Muscle loading of the joints and bones

Dates and Rooms:     

- October 14, 3.00-6.30 PM; Viale del Risorgimento 2 (BO), Lab II;

- October 21, 3.00-5.00 PM; Viale del Risorgimento 2 (BO), Lab II.

Description

The first part is theory (3.5 hours). Starting from experimental observations (standardized mechanical tests on knee implants, clinical gait analysis), the principle of musculoskeletal modelling is presented with validation and typical applications (analysis of muscle function, test of hypotheses). Game-based quizzes are run at the end of each part.

The second part is practical in Excel (1.5 hours). Some experimental data are provided (gait) and a simplified musculoskeletal model is used to estimate some musculo-tendon forces and knee joint contact forces. Two simple computations are prepared by the students to further estimate the medial and lateral contact forces and extend the results to the ankle. The students prepare a report on the analysis of the different force curves obtained.

Students are expected to bring their own laptop. Moreover, though not mandatory, students are encouraged to anticipate their participation in the course by emailing nicola.sancisi@unibo.it: this will help the organization and the future communications for the mini course.