Computational model to investigate upper limb biomechanics

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Mechanical interactions between bones, muscles and other tissues are critical stimuli that govern maintenance of musculoskeletal systems. In order to understand how these systems function normally, it is important to characterize their underlying biomechanics. Unfortunately, forces experienced by structures within a living musculoskeletal system are extremely difficult to measure directly. As a solution to this, computational models have become an important tool for estimating loads generated by muscles and experienced by bones and joints in humans and animals. Most human musculoskeletal modelling research and development to date has been focused on lower limb models. Computational models that simulate upper limb mechanics are less common primarily due to increased complexity of some of the joints and the wider range of possible movements when compared to lower limbs. Current upper limb models tend to be designed to focus on specific tasks (such as ergonomics of lifting and reaching) or on specific joints, most commonly the shoulder joint complex. There is still a need for more general upper limb models that can be used in dynamic simulations of a wider variety of tasks and loading events. Specifically, characterization of muscle force patterns in the upper limb can be used to further understanding of how bones in the arm and wrist are loaded. This is particularly important when looking at bone strength as bones adapt to their loading environment and the majority of forces applied to upper limb bones comes from muscles. This has direct applications in understanding the mechanisms of healthy bone development, in orthopaedic design (e.g. braces) and for developing bone-loss countermeasures for space flight. The long-term goal of my research program is to develop a comprehensive dynamic upper limb musculoskeletal model which can be used to investigate muscle force generation and the corresponding bone and joint loading in a wide variety of human activities. My research group has developed and validated a dynamic bilateral upper limb model capable of simulating a variety of loaded activities. Building on this existing work, the proposed NSERC Discovery Grant seeks to extend and refine our current model in three areas: 1) Implement and validate electromyography assisted simulations to improve muscle force estimation for both isometric and dynamic tasks. 2) Implement contact mechanics for the hand to enable dynamic impact loading simulations. 3) Implement improved joint representations with subject-specific calibration and implement a more realistic hand model. This Discovery Grant research will address a need for a comprehensive dynamic upper limb musculoskeletal model and advance the development of tools that provide further understanding of bone and joint loading in the arm.