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Introduction
About 40 % of the women worldwide suffer from Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions [1]. In previous studies, musculoskeletal simulations helped to understand and facilitate the complex issues of musculoskeletal disorders in several different branches [2, 3]. A fundamental prerequisite for the generation of these models is to have a basic understanding of the stresses acting on the pelvic floor. The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical factors influencing the activity of the pelvic floor muscles by establishing a parameterised model.
Methods
To identify the factors that affect the pelvic floor muscles, the process is divided into several stages. The first step is to investigate the loads acting on the pelvic floor. For this, a simplified sagittal cross-sectional model of the upper body is analysed. The discretization of the abdominal cavity is presented with resulting force vectors representing the organs in the abdominal and pelvic region, the tensile force of the structures that fixate the organs as well as the intraabdominal pressure.
A second step is the examination of the basic mechanics of the pelvic floor muscles. As the functional anatomy of these muscles demonstrate differences compared to other muscle groups [4], the understanding of how they differ is crucial for the construction of musculoskeletal models.
After a static examination of loads on a simplified muscle model, an extended model including the physiological properties of a muscle must be involved in the considerations. Therefore, the influence of parameters such as the ideal muscle strength and fibre length, as well as elasticity or passive stiffness of the elements must be taken into account. The influencing factors of the variables can be analysed in a simplified pelvic floor muscle model by systematically changing the parameters.
Results
The process of analysing the factors influencing the activity of the pelvic floor muscles follows two main strategies. The review of the effects of the whole body identifies the forces acting on the pelvic floor muscles and effect their activity.
With the examination of the basic mechanics of a simplified pelvic floor muscle model a better understanding is achieved of how the pelvic floor muscles absorb the loads acting in the body.
Discussion
This process results in the main influence factors on the activity of the pelvic floor. The consequent parameters form the basis for a biomechanically justified construction of musculoskeletal simulation models of the pelvic floor. Nevertheless, it must be considered, that these mechanical studies represent simplifications of the reality.
References
1. Wang et al, Front Public Health, 10:975829, 2022.
2. Bulat et al., Curr Sports Med Rep, 18(6):210-216, 2019
3. Melzner et al., Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 264:306-313, 2021
4. Ashton-Miller et al., Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1101:266-96, 2007
Introduction
Dislocation of the shoulder joint is one of the more common complications after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty [1], which is often associated with malposition of the prosthetic components [2]. Therefore, achieving sufficient shoulder stability should not be neglected when positioning the implant components. One parameter for assessing shoulder stability can be shoulder stiffness. The aim of this work is to develop a reverse shoulder implant prototype that allows intraoperative measurement of shoulder stiffness while varying the position of the implant components. The measured stiffness could provide a quantitative statement regarding the optimal positioning of the implant components, which can be adjusted accordingly in the final reverse shoulder prosthesis.
Methods
To measure the stiffness of the shoulder joint, it is necessary to record the joint angles and the torques generated during movement. The changes in the rotation angles were measured using 3D hall sensors and magnets. The magnets were placed under the humerosocket, and the hall sensors were integrated into the glenosphere. The strength of the magnetic field was used to determine the position of the humerosocket in relation to the glenosphere. The accuracies of the angle measurements were tested using a test bench.
Three thin film pressure sensors were used to record forces at different points under the humerosocket. To obtain a force value from the sensor signal, the sensors were calibrated using a load cell. The variation of the implant components positions was integrated into the prototype implant through different constructive mechanisms to adjust the stiffness of the shoulder joint.
Results
In the range of ±45° flexion/extension combined with ±15° adduction/abduction, the joint position could be determined with sufficient accuracy (error e ≤ 5°). The areas near the combined maximum deflections of ±45° flexion/extension and ±45° adduction/abduction indicate the greatest deviation from the target angle. The force values of the thin film sensors enable the calculation of moments around two axes. As variable component position parameters, the tray offset, the neck-shaft angle and the humerus version were integrated into the implant prototype.
Discussion
Ideally, the accuracy of the angle measurements should only depend on the amount of deflection and not on the direction of deflection. The asymmetric behavior indicates a deviation from the correct positioning of the hall sensors. The application of a calibration matrix could compensate for the measurement errors and could demonstrate the potential of the new method for joint angle measurements. The accuracy of the torque measurements and the functionality of the mechanical arresting mechanisms must be investigated in further studies. Overall, the developed measurement method can help to avoid malpositioning of the implant components in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
References
1. Clark et al, J Shoulder and elbow surgery, 21:36-41 2012.
2. Randelli et al, J Musculoskeletal surgery, 98:15-18, 2014.
Using markerless motion capture and musculoskeletal models: An evaluation of joint kinematics
(2024)
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.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common problem in women and has a negative impact ontheir quality of life. The aim of this review was to provide a general overview of the current state oftechnology used to assess pelvic floor functionality. It also provides literature research of the phys-iological and anatomical factors that correlate with pelvic floor health. The systematic review wasconducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library andIEEE databases were searched for publications on sensor technology for the assessment of pelvicfloor functionality. Anatomical and physiological parameters were identified through a manualsearch. In the systematic review 115 publications were included. 12 different sensor technologieswere identified. Information on the obtained parameters, sensor position, test activities and subjectcharacteristics were prepared in tabular form from each publication. 16 anatomical and physiologi- cal parameters influencing pelvic floor health were identified in 17 published studies and rankedfor their statistical significance. Taken together, this review could serve as a basis for the develop-ment of novel sensors which could allow for quantifiable prevention and diagnosis, as well as par-ticularized documentation of rehabilitation processes related to pelvic floor dysfunctions.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common problem in women and has a negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of this review was to provide a general overview of the current state of technology used to assess pelvic floor functionality. It also provides literature research of the physiological and anatomical factors that correlate with pelvic floor health. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and IEEE databases were searched for publications on sensor technology for the assessment of pelvic floor functionality. Anatomical and physiological parameters were identified through a manual search. In the systematic review, 114 publications were included. Twelve different sensor technologies were identified. Information on the obtained parameters, sensor position, test activities, and subject characteristics was prepared in tabular form from each publication. A total of 16 anatomical and physiological parameters influencing pelvic floor health were identified in 17 published studies and ranked for their statistical significance. Taken together, this review could serve as a basis for the development of novel sensors which could allow for quantifiable prevention and diagnosis, as well as particularized documentation of rehabilitation processes related to pelvic floor dysfunctions.
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.
Musculoskeletal lower back load of accoucheurs during childbirth – A pilot and feasibility study
(2021)
Introduction: Back problems represent one of the leading causes of accouchers' work-related musculoskeletal morbidities. The correct execution of birth-related maneuvers including manual perineal protection is crucial not only for the mother and child but also for obstetricians and midwives to reduce any strain on their musculoskeletal system. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to test the feasibility of determining the effect of different accouchers' postures (standing and kneeling) on their musculoskeletal system.
Methods: The biomechanical analysis is based on musculoskeletal simulations that included motion recordings of real deliveries as well as deliveries conducted on a birthing simulator. These simulations were then used to determine individual joints' loads.
Results: In the kneeling posture, both a low intra-operator variability and a lower average maximum load of the lower back was observed. For the standing position the spine load was reduced by pivoting the elbow on the accouchers' thigh, which in turn was associated with a significantly greater load on the shoulder joint.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated the feasibility of our technique to assess joints loads. It also provided initial data indicating that a posture that reduces spinal flexion and tilt, achieved in this study by the kneeling, can significantly reduce the strain on the practitioner's musculoskeletal system.
Football players have a high risk of leg muscle injuries, especially when exposed to mental stress. Injuries to muscles of the thigh are common in amateur and professional football, representing almost a third of all injuries. These injuries occur primarily in non-contact situations and from overuse. They can lead to a range of costs, including financial costs associated with treatment as well as those associated with long-term recovery, and absence from training and/or competition. Further, there is a high risk of injury recurrence and subsequent injury.
With the progress in modern medicine, it was possible to significantly reduce the risks of birth for mother and child. One aspect that has received less attention so far is the risk of injury to the accoucheurs (obstetricians and midwives) during the birth process. Indeed, studies indicate that 92% of midwives suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, with the lower back being the main cause of complaints (72%). The aim of this study was to investigate two commonly used postural techniques used by accoucheurs during childbirth and to analyze the resulting load on the lower back using the AnyBodyTM musculoskeletal simulation software.
Mental stress reduces performance and changes musculoskeletal loading in football-related movements
(2020)
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.
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.
Musculoskeletal modelling of the shoulder – effects on muscle recruitment and joint reaction force
(2019)
Football players have a high risk of leg muscle injuries, especially when exposed to mental stress. Injuries to muscles of the thigh are common in amateur and professional football, representing almost a third of all injuries. These injuries occur primarily in non-contact situations and from overuse. They can lead to a range of costs, including financial costs associated with treatment as well as those associated with long-term recovery, and absence from training and/or competition. Further, there is a high risk of injury recurrence and subsequent injury.
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.
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.
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.
The gold standard for the analysis of human kinematics and kinetics is a camera-based motion capture system in combination with force measurement platforms. Alternatively, inertial measurement units can be utilized to obtain human kinematics, while ground reaction forces are computed from full body dynamics. This setup represents a system independent from the spatial confinement of a gait laboratory. The aim of this study is the comparison of the two methods by the investigation of lower limb kinematics and the resulting joint reaction forces within the ankle-, knee- and hip joints. For this purpose, human motion during gait was captured simultaneously by both measurement techniques. 13 trials from 8 different test subjects were evaluated in total. IMU data was processed with a quaternion based Kalman Filter. The data sets were implemented into a musculoskeletal simulation program in order to drive a virtual human body model. Each sensor was aligned to the gravitational and magnetic field vectors of the earth. The angles of flexions, extensions and rotations were analyzed to determine kinematic differences. Joint reaction forces defined kinetic dissimilarities. The overall kinematic differences of both models yielded root mean square errors of 7.62°, 6.02°, 4.95°, 2.79°, 2.38° and 3.56° for ankle flexion, subtalar eversion, knee flexion, hip external rotation, hip abduction and hip flexion, respectively. The proximo-distal differences in force peaks between the models yielded overall for the ankle, 57.33 %Bodyweight(BW) ± 46.86 %BW (16.66 %(Maximum peak to peak) ± 13.62 %) for the knee 37.09 %BW ± 29.33 %BW (17.65 % ± 15.44 %) and 32.03 %BW ± 24.33 %BW (15.6 % ± 12.54 %) for the hip. The overall outcome of this work investigated an approach independent of the common setup of the gait laboratory, thus enabling a cheaper and more flexible technology as an alternative. However, kinematic and thus kinetic differences remain rather large. Future work aims to improve the contact criterion for the calculation of the ground reaction forces and the implementation of a full-body calibration algorithm for the IMU system in order to counteract magnetic field disturbances.
Work places and conditions strains the human body, both psychologically and biomechanically. In order to analyse working conditions and in the following to improve them, detailed knowledge about the effect of the different stressors on the body is needed. This manuscript discusses methods on how to evaluate biomechanical and mental loading and its effect on the musculoskeletal system. A possible workflow for the analysis is presented.
The number of spinal fusion surgeries is steadily increasing and biomechanical consequences are still in debate. The aim of this study is to provide biomechanical insights into the sagittal balance of the spine and to compare spinal load before and after spinal fusion.
METHOD:
The joint reaction forces of 52 patients were analyzed in proximo-distal and antero-posterior direction from the levels T12-L1 to L5-S1 using musculoskeletal simulations.
RESULTS:
In 104 simulations, pre-surgical forces were equal to post-surgical. The levels L4-L5 and T12-L1, however, showed increased spinal forces compression forces with higher sagittal displacement. Improved restauration of sagittal balance was accompanied by lower spinal load. AP shear stress, interestingly decreased with sagittal imbalance.
CONCLUSION:
Imbalanced spines have a risk of increased compression forces at Th12-L1. L4-L5 always has increased spinal loads. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Background
There is a wide range of mechanical properties of spinal ligaments documented in literature. Due to the fact that ligaments contribute in stabilizing the spine by limiting excessive intersegmental motion, those properties are of particular interest for the implementation in musculoskeletal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of varying ligament stiffness on the kinematic behaviour of the lumbar spine.
Methods
A musculoskeletal model with a detailed lumbar spine was modified according to fluoroscopic recordings and corresponding data files of three different subjects. For flexion, inverse dynamics analysis with a variation of the ligament stiffness matrix were conducted. The influence of several degrees of ligament stiffness on the lumbar spine model were investigated by tracking ligament forces, disc forces and resulting moments generated by the ligaments. Additionally, the kinematics of the motion segments were evaluated.
Results
An increase of ligament stiffness resulted in an increase of ligament and disc forces, whereas the relative change of disc force increased at a higher rate at the L4/L5 level (19 %) than at the L3/L4 (10 %) level in a fully flexed posture. The same behaviour applied to measured moments with 67 % and 45 %. As a consequence, the motion deflected to the lower levels of the lumbar spine and the lower discs had to resist an increase in loading.
Conclusions
Higher values of ligament stiffness over all lumbar levels could lead to a shift of the loading and the motion between segments to the lower lumbar levels. This could lead to an increased risk for the lower lumbar parts.