Case Study: Modelling of Elements of the Neuromuscular Systems Involved in Regulation of Posture and Control of Movement

Abstract

Neuromuscular systems involved in postural regulation and movement control in humans and other mammals have attracted much interest from engineers and physical scientists, as well as from physiologists and other medical scientists. Much effort has been devoted to mathematical and computer-based modelling of these systems and testing and validation of the resulting models is recognised as being challenging. This chapter attempts to draw together relevant information about models that have been developed for the various sub-systems involved in neuromuscular control, including skeletal muscle, sensory receptors and neural signal pathways. An experimentally-based model of muscle is presented and issues associated with its validation are discussed. Similar issues that arise in the modelling of sensory receptors and the neuronal pathways are also considered. The chapter concludes with sections on modelling the neuromuscular control system and to the role of simulation models in the testing of hypotheses relating to systems of this kind.