Predictive multibody dynamic simulation of human neuromusculoskeletal systems: a review.

Over the past decade, there has been a rapid increase in applications of multibody system dynamics to the predictive simulation of human movement. Using predictive "what-if" human dynamic simulations that do not rely on experimental testing or prototypes, new medical interventions and devices can be developed more quickly, cheaply, and safely. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of research into the predictive multibody dynamic simulation of human movements, with applications in clinical practice, medical and assistive device design, sports, and industrial ergonomics. Multibody models of human neuromusculoskeletal systems are reviewed, including models of joints, contacts, and muscle forces or torques, followed by a review of simulation approaches that use optimal control methods and a cost function to predict human movements. Modelling and optimal control software are also reviewed, and directions for future research are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]