Challenges in the determination of strength parameters for simulation models of human movements

This study presents a method for determining in vivo strength parameters for the simulation models of human movements. Peak isometric, concentric and eccentric knee extensor torques of a male participant were measured on an isovelocity dynamometer. Torque-velocity and torque-angle relationships were determined using either dynamometer data alone or together with synchronised kinematic data obtained from video recordings. This was to investigate the feasibility of developing a simple method which required minimal equipment and data processing time. Results show that joint torque parameters determined from simple methods are not sufficiently accurate and therefore are not recommended to determine parameters for simulation models of human movements.