A mathematical model characterising Achilles tendon dynamics in flexion.
The purpose of this study is to acquire mechanistic knowledge of the gastrocnemius muscle-Achilles tendon complex behaviour during specific movements in humans through mathematical modelling. Analysis of this muscle-tendon complex was performed to see if already existing muscle-tendon models of other parts of the body could be applied to the leg muscles, especially the gastrocnemius muscle-Achilles tendon complex, and whether they could adequately characterise its behaviour. Five healthy volunteers were asked to take part in experiments where dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot were studied. A model of the Achilles tendon-gastrocnemius muscle was developed, incorporating assumptions regarding the mechanical properties of the muscle fibres and the tendinous tissue in series. Ultrasound images of the volunteers, direct measurements and additional mathematical calculations were used to parameterise the model. Ground reaction forces, forces on specific joints and moments and angles for the ankle were obtained from a Vicon 3D motion capture system. Model validation was performed from the experimental data captured for each volunteer and from reconstruction of the movements of specific trajectories of the joints, muscles and tendons involved in those movements.
School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom. Electronic address: N.Chatzistefani@warwick.ac.uk.
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Chatzistefani
School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom. Electronic address: M.J.Chappell@warwick.ac.uk.
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Chappell
Population Evidence and Technologies, University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX, United Kingdom. Electronic address: C.E.Hutchinson@warwick.ac.uk.
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Hutchinson
Ultrasound/Radiology Department, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Stephen.Kletzenbauer@uhcw.nhs.uk.
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Kletzenbauer
School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom. Electronic address: neil.evans@warwick.ac.uk.
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Evans
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*
Achilles tendon; Dorsiflexion; Hill-type muscle model; Joint trajectories; Mathematical model; Muscle-tendon complex; Musculoskeletal modelling; Plantar flexion