A Framework for Structured Modeling of Skeletal Muscle

• Published in: Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering Vol. 7; no. 6; pp. 305 - 317
• Main Authors: Lemos, R.R., Epstein, M., Herzog, W., Wyvill, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis GroupAbingdon, UK 01-12-2004
• Subjects: Algorithms; Animals; Cats; Computer Simulation; Elasticity; Finite Element Analysis; Medial gastrocnemius; Models, Biological; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Physically-based graphical simulation; Skeletal muscle architecture; Soft tissue modeling; Stress, Mechanical
• ISSN: 1025-5842; 1476-8259
• DOI: 10.1080/10255840412331317398

The aim of this study is to present a detailed continuum mechanics formulation, and the corresponding algorithms, to predict the deformation of skeletal muscle at different structural levels, starting from the muscle fiber level. The model is used to investigate force production and structural changes during isometric and dynamic contractions of the cat medial gastrocnemius. From a comparison with experimental data obtained in our own laboratories, we conclude that the model faithfully predicts all of the observations pertaining to force production, fascicle length and angle of pennation under various test conditions.