Using kinematic data to derive subject-specific boundary conditions of the hip joint in OpenSim

Sammanfattning

The use of motion capture technology coupled with open-source software like OpenSim for neuromusculoskeletal modeling is rapidly increasing, showing significant potential for biomechanical analysis and developing treatment plans for diseases such as osteoarthritis. This demand emphasizes the need for user proficiency in these technologies. This study establishes a robust pipeline using kinematic data and openly available resources to create subject-specific models for internal joint load calculations. Motion capture data was collected from volunteers performing standardized motor tasks while measuring ground reaction forces using force plates. These data were applied to three musculoskeletal models, which were scaled to each subject’s specific anthropometry and used in simulations to calculate joint angles, moments, and muscle forces through inverse analysis. The results indicate that while one model may be superior for movements involving extensive hip and knee flexion, accurate calibration is critical for reliable results. Additionally, the suitability of each model must be considered during the calibration phase, a process that requires a deep understanding of the models’ limitations and the simulation tools employed. In summary, this report presents a pipeline that utilizes motion capture data to create subject-specific representations of currently available neuromusculoskeletal models and calculates internal loads that could serve as a foundation for deriving subject-specific boundary conditions of the hip joint in future research.