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A scaling method to individualise muscle force capacities in musculoskeletal models of the hand and wrist using isometric strength measurements

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Abstract

Because the force-generating capacities of muscles are currently estimated using anatomical data obtained from cadaver specimens, hand musculoskeletal models provide only a limited representation of the specific features of individual subjects. A scaling method is proposed to individualise muscle capacities using dynamometric measurements and electromyography. For each subject, a strength profile was first defined by measuring net moments during eight maximum isometric contractions about the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints. The capacities of the five muscle groups were then determined by adjusting several parameters of an initial musculoskeletal model using an optimisation procedure which minimised the differences between measured moments and model estimates. Sixteen volunteers, including three particular participants (one climber, one boxer and one arthritic patient), were recruited. Compared with the initial literature-based model, the estimated subject-specific capacities were on average five times higher for the wrist muscles and twice as high for the finger muscles. The adjustments for particular subjects were consistent with their expected specific characteristics, e.g. high finger flexor capacities for the climber. Using the subject-specific capacities, the model estimates were markedly modified. The proposed protocol and scaling procedure can capture the specific characteristics of the participants and improved the representation of their capacities in the musculoskeletal model.

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Acknowledgments

All the authors acknowledge that there is no conflict of interest that could inappropriately influence their work. We would like to thank Dr. Jérémy Rossi for his help in designing the ergometer used in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ISM UMR 7287, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Marseille, France

    Benjamin Goislard de Monsabert, G. Rao, E. Berton & L. Vigouroux

  2. Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK

    Benjamin Goislard de Monsabert

  3. Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France

    A. Gay

  4. Department of Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Limb Surgery, APHM, Timone 2, Marseille, France

    A. Gay

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  1. Benjamin Goislard de Monsabert
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  2. G. Rao
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  4. E. Berton
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  5. L. Vigouroux
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Correspondence to Benjamin Goislard de Monsabert.

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Each participant gave their informed consent, and the protocol was approved by the local ethics committee.

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Goislard de Monsabert, B., Rao, G., Gay, A. et al. A scaling method to individualise muscle force capacities in musculoskeletal models of the hand and wrist using isometric strength measurements. Med Biol Eng Comput 55, 2227–2244 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-017-1662-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-017-1662-6

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