Computational modelling of human lower limb for reproduction of walking dynamics with muscles: healthy and pathological cases

Abstract

This work comprises the use of a biomechanical model of the human lower limb proposed by Geyer and Herr in 2010 to study joint characteristic parameters throughout physiological and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) pathological gait. The model kinematics when simulating healthy gait were in good agreement with literature. Regarding to the kinetics, the ankle joint torque was corroborated with literature, while the hip and knee torques presented differences in magnitude and in shape. The implementation of pathology consisted of penalizing the torque produced by the muscles (quadriceps and hamstrings) affected by an ACL injury. Healthy and pathological cases were compared. Knee kinematic results for pathological gait were well reproduced, whilst the other kinematic and kinetic data diverged. This strategy aims at aiding the development of more efficient rehabilitation strategies to be prescribed after ACL injury. These and other issues will be object of study in the context of this investigation.