A Simulator for the Analysis of Wrist Position Control

Equations for the mechanics of wrist movement were formulated and simulated on the computer. The output is a display of wrist movement as muscle activation is altered and allows analysis of the control of wrist position through the use of different sets of muscles. The simulation includes the geometry of the wrist joint, the moment arms of the tendons, and the dependance of muscle force on muscle length. The performance of the simulation, when tested with simulated muscle activation, resembles that of the human hand. The simulation has potential for assisting the surgeon in the analysis of wrist position control in the normal and disabled hand.