Muscle Contributions to Elbow Joint Rotational Stiffness in Preparation for Sudden External Arm Perturbations

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael W.R. Holmes ◽  
Peter J. Keir
Keyword(s):  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Biomechanical Model ◽  
Elbow Extension ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Rotational Stiffness ◽  
Forearm Muscles ◽  
Neuromuscular Response ◽  
Three Body

Understanding joint stiffness and stability is beneficial for assessing injury risk. The purpose of this study was to examine joint rotational stiffness for individual muscles contributing to elbow joint stability. Fifteen male participants maintained combinations of three body orientations (standing, supine, sitting) and three hand preloads (no load, solid tube, fluid filled tube) while a device imposed a sudden elbow extension. Elbow angle and activity from nine muscles were inputs to a biomechanical model to determine relative contributions to elbow joint rotational stiffness, reported as percent of total stiffness. A body orientation by preload interaction was evident for most muscles (P< .001). Brachioradialis had the largest change in contribution while standing (no load, 18.5%; solid, 23.8%; fluid, 26.3%). Across trials, the greatest contributions were brachialis (30.4 ± 1.9%) and brachioradialis (21.7 ± 2.2%). Contributions from the forearm muscles and triceps were 5.5 ± 0.6% and 9.2 ± 1.9%, respectively. Contributions increased at time points closer to the perturbation (baseline to anticipatory), indicating increased neuromuscular response to resist rotation. This study quantified muscle contributions that resist elbow perturbations, found that forearm muscles contribute marginally and showed that orientation and preload should be considered when evaluating elbow joint stiffness and safety.

INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE ELBOW JOINT REACTION ON THE PREDICTED MUSCLE FORCES USING DIFFERENT OPTIMIZATION FUNCTIONS

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (01) ◽  
pp. 31-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rositsa T. Raikova
Keyword(s):  
Objective Function ◽  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Biomechanical Model ◽  
Moment Equation ◽  
Muscle Forces ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Biarticular Muscles ◽  
Joint Reaction

Less attention is paid to joint reactions when optimization tasks are solved aiming to predict individual muscle forces driving a biomechanical model. The reactions are important, however, for joint stability and for prevention from injuries, especially for fast motions and submaximal loading. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the influence of the joint reaction as a criterion in an objective function and to study the possibilities for prediction of antagonistic co-contraction. Planar elbow flexions in the sagittal plane with duration from 0.4 to 2 s are simulated, and muscle forces and elbow joint reaction are calculated solving numerically optimization tasks formulated for models with one (elbow moment equation only) and two (elbow and shoulder moment equations) degrees of freedom (DOF). The objective function is a weighted sum of muscle forces and joint reaction raised to different powers. The following conclusions can be made: (1) if the joint reaction is included in the objective function, antagonistic co-contraction can be predicted even for 1 DOF model; in some situations the use of such objective function can destroy the synergistic muscles' action; (2) the prediction of antagonistic muscles' co-contraction for 2 DOF model depends on the way the biarticular muscles are modeled, and this is valid for both dynamic and quasistatic conditions; if there are no biarticular muscles, antagonistic co-contraction cannot be predicted in one joint using popular objective functions, like minimum of sum of muscle forces or muscle stresses raised to a power.

Dependence of elbow joint stiffness measurements on speed, angle, and muscle contraction level

2014 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1234-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurel Kuxhaus ◽  
Sisi Zeng ◽  
Charles J. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Contraction ◽  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Joint Stiffness

Effect of decrease in radial inclination of distal radius fractures on distal radioulnar joint stability: a biomechanical study

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (9) ◽  
pp. 967-973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Bessho ◽  
Toshiyasu Nakamura ◽  
Masao Nishiwaki ◽  
Takeo Nagura ◽  
Morio Matsumoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distal Radius ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Distal Radioulnar Joint ◽  
Biomechanical Study ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Radioulnar Joint ◽  
Radial Inclination ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
The Relationship

We investigated the relationship between the radial inclination of the distal radius and distal radioulnar joint stability. Six fresh-frozen upper extremities were used. Radial inclination was decreased by 10° and 20° and increased by 10° from the original radial inclination. Distal radioulnar joint stiffness was assessed with an intact radioulnar ligament and after partial and then complete sectioning of the radioulnar ligament. Radial angulation deformities significantly increased distal radioulnar joint stiffness when the radioulnar ligament is totally or partially attached to the ulnar fovea. After complete sectioning of the radioulnar ligament, distal radioulnar joint stiffness decreased significantly; additional radial angulation deformity slightly increased distal radioulnar joint stiffness, but the distal radioulnar joint never recovered to the original stiffness. Based on the results, radial angulation deformities of the distal radius should be corrected within 10° when the radioulnar ligament is intact, to reduce the risk of symptomatic distal radioulnar joint instability.

CONTINUOUS MOTION AND TIME-VARYING STIFFNESS ESTIMATION OF THE HUMAN ELBOW JOINT BASED ON SEMG

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (05) ◽  
pp. 1950040 ◽  
Author(s):  
KEXIANG LI ◽  
XUAN LIU ◽  
JIANHUA ZHANG ◽  
MINGLU ZHANG ◽  
ZIMIN HOU
Keyword(s):  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Joint Movement ◽  
Estimation Model ◽  
Unknown Parameters ◽  
Continuous Motion ◽  
Robotic Joints ◽  
Mean Square Errors

The flexibility of body joints plays an important role in daily life, particularly when performing high-precision rapid pose switching. Importantly, understanding the characteristics of human joint movement is necessary for constructing robotic joints with the softness of humanoid joints. A novel method for estimating continuous motion and time-varying stiffness of the human elbow joint was proposed in the current study, which was based on surface electromyography (sEMG). We used the Hill-based muscle model (HMM) to establish a continuous motion estimation model (CMEM) of the elbow joint, and the genetic algorithm (GA) was used to optimize unknown parameters. Muscle short-range stiffness (SRS) was then used to characterize muscle stiffness, and a joint kinetic equation was used to express the relationship between skeletal muscle stiffness and elbow joint stiffness. Finally, we established a time-varying stiffness estimation model (TVSEM) of the elbow joint based on the CMEM. In addition, five subjects were tested to verify the performance of the CMEM and TVSEM. The total average root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) of the CMEM with the optimal trials were 0.19[Formula: see text]rad and 0.21[Formula: see text]rad and the repeated trials were 0.24[Formula: see text]rad and 0.25[Formula: see text]rad, with 1.25-kg and 2.5[Formula: see text]kg-loads, respectively. The values of elbow joint stiffness ranged from 0–40[Formula: see text]Nm/rad for different muscle activities, which were estimated by the TVSEM.

Mind-Muscle Connection: Verbal Instructions Alter Electromyographic Activity for Elbow Flexors and Extensors During Co-Contraction Training

2020 ◽  
pp. 003151252094908
Author(s):  
Rafael A. Fujita ◽  
Marina M. Villalba ◽  
Nilson R. S. Silva ◽  
Matheus M. Pacheco ◽  
Matheus M. Gomes
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Elbow Extension ◽  
Verbal Instruction ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Verbal Instructions ◽  
Lateral Head

Co-contraction training has demonstrated similar electromyographic (EMG) activity levels compared to conventional strength training. Since verbal instructions can increase EMG activity on target muscles during conventional exercises, the same should occur during co-contraction. In this study we analyzed whether different verbal instructions would alter the EMG activity of target muscles - biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii lateral head (TB) - during co-contraction training for the elbow joint. Seventeen males with experience in strength training performed a co-contraction set in two verbal instruction conditions to emphasize either elbow flexion or elbow extension. Surface electrodes were fixed over biceps brachii and triceps brachii lateral head muscles. We measured EMG mean amplitude and analyzed data with 2-way ANOVA. We found a significant interaction between muscle and verbal instruction ( p = 0.002). Post hoc tests indicated that verbal instructions ( p = 0.001) influenced the BB EMG activity (elbow flexion: M = 68.74, SD = 17.96%; elbow extension: M = 53.47, SD = 16.13%); and also showed difference ( p = 0.006) in the EMG activity between BB and TB with verbal instruction emphasizing the elbow extension (BB: M = 53.47, SD = 16.13%; TB: M = 69.18, SD = 21.79%). There was a difference in the EMG ratio of BB/TB ( p = 0.001) when focusing on elbow flexion ( M = 1.09, SD = 0.30) versus elbow extension ( M = 0.81, SD = 0.25). As verbal instruction modified the magnitude of muscle recruitment during co-contractions for elbow joint muscles, there is a clear mind-muscle connection of importance to this method of training. Also, of importance to trainers, verbal instructions seemed to affect individuals differentially.

scholarly journals Biomechanical Role and Motion Contribution of Ligaments and Bony Constraints in the Elbow Stability: A Preliminary Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Panero ◽  
Laura Gastaldi ◽  
Mara Terzini ◽  
Cristina Bignardi ◽  
Arman Sard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motion Capture ◽  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Large Deflection ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Elbow Instability ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Coronoid Fracture ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Functional Investigation

In flexion–extension motion, the interaction of several ligaments and bones characterizes the elbow joint stability. The aim of this preliminary study was to quantify the relative motion of the ulna with respect to the humerus in two human upper limbs specimens and to investigate the constraints role for maintaining the elbow joint stability in different section conditions. Two clusters of four markers were fixed respectively to the ulna and humerus, and their trajectory was recorded by a motion capture system during functional orthopedic maneuver. Considering the posterior bundle of medial collateral complex (pMUCL) and the coronoid, two section sequences were executed. The orthopedic maneuver of compression, pronation and varus force was repeated at 30°, 60° and 90° flexion for the functional investigation of constraints. Ulna deflection was compared to a baseline elbow flexion condition. With respect to the intact elbow, the coronoid osteotomy influences the elbow stability at 90° (deflection = 11.49 ± 17.39 mm), while small differences occur at 30° and 60°, due to ligaments constraint. The contemporary pMUCL section and coronoid osteotomy causes elbow instability, with large deflection at 30° (deflection = 34.40 ± 9.10 mm), 60° (deflection = 45.41 ± 18.47 mm) and 90° (deflection = 52.16 ± 21.92 mm). Surgeons may consider the pMUCL reconstruction in case of unfixable coronoid fracture.

The contribution of the posterolateral capsule to elbow joint stability: a cadaveric biomechanical investigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 1178-1184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dafydd S. Edwards ◽  
Mohammed S. Arshad ◽  
Toni Luokkala ◽  
Angela E. Kedgley ◽  
Adam C. Watts
Keyword(s):  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Biomechanical Investigation ◽  
Posterolateral Capsule

Applying a Hybrid Experimental-Computational Technique to Study Elbow Joint Ligamentous Stabilizers

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danial Sharifi Kia ◽  
Ryan Willing
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Elbow Joint ◽  
Computational Technique ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Principle Of Superposition ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Joint Biomechanics ◽  
The Stability

Much of our understanding of the role of elbow ligaments to overall joint biomechanics has been developed through in vitro cadaver studies using joint motion simulators. The principle of superposition can be used to indirectly compute the force contributions of ligaments during prescribed motions. Previous studies have analyzed the contribution of different soft tissue structures to the stability of human elbow joints, but have limitations in evaluating the loads sustained by those tissues. This paper introduces a unique, hybrid experimental-computational technique for measuring and simulating the biomechanical contributions of ligaments to elbow joint kinematics and stability. in vitro testing of cadaveric joints is enhanced by the incorporation of fully parametric virtual ligaments, which are used in place of the native joint stabilizers to characterize the contribution of elbow ligaments during simple flexion–extension (FE) motions using the principle of superposition. Our results support previously reported findings that the anterior medial collateral ligament (AMCL) and the radial collateral ligament (RCL) are the primary soft tissue stabilizers for the elbow joint. Tuned virtual ligaments employed in this study were able to restore the kinematics and laxity of elbows to within 2 deg of native joint behavior. The hybrid framework presented in this study demonstrates promising capabilities in measuring the biomechanical contribution of ligamentous structures to joint stability.

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