E. Papa et A. Cappozzo, A telescopic inverted-pendulum model of the musculo-skeletal system and its use for the analysis of the sit-to-stand motor task, J BIOMECHAN, 32(11), 1999, pp. 1205-1212
For field applicability of biomechanical methodologies aiming at assessing
motor ability in disabled, or at risk of disablement (e.g, elderly), subjec
ts, measurements must be carried out using a least perceivable to the subje
ct and essential experimental apparatus. Since data thus obtained do not ne
cessarily lend themselves to straightforward interpretation, they should be
fed to a model of the portion of the musculo-skeletal system involved that
already embodies the invariant aspects of both the modelled system and the
motor task. Through such a minimum measured-input model, richer, physiolog
y-related, and thus easier to interpret, information may be expected. In th
is Framework, the present study investigated the sit-to-stand motor task us
ing information obtained only from a force plate located under seal and sub
ject's feet, a seat uniaxial load-cell and basic anthropometric parameters.
Data were collected in a sample of 12 able-bodied subjects while executing
the motor task at different speeds. The musculo-skeletal system was modell
ed as a telescopic inverted pendulum (TIP) that could vary its length (shor
tening or elongation) by effect of a force actuator and its orientation in
space by effect of two couple actuators that were looked upon as muscle equ
ivalent effectors. The TIP model output consisted in the kinematics and dyn
amics of these actuators. It allowed the identification of four functional
phases in which the seat-to-stand motor task could be divided, and a detail
ed description of the relevant mechanics in terms of balance control and ce
ntre of mass elevation. Motor strategy modifications associated with speed
variation could also be identified. For a global evaluation of the motor ac
t it showed to be no less informative than more demanding multi-segment mod
els. Although it is true that specific musculo-articular functions can only
be inferred, the more compact information yielded by the TIP model is expe
cted to Facilitate subject and or disability classification. (C) 1999 Elsev
ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.