Musculoskeletal Modeling of Egress with the AnyBody Modeling System

This paper describes a computer simulation of egress conducted with an advanced three-dimensional musculoskeletal model comprising more than 500 muscles. The efficiency of the computational method allows for parameter studies and ergonomic optimization. This feature is used for investigation of optimum placement of an assistive handle on the window. The simulation shows that a high position of the handle on the window frame is beneficial and superior to low positions. It is concluded that this represents an entirely new approach to ergonomic design problems. The advantage of the computational approach is that it provides quantitative information that enhances the basis for design decisions.