Neuromuscular mechanisms governing knee joint biomechanics during normal gait

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During ambulation, the joints of the lower limb - the knee in particular - must withstand large forces exerted onto them to permit the smooth and efficient continuation of forward progression. While structures such as bones and ligaments can assist in the distribution of these forces, our muscles are believed to be primarily responsible for absorption of these forces and to protect the joints over time. Previous researchers have attempted to model the distribution of forces throughout the knee joint during walking, though these models are limited in their accuracy due to a lack of information regarding the anatomy of the lower limb during weight-bearing activities and the difficulty in isolating the effects of muscle activation on movement parameters. The proposed mechanistic research program will provide new information about not only the relationships between aspects of muscle function and loading at the knee joint during walking, but the neuromuscular control of normal human movement.