A musculoskeletal human gait model using the bond graph technique

Abstract

Today, the modeling and simulation of the human gait musculoskeletal system is well-developed using various techniques such as the vectorial mechanics and Lagrange's Equations, the Kane's method, etc. This paper proposes the use of the Bond Graph technique as an alternative method, developing primarily the muscle models needed to simulate, analyze and correct, in case of existing pathologies, the human gait motion. Two of the largest potentialities of the Bond Graph technique are their modular and multi-domain capacities. These capabilities facilitate the modification of the muscle parameters giving flexibility to the models and allowing a dynamic analysis of the gait. For each muscle, it has been used the Hill-type model that, with its schematic representation of the muscular functions such as the mechanical force generation, serial elastic, passive elastic, and damping elements, speeds up its implementation through the use of the Bond Graph technique. © 2010 International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering.