A 3d computational model for evaluating muscle activity in above-knee prosthesis users

This study aims to design a three-dimensional computational model to simulate walking for both able-bodied individuals and prosthesis users. The inverse dynamics model is driven using able-bodied gait kinematics. The model calculates the muscle forces required to produce the measured kinematics, both with and without a knee prosthesis. Special attention is paid to the muscle forces driving motion about the hip of the prosthesis-side leg. Preliminary results have calculated muscle forces for the able-bodied participants, and integration of the prosthesis into the modified able-bodied model has proven feasible. Future work will compare the results of the prosthesis model against the able-bodied baseline to identify differences in muscle forces required to produce typical gait patterns with a prosthetic device. This model will ultimately be a valuable tool for informing more effective clinical rehabilitation techniques and improving future prosthesis design.