Analysis of musculoskeletal loading in an index finger during tapping

Abstract Since musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities are believed to be associated with repetitive excessive muscle force production in the hands, understanding the time-dependent muscle forces during key tapping is essential for exploring the mechanisms of disease initiation and develo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of biomechanics 2008-01, Vol.41 (3), p.668-676
Main Authors: Wu, John Z, An, Kai-Nan, Cutlip, Robert G, Krajnak, Kristine, Welcome, Daniel, Dong, Ren G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomechanics
Computer use
Cumulative Trauma Disorders - physiopathology
Electromyography
Finger Joint - physiopathology
Finger Phalanges - physiopathology
Fingers - physiopathology
Humans
Index finger
Inertia
Kinematics
Models, Biological
Muscle force
Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology
Muscle–tendon excursion
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Simulations
Software
Tapping
Tendons
Tendons - physiopathology
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Summary:Abstract Since musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities are believed to be associated with repetitive excessive muscle force production in the hands, understanding the time-dependent muscle forces during key tapping is essential for exploring the mechanisms of disease initiation and development. In the current study, we have simulated the time-dependent dynamic loading in the muscle/tendons in an index finger during tapping. The index finger model is developed using a commercial software package AnyBody, and it contains seven muscle/tendons that connect the three phalangeal finger sections. Our simulations indicate that the ratios of the maximal forces in flexor digitorum superficialis (FS) and flexor digitorum profundus (FP) tendons to the maximal force at the fingertip are 0.95 and 2.9, respectively, which agree well with recently published experimental data. The time sequence of the finger muscle activation predicted in the current study is consistent with the EMG data in the literature. The proposed model will be useful for bioengineers and ergonomic designers to improve keyboard design minimizing musculoskeletal loadings in the fingers.
ISSN:0021-9290
1873-2380
DOI:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2007.09.025