A dynamic model of quadriceps and hamstrings function

Abstract The mechanical effect of hamstrings and quadriceps contractions on hip and knee joint motion was investigated using a dynamic model of the musculoskeletal system. The model consisted of 13 anatomically linked segments. The geometry of bones, joints, and muscle attachments was derived from m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Gait & posture 2010-01, Vol.31 (1), p.100-103
Main Authors: Frigo, C, Pavan, E.E, Brunner, R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acceleration
Adult
Biomechanical Phenomena
Forward dynamics
Gait - physiology
Hamstrings and quadriceps
Hip Joint - physiology
Humans
Knee Joint - physiology
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Movement - physiology
Movement simulation
Muscle co-contraction
Muscle Contraction - physiology
Muscle, Skeletal - physiology
Musculoskeletal modelling
Orthopedics
Quadriceps Muscle - physiology
Thigh - physiology
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Summary:Abstract The mechanical effect of hamstrings and quadriceps contractions on hip and knee joint motion was investigated using a dynamic model of the musculoskeletal system. The model consisted of 13 anatomically linked segments. The geometry of bones, joints, and muscle attachments was derived from magnetic resonance imaging of a healthy adult. The knee joint was represented by a crossing bars linkage to simulate cruciate ligament function, and muscles were represented by spring actuators. The effects of hamstring and quadriceps contractions, in various combinations, were tested on different configurations of hip and knee joint position in the absence of gravity. In the standing posture, with the foot free to move and the pelvis fixed in space, the effect of semimembranosus (SM) contraction was hip and knee flexion. If the foot was fixed to the ground, SM contraction produced hip extension and knee flexion. The addition of quadriceps contraction reduced or abolished the knee flexion and enhanced hip extension. In all other simulations, SM alone produced knee flexion and hip extension and the combination of SM with vastus (VA) and rectus femoris (RF) contractions resulted in knee extension and enhanced hip extension. Our findings suggest that co-contraction of quadriceps and hamstrings may be a strategy to increase the hip extension function of the hamstrings.
ISSN:0966-6362
1879-2219
DOI:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.09.006