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Musculoskeletal Modeling: A New Frontier in Gait Analysis

January 9, 2025

From injury recovery to cutting-edge prosthetics, advanced gait analysis is driving the next era of personalized medicine.

 

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The way we walk can be a window into our health. Changes in gait—a person’s unique rhythm and movement patterns of walking—can signal neurological disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, and even cardiovascular disease. Traditionally, assessing gait required basic measures of step length or speed, often paired with observational insights. However, the field has taken a leap forward, thanks to advances in musculoskeletal (MSK) modeling.

A team of researchers from Khalifa University have reviewed these advances, providing a comprehensive overview of the different existing multibody modeling platforms and their potential practical applications. Muhammad Abdullah, Abdul Aziz Hulleck, Rateb Katmah, Dr. Kinda Khalaf and Dr. Marwan El-Rich published their review in the , a top 1% journal.

Musculoskeletal models simulate the intricate dynamics of the human body, from joint mechanics to muscle forces. By combining data from motion capture systems, force plates, and electromyography (EMG), these models create detailed quantifications and representations of how forces travel through bones, muscles, and joints during movement. Such precision allows researchers to explore not only how people walk but also why their gait patterns may deviate due to injury, aging, or disease.

 


Dr. Marwan El-Rich

“Musculoskeletal modeling has transformed our ability to analyze gait mechanics and predict the impact of treatments, offering unprecedented tools for clinicians and engineers alike.”

Dr. Marwan El-Rich, Associate Professor, KU

“MSK modeling offers insights that go beyond what we simply observe and measure noninvasively,” Dr. El-Rich said. “These tools let us predict muscle forces, evaluate implant designs, and even optimize rehabilitation protocols.”

Applications of MSK modeling are already making waves. From advancing prosthetic designs to simulating how implants might behave under real-life stresses, these models are reshaping orthopedics and rehabilitation. The integration of finite element modeling with MSK systems is even allowing researchers to predict stresses on tissues like cartilage, paving the way for more effective surgical interventions.

However, the researchers noted one critical gap: the lack of musculoskeletal models based on female anatomy. This shortfall underscores the importance of developing inclusive models that better represent diverse populations.

“While challenges remain—such as high computational demands and limited real-world validation—musculoskeletal modeling continues to push the boundaries of how we understand and improve human movement,” Dr. El-Rich said.

 

Jade Sterling

Science Writer