An Approach of Shoulder Movement Analysis Using OpenSim Software

Biomechanical models of the musculoskeletal systems are commonly used to estimate internal structural loads and muscle activation during body movements. Several musculoskeletal models developed in the last decade are used to evaluate and analyse upper limb movements in normal conditions. However only few studies are able to predict the influence of abnormal movements following injuries are available so far. In this study an upper limb biomechanical model which includes strain-adjustable ligaments of the acromioclavicular joint was developed by using the OpenSim software. The model including seven degrees of freedom is able to evaluate the movements of the shoulder, elbow and wrist. The ligaments strain can be adjusted in order to simulate different types of Rockwood acromioclavicular dislocation. Upper limb movements recorded from ten healthy subjects are analyzed using this model. Shoulder range of motion resulted from the proposed model are consistent with the literature, suggesting that the upper limb model built using OpenSim software can be used for motion analysis and evaluation for the further application.