@article{AuerSchieblIversenetal., author = {Auer, Simon and Schiebl, Jonas and Iversen, Kristoffer and Subhash Chander, Divyaksh and Damsgaard, Michael and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Biomechanical assessment of the design and efficiency of occupational exoskeletons with the AnyBody Modeling System}, series = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Arbeitswissenschaften}, volume = {76}, journal = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Arbeitswissenschaften}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, doi = {10.1007/s41449-022-00336-4}, pages = {440 -- 449}, abstract = {Exoskeletons were invented over 100 years ago but have only become popular in the last two decades, especially in the working industry as they can decrease work-related loads significantly. The most often used exoskeletons are for the lower back and shoulder since these are commonly affected body regions. All devices have in common that their purpose is to reduce internal loads of vulnerable body regions. Nevertheless, there is still little understanding on how biomechanical loading in the human body changes when exoskeletons are used. Therefore, further analyses are needed. A promising candidate for these are musculoskeletal models, which are based on an inverse dynamics approach and can calculate external parameters such as ground reaction forces or other interaction forces as well as internal parameters such as joint reaction forces or muscle activities. The various examples in the literature show that these models are increasingly used for assessing the biomechanical effects of exoskeletons on the human body. Furthermore, musculoskeletal models can calculate biomechanical loadings of humans with and without exoskeletons for all kinds of applications and allow an evaluation of their purpose. Practical Relevance: This article highlights the possibilities of musculoskeletal models for assessing the design and efficiency of occupational exoskeletons. Several practical use cases are described along with distinct descriptions of common implications of musculoskeletal and exoskeleton modeling.}, language = {en} } @article{MelznerPfeifferSuessetal., author = {Melzner, Maximilian and Pfeiffer, Christian and Suess, Franz and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Musculoskeletal simulation of elbow stability for common injury patterns}, series = {Journal of Orthopaedic Research}, volume = {41}, journal = {Journal of Orthopaedic Research}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1554-527X}, doi = {10.1002/jor.25460}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-54819}, pages = {1356 -- 1364}, abstract = {Elbow stability is derived from a combination of muscular, ligamentous, and bony structures. After an elbow trauma the stability of the joint is an important decision criterion for the subsequent treatment. The decision regarding non-operative/operative care depends mostly on subjective assessments of medical experts. Therefore, the aim of this study is to use musculoskeletal simulations as an objective assessment tool to investigate the extent to which failure of different stabilizers affects the elbow stability and how these observations correspond to the assessment from clinical practice. A musculoskeletal elbow simulation model was developed for this aim. To investigate the stability of the elbow, varus/valgus moments were applied under 0°, 45°and 90° flexion while the respective cubital angle was analyzed. This was performed for nine different injury scenarios, which were also evaluated for stability by clinical experts. With the results, it can be determined by which injury pattern and under which flexion angle the elbow stability is impaired regarding varus/valgus moments. The scenario with a complete failure of the medial and lateral ligaments and a fracture of the radial head was identified as having the greatest instability. The study presented a numerical determination of elbow stability against varus/valgus moments regarding clinical injury patterns, as well as a comparison of the numerical outcome with experience gained in clinical practice. The numerical predictions agree well with the assessments of the clinical specialists. Thus, the results from musculoskeletal simulation can make an important contribution to a more objective assessment of the elbow stability.}, language = {en} } @article{ReinkerBlaesingBierletal., author = {Reinker, Lukas and Bl{\"a}sing, Dominic and Bierl, Rudolf and Ulbricht, Sabina and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Correlation of Acceleration Curves in Gravitational Direction for Different Body Segments during High-Impact Jumping Exercises}, series = {sensors}, volume = {23}, journal = {sensors}, number = {4}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/s23042276}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-58217}, abstract = {Osteoporosis is a common disease of old age. However, in many cases, it can be very well prevented and counteracted with physical activity, especially high-impact exercises. Wearables have the potential to provide data that can help with continuous monitoring of patients during therapy phases or preventive exercise programs in everyday life. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and reliability of measured acceleration data at different body positions compared to accelerations at the pelvis during different jumping exercises. Accelerations at the hips have been investigated in previous studies with regard to osteoporosis prevention. Data were collected using an IMU-based motion capture system (Xsens) consisting of 17 sensors. Forty-nine subjects were included in this study. The analysis shows the correlation between impacts and the corresponding drop height, which are dependent on the respective exercise. Very high correlations (0.83-0.94) were found between accelerations at the pelvis and the other measured segments at the upper body. The foot sensors provided very weak correlations (0.20-0.27). Accelerations measured at the pelvis during jumping exercises can be tracked very well on the upper body and upper extremities, including locations where smart devices are typically worn, which gives possibilities for remote and continuous monitoring of programs.}, language = {en} } @article{AuerKubowitschDendorfer, author = {Auer, Simon and Kubowitsch, Simone and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Kombinierter Einfluss von psychologischen und biomechanischen Faktoren auf die muskul{\"a}ren Belastungen beim Fußballspielen}, series = {Die Orthop{\"a}die}, volume = {52}, journal = {Die Orthop{\"a}die}, number = {11}, publisher = {Springer}, doi = {10.1007/s00132-023-04437-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-65113}, pages = {1 -- 6}, abstract = {When mental stress and musculoskeletal loading interact, the risk for injury increases due to altered body kinematics and increased muscle tension. These changes can be detected with musculoskeletal models, and mental loading and stress must be analyzed at emotional, cognitive, and behavioral levels. To investigate these kinematic and loading changes under stress, competitive athletes were subjected to mental stress during highly dynamic movements, and musculoskeletal models were used to analyze the biomechanical loading. It was shown that under mental stress, independent of the subjective perception, a strong change in muscle forces can occur. Accordingly, competitive athletes should undergo screenings to assess individual movement patterns and promote general stress resilience.}, language = {de} } @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} } @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{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} } @inproceedings{SuessMelznerDendorfer, author = {Suess, Franz and Melzner, Maximilian and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Towards ergonomics working - machine learning algorithms and musculoskeletal modeling}, series = {IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering}, volume = {1208}, booktitle = {IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering}, publisher = {IOP Publishing}, issn = {1757-899X}, doi = {10.1088/1757-899X/1208/1/012001}, abstract = {Ergonomic workplaces lead to fewer work-related musculoskeletal disorders and thus fewer sick days. There are various guidelines to help avoid harmful situations. However, these recommendations are often rather crude and often neglect the complex interaction of biomechanical loading and psychological stress. This study investigates whether machine learning algorithms can be used to predict mechanical and stress-related muscle activity for a standardized motion. For this purpose, experimental data were collected for trunk movement with and without additional psychological stress. Two different algorithms (XGBoost and TensorFlow) were used to model the experimental data. XGBoost in particular predicted the results very well. By combining it with musculoskeletal models, the method shown here can be used for workplace analysis but also for the development of real-time feedback systems in real workplace environments.}, language = {en} } @article{FoerstlSuessEnglertetal., author = {F{\"o}rstl, Nikolas and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Englert, Carsten and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Design of a reverse shoulder implant to measure shoulder stiffness during implant component positioning}, series = {Medical Engineering \& Physics}, volume = {121}, journal = {Medical Engineering \& Physics}, edition = {Journal Pre-proof}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.medengphy.2023.104059}, pages = {22}, abstract = {To avoid dislocation of the shoulder joint after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, it is important to achieve sufficient shoulder stability when placing the implant components during surgery. One parameter for assessing shoulder stability can be shoulder stiffness. The aim of this research was to develop a temporary reverse shoulder implant prototype that would allow intraoperative measurement of shoulder stiffness while varying the position of the implant components. Joint angle and torque measurement techniques were developed to determine shoulder stiffness. Hall sensors were used to measure the joint angles by converting the magnetic flux densities into angles. The accuracy of the joint angle measurements was tested using a test bench. Torques were determined by using thin-film pressure sensors. Various mechanical mechanisms for variable positioning of the implant components were integrated into the prototype. The results of the joint angle measurements showed measurement errors of less than 5° in a deflection range of ±15° adduction/abduction combined with ±45° flexion/extension. The proposed design provides a first approach for intra-operative assessment of shoulder stiffness. The findings can be used as a technological basis for further developments.}, language = {en} } @misc{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 = {Biomdlore 2021: 21-23 October 2021 Vilnius/Trakai, Lithuania}, journal = {Biomdlore 2021: 21-23 October 2021 Vilnius/Trakai, Lithuania}, doi = {10.3233/THC-219001}, 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.}, language = {en} } @article{BarthelSuessDendorfer, author = {Barthel, Mareike and S{\"u}ß, Franz and Dendorfer, Sebastian}, title = {Application of a transformer encoder for the prediction of intra-abdominal pressure}, series = {Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering}, journal = {Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, doi = {10.1080/10255842.2025.2586143}, pages = {11}, abstract = {Intra-abdominal pressure is a significant physiological parameter influencing spinal stability and pelvic floor health. This study investigates the potential of a transformer encoder model to predict IAP using motion capture data and musculoskeletal modeling. Data from 211 subjects performing walking, fast walking, and running were used to train a transformer encoder. The model showed promising results with an overall Mean Absolute Percentage Error of 13.5\% and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.85. Predictions for fast walking and running proved to be more challenging compared to walking, which was attributed to the greater variability and complexity of faster movements.}, language = {en} }