Use of Optimization Techniques to Predict Muscle Forces

Abstract

Optimization solutions to the indeterminate distribution problem of determining muscle forces are discussed. A method of predicting muscle force during joint function is presented which encourages the prediction of synergistic muscle action with physiologically reasonable individual muscle forces. The method uses limits on muscle strength that are a set portion of the lowest muscle strength that will permit a solution at the particular joint moment. The method is shown to correlate well with recorded EMG activity.