Optimization Of Human Motion Exemplified With Handbiking By Means Of Motion Analysis And Musculoskeletal Models

This chapter demonstrates the use of computational methods for analyzing human motion to optimize human movements. Motion analysis, inverse dynamics as well as musculoskeletal simulation models are applied to the handcycle, a sport equipment for disabled persons. The optimization problem is hereby to find a arm trajectory that is better adopted to the biomechanical preconditions of the hand-arm-shoulder system, so that propelling is more efficient with respect to metabolic energy consumption of the muscles. The used methods, their results, benefits and limitations are discussed.