title: Validation of a full body finite element model (THUMS) for running-type impacts to the lower extremity.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine whether modifying an existing, highly biofidelic full body finite element model [total human model for safety (THUMS)] would produce valid amplitude and temporal shock wave characteristics as it travels proximally through the lower extremity. Modifying an existing model may be more feasible than developing a new model, in terms of cost, labour and expertise. The THUMS shoe was modified to more closely simulate the material properties of a heel pad. Relative errors in force and acceleration data from experimental human pendulum impacts and simulated THUMS impacts were 22% and 54%, respectively, across the time history studied. The THUMS peak acceleration was attenuated by 57.5% and took 19.7 ms to travel proximally along the lower extremity. Although refinements may be necessary to improve force and acceleration timing, the modified THUMS represented, to a certain extent, shock wave propagation and attenuation demonstrated by living humans under controlled impact conditions.
authors.affiliation: a School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University , 4700 Keele Street, Toronto Ontario Canada M3J 1P3 .
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schinkel-Ivy
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Altenhof
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Andrews
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*