for free ROM in THA. Both over and underrestoration of offset should be avoided.}, language = {en} } @article{MelznerSuessDendorfer, author = {Melzner, Maximilian and Suess, Franz and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {The impact of anatomical uncertainties on the predictions of a musculoskeletal hand model - a sensitivity study}, series = {Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering}, volume = {25}, journal = {Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering}, number = {2}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, issn = {1476-8259}, doi = {10.1080/10255842.2021.1940974}, pages = {156 -- 164}, abstract = {Outputs of musculoskeletal models should be considered probabilistic rather than deterministic as they are affected by inaccuracies and estimations associated with the development of the model. One of these uncertainties being critical for modeling arises from the determination of the muscles' line of action and the physiological cross-sectional area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome sensitivity of model predictions from a musculoskeletal hand model in comparison to the uncertainty of these input parameters. For this purpose, the kinematics and muscle activities of different hand movements (abduction of the fingers, abduction of the thumb, and flexion of the thumb) were recorded. One thousand simulations were calculated for each movement using the Latin hypercube sampling method with a corresponding variation of the muscle origin/insertion points and the cross-sectional area. Comparing the standard hand to simulations incorporating uncertainties of input parameters shows no major deviations in on- and off-set time point of muscle activities. About 60\% of simulations are located within a ± 30\% interval around the standard model concerning joint reaction forces. The comparison with the variation of the input data leads to the conclusion that the standard hand model is able to provide not over-scattered outcomes and, therefore, can be considered relatively stable. These results are of practical importance to the personalization of a musculoskeletal model with subject-specific bone geometries and hence changed muscle line of action.}, subject = {Biomechanik}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{AuerKubowitschKrutschetal., author = {Auer, Simon and Kubowitsch, Simone and Krutsch, Werner and Renkawitz, Tobias and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Effect of mental demand on knee forces in professional youth soccer players}, series = {ISBS Proceedings Archive}, volume = {38}, booktitle = {ISBS Proceedings Archive}, number = {1, Art. 28}, abstract = {Soccer is one of the most popular sports all around the world. It is an injurious type of sport with a focus on lower extremities and high psychological pressure during matches. The stressor is linked with injuries and an increased musculoskeletal loading. This study investigates the influence of cognitive stress on the load profile of the knee joint. Twelve professional youth soccer players performed highly dynamic runs with and without additional cognitive stress. The runs were analysed with a musculoskeletal simulation software. The data analysis shows no difference in knee joint reaction loading under additional mental stress compared to the baseline. Yet running times are significantly lower in the baseline. While there is no increase in the joint loads, the running times indicate an altered movement behaviour when the subjects are exposed to additional mental demand.}, subject = {Kniegelenk}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerKubowitschDendorferetal., author = {Scheer, Clara and Kubowitsch, Simone and Dendorfer, Sebastian and Jansen, Petra}, title = {Happy Enough to Relax? How Positive and Negative Emotions Activate Different Muscular Regions in the Back - an Explorative Study}, series = {Frontiers in Psychology}, volume = {Volume 12}, journal = {Frontiers in Psychology}, number = {May 2021}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, issn = {1664-1078}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2021.511746}, abstract = {Embodiment theories have proposed a reciprocal relationship between emotional state and bodily reactions. Besides large body postures, recent studies have found emotions to affect rather subtle bodily expressions, such as slumped or upright sitting posture. This study investigated back muscle activity as an indication of an effect of positive and negative emotions on the sitting position. The electromyography (EMG) activity of six back muscles was recorded in 31 healthy subjects during exposure to positive and negative affective pictures. A resting period was used as a control condition. Increased muscle activity patterns in the back were found during the exposure to negative emotional stimuli, which was mainly measured in the lumbar and thorax regions. The positive emotion condition caused no elevated activity. The findings show that negative emotions lead to increased differential muscle activity in the back and thus corroborate those of previous research that emotion affects subtle bodily expressions.}, language = {en} } @article{MelznerEngelhardtSimonetal., author = {Melzner, Maximilian and Engelhardt, Lucas and Simon, Ulrich and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Electromyography-Based Validation of a Musculoskeletal Hand Model}, series = {Journal of Biomechanical Engineering}, volume = {144}, journal = {Journal of Biomechanical Engineering}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME}, doi = {10.1115/1.4052115}, pages = {8}, abstract = {Regarding the prevention of injuries and rehabilitation of the human hand, musculoskeletal simulations using an inverse dynamics approach allow for insights of the muscle recruitment and thus acting forces on the hand. Currently, several hand models from various research groups are in use, which are mainly validated by the comparison of numerical and anatomical moment arms. In contrast to this validation and model-building technique by cadaver studies, the aim of this study is to further validate a recently published hand model [1] by analyzing numerically calculated muscle activities in comparison to experimentally measured electromyographical signals of the muscles. Therefore, the electromyographical signals of 10 hand muscles of five test subjects performing seven different hand movements were measured. The kinematics of these tasks were used as input for the hand model, and the numerical muscle activities were computed. To analyze the relationship between simulated and measured activities, the time difference of the muscle on- and off-set points was calculated, which resulted in a mean on- and off-set time difference of 0.58 s between the experimental data and the model. The largest differences were detected for movements that mainly addressed the wrist. One major issue comparing simulated and measured muscle activities of the hand is cross-talk. Nevertheless, the results show that the hand model fits the experiment quite accurately despite some limitations and is a further step toward patient-specific modeling of the upper extremity.}, subject = {Elektromyographie}, language = {en} } @article{AuerKurbowitschSuessetal., author = {Auer, Simon and Kurbowitsch, Simone and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Renkawitz, Tobias and Krutsch, Werner and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Mental stress reduces performance and changes musculoskeletal loading in football-related movements}, series = {Science and Medicine in Football}, volume = {5}, journal = {Science and Medicine in Football}, number = {4}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, doi = {10.1080/24733938.2020.1860253}, pages = {323 -- 329}, abstract = {Purpose: Football players have a high risk of leg muscle injuries, especially when exposed to mental stress. Hence, this study investigated the musculoskeletal response of elite youth football players during highly dynamic movements under stress. The hypothesis is that mental stress reduces performance and changes the muscular forces exerted. Materials \& methods: Twelve elite youth football players were subjected to mental stress while performing sports-specific change-of-direction movements. A modified version of the d2 attention test was used as stressor. The kinetics are computed using inverse dynamics. Running times and exerted forces of injury-prone muscles were analysed. Results: The stressor runs were rated more mentally demanding by the players (p = 0.006, rs = 0.37) with unchanged physical demand (p = 0.777, rs = 0.45). This resulted in 10\% longer running times under stress (p < 0.001, d = -1.62). The musculoskeletal analysis revealed higher peak muscle forces under mental stress for some players but not for others. Discussion: The study shows that motion capture combined with musculoskeletal computation is suitable to analyse the effects of stress on athletes in highly dynamic movements. For the first time in football medicine, our data quantifies an association between mental stress with reduced football players' performance and changes in muscle force.}, language = {en} } @article{EngelhardtMelznerHavelkovaetal., author = {Engelhardt, Lucas and Melzner, Maximilian and Havelkova, Linda and Fiala, Pavel and Christen, Patrik and Dendorfer, Sebastian and Simon, Ulrich}, title = {A new musculoskeletal AnyBodyTM detailed hand model}, series = {Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering}, volume = {24}, journal = {Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering}, number = {7}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, doi = {10.1080/10255842.2020.1851367}, pages = {777 -- 787}, abstract = {Musculoskeletal research questions regarding the prevention or rehabilitation of the hand can be addressed using inverse dynamics simulations when experiments are not possible. To date, no complete human hand model implemented in a holistic human body model has been fully developed. The aim of this work was to develop, implement, and validate a fully detailed hand model using the AnyBody Modelling System (AMS) (AnyBody, Aalborg, Denmark). To achieve this, a consistent multiple cadaver dataset, including all extrinsic and intrinsic muscles, served as a basis. Various obstacle methods were implemented to obtain with the correct alignment of the muscle paths together with the full range of motion of the fingers. These included tori, cylinders, and spherical ellipsoids. The origin points of the lumbrical muscles within the tendon of the flexor digitorum profundus added a unique feature to the model. Furthermore, the possibility of an entire patient-specific scaling based on the hand length and width were implemented in the model. For model validation, experimental datasets from the literature were used, which included the comparison of numerically calculated moment arms of the wrist, thumb, and index finger muscles. In general, the results displayed good comparability of the model and experimental data. However, the extrinsic muscles showed higher accordance than the intrinsic ones. Nevertheless, the results showed, that the proposed developed inverse dynamics hand model offers opportunities in a broad field of applications, where the muscles and joint forces of the forearm play a crucial role.}, language = {en} } @article{SaffertMelznerDendorfer, author = {Saffert, Anne-Sophie and Melzner, Maximilian and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Biomechanical analysis of the right elevated glenohumeral joint in violinists during legato-playing}, series = {Technology and Health Care}, volume = {30}, journal = {Technology and Health Care}, number = {1}, publisher = {IOS Press}, doi = {10.3233/THC-219001}, pages = {177 -- 186}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many statistics reveal that violin players suffer most often from musculoskeletal disorders compared to musicians of other instrument groups. A common phenomenon, especially observed in violin beginners, is the tendency to elevate the right shoulder during playing the violin. This can probably lead to serious disorders in long-term practice with repetitive movements. OBJECTIVE: For this reason, this study investigated the relationship between the right shoulder elevation and the force in the right glenohumeral joint during violin playing. It was hypothesized that the forces in the right glenohumeral joint are higher during playing with the right shoulder raised compared to playing in normal posture. METHODS: Motion capture data from four experienced violinists was recorded and processed by means of musculoskeletal simulation to get the force and elevation angle while playing with raised shoulder and in normal position. RESULTS: The results indicate that the absolute values of the resulting force, as well as the forces in the mediolateral, inferosuperior, and anteroposterior directions, are higher in playing the violin with the shoulder raised than in a normal posture. CONCLUSIONS: Elevating the right shoulder while playing the violin may pose a potential problem.}, subject = {Biomechanische Analyse}, language = {en} } @article{AuerSuessDendorfer, author = {Auer, Simon and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Using markerless motion capture and musculoskeletal models: An evaluation of joint kinematics}, series = {Technology and Health Care}, journal = {Technology and Health Care}, publisher = {IOS Press}, issn = {0928-7329}, doi = {10.3233/THC-240202}, pages = {1 -- 10}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study presents a comprehensive comparison between a marker-based motion capture system (MMC) and a video-based motion capture system (VMC) in the context of kinematic analysis using musculoskeletal models. OBJECTIVE: Focusing on joint angles, the study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of VMC as a viable alternative for biomechanical research. METHODS: Eighteen healthy subjects performed isolated movements with 17 joint degrees of freedom, and their kinematic data were collected using both an MMC and a VMC setup. The kinematic data were entered into the AnyBody Modelling System, which enables the calculation of joint angles. The mean absolute error (MAE) was calculated to quantify the deviations between the two systems. RESULTS: The results showed good agreement between VMC and MMC at several joint angles. In particular, the shoulder, hip and knee joints showed small deviations in kinematics with MAE values of 4.8∘, 6.8∘ and 3.5∘, respectively. However, the study revealed problems in tracking hand and elbow movements, resulting in higher MAE values of 13.7∘ and 27.7∘. Deviations were also higher for head and thoracic movements. CONCLUSION: Overall, VMC showed promising results for lower body and shoulder kinematics. However, the tracking of the wrist and pelvis still needs to be refined. The research results provide a basis for further investigations that promote the fusion of VMC and musculoskeletal models.}, language = {en} } @misc{Dendorfer, author = {Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {The influence of modeling parameters in the AnyBody Modeling System on muscle and joint loading in the shoulder}, series = {International Shoulder Group Meeting}, volume = {05}, journal = {International Shoulder Group Meeting}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GrossVerkerkeDendorfer, author = {Gross, Simon and Verkerke, Gijsbertus Jacob and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Combined Experimental and Numerical Approach to Investigate Changes in Muscle Recruitment Pattern of the Back Muscles during Exhausting Exercise}, series = {World Congress Biomechanics Dublin, 2018}, booktitle = {World Congress Biomechanics Dublin, 2018}, abstract = {In recent years, musculoskeletal computation has become a widely used tool to investigate joint and muscle forces within the human body. However, the issue of muscle fatigue is not considered adequately in most models and is a challenging task. One aspect that needs to be examined is the interaction of muscles during an exhausting task. Therefore, an experimental study was designed to analyze the changes of back muscle recruitment pattern during such exercises. In this study 38 subjects (27 male, 11 female, height = 177±8.5 cm, weight = 74.0±13.6 kg) participated. Each subject had to perform three static and three dynamic exhausting exercises where the back muscles were loaded with subject specific forces using a dynamometer adapter especially designed for the trunk muscles. To collect the muscle activity, twelve surface electromyography sensors were applied on the back, and four on the abdominal muscles. Muscle activity and fatigue were analyzed by calculating the maximum voluntary contraction normalized signal and the median frequency. At first the fatigue of m. erector spinae and m. multifidi was analyzed, since these muscles carry the main load during the exercises. Subsequently the activity of the m. trapezius, m. rectus abdominis and m. obliquus externus were investigated to determine recruitment patterns. To gain more detailed information of these patterns a numerical model was built using the AnyBody Modeling System™. Analyzing the measurements, we can observe an increasing muscle activity during isokinetic exercises while the force is constant. Since the activity in the simulation is defined as the current force output divided by the strength of the muscle, the strength parameter was scaled down based on the measured data, assuming a linear force - activity correlation, and using a numerical algorithm considering the influence of cross talk. The results show, that changes in recruitment pattern can be divided into three major subgroups. Prior to total exhaustion, some of the subjects show additional activation of muscles in the trapezius region, while other subjects show an additional activation of abdominal muscles, increasing the intra-abdominal pressure which supports the spine. In the third group an activation in both regions can be observed. The numerical simulations show an increasing activity of abdominal muscles as well as muscles in the upper back. Especially the m. latissimus dorsi shows a significantly higher activity. The results lead to the conclusion that prior to total exhaustion, additional muscles are recruited to support the main muscles. It was shown that abdominal muscles are activated to support back muscles by pressurizing the trunk cavity to delay total exhaustion as long as possible. In conclusion, the results show that changes in muscle recruitment pattern need to be considered when introducing muscle fatigue to musculoskeletal models.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{JungtaeublAurbachMelzneretal., author = {Jungt{\"a}ubl, Dominik and Aurbach, Maximilian and Melzner, Maximilian and Spicka, Jan and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {EMG-Based Validation of Musculoskeletal Models Considering Crosstalk}, series = {International Conference BIOMDLORE, June 28 - 30 2018, Białystok, Poland}, booktitle = {International Conference BIOMDLORE, June 28 - 30 2018, Białystok, Poland}, doi = {10.1109/BIOMDLORE.2018.8467211}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Validation and verification of multibody musculoskeletal models sEMG is a difficult process because of the reliability of sEMG data and the complex relationship of muscle force and sEMG. OBJECTIVE: This work aims at comparing experimentally recorded and simulated muscle activities considering a numerical model for crosstalk. METHODS: For providing an experimentally derived reference data set, subjects were performing elevations of the arm, where the activities of the contemplated muscle groups were measured by sEMG sensors. Computed muscle activities were further processed and transformed into an artificial electromyographical signal, which includes a numerical crosstalk model. In order to determine whether the crosstalk model provides a better agreement with the measured muscle activities, the Pearson correlation coefficient has been computed as a qualitative way of assessing the curve progression of the data sets. RESULTS: The results show an improvement in the correlation coefficient between the experimental data and the simulated muscle activities when taking crosstalk into account. CONCLUSIONS: Although the correlation coefficient increased when the crosstalk model was utilized, it is questionable if the discretization of both, the crosstalk and the musculoskeletal model, is accurate enough.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SuessKubowitschVerkerkeetal., author = {S{\"u}ß, Franz and Kubowitsch, Simone and Verkerke, Gijsbertus Jacob and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Investigation of cognitive stress induced changes in spinal disc forces due to altered kinematics and muscle activity}, series = {World Congress Biomechanics, Dublin, 2018}, booktitle = {World Congress Biomechanics, Dublin, 2018}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SuessKubowitschVerkerkeetal., author = {S{\"u}ß, Franz and Kubowitsch, Simone and Verkerke, Gijsbertus Jacob and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {The influence of mental stress on spinal disc loading and muscle activity}, series = {23th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics, Sevilla, Spain, 2017}, booktitle = {23th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics, Sevilla, Spain, 2017}, language = {en} }