Introduction: How the CNS activates muscles to produce coordinated movement is a matter of debate and great interest. We are attempting to answer this question, in part, by investigating how individual muscles and groups of muscles are activated under different physiologic and environmental conditions. We have developed an EMG-driven virtual arm to assist in this endeavor.

Introduction/Purpose: Characterization of hamstring mechanics during sprinting is fundamental to understanding musculotendon injury mechanisms. The objective of this study was to use muscle-actuated forward dynamic simulations to investigate musculotendon mechanics of the biceps femoris long head during the swing phase of sprinting.

Purpose: In vivo measurement of the forces and strains in human tissues is currently impracticable. Computer modeling and simulation allows estimates of these quantities to be obtained noninvasively. This paper reviews our recent work on muscle, ligament, and joint loading at the knee during gait.