Modelling Muscle and Joint Forces at the Glenohumeral Joint: Overview of a Current Study

A biomechanical model of the glenohumeral joint has been developed to investigate muscle and joint loading during real life three-dimensional activities. Based on a rigid body mechanics approach, the model incorporates algorithms to correct for curved muscle paths and bone geometry, providing realistic muscle orientation over a wide range of limb positions. An optimization routine has been incorporated, minimizing overall maximum muscle stress in the 26 individual muscle elements considered. The model utilizes anatomical muscle and bone data, subject anthropometric data, kinematics measured using a six-camera Vicon motion analysis system and hand loading measured using a force-plate and mobile six-component strain gauged force transducer developed for this project. A study of real life three-dimensional activities has been conducted using five fit male subjects. Normalized, averaged muscle and joint loading have been calculated for each activity. Muscle activation appears in good agreement with published electromyographic studies. Overall joint compressive and shear forces of up to 5 and 1.5 times body weight respectively have been calculated.

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