A Software Tool for Integrated Biomechanical Analysis of Elbow Extension

Abstract

This thesis describes a software tool used to study the biomechanics of elbow extension. The tool is an integrated computer program for data processing and graphing, and is used in the development of an EMG driven muscle model for dynamic ballistic muscle movement. The software is designed to manipulate data from a series of isometric and dynamic elbow extension experiments. Inputs include recordings from a torque sensor, load cell, and potentiometer as well as EMG from triceps and biceps muscles. Calculations are made to determine the effect of gravity, the Moment of Inertia, as well as the force-EMG, force-length and force-velocity relationships. Additionally, fatigue tests and postactivation potentials are analyzed. Modeling parameters are derived from isometric controls and verified by applying them to data from dynamic experiments. The principal design requirements for this software tool were adaptability, user control, and data processing protocol verification. The majority of data processing parameters can be controlled and adjusted by the user. Care was taken during software coding so that it would be easy to modify each step of the protocol and if necessary, add additional processing. Data is displayed on interactive graphs to provide control feedback to the user.