Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Control Models for the Human Leg

We develop first the dynamics for muscle based on sarcomere properties and then the dynamics for the musculotendinous unit based on muscle architecture and muscle and tendon properties. We outline next how tendon force dynamics can be used with limb dynamics to define the complete musculoskeletal system. After listing the model parameters specific and non-specific to the quadriceps muscle, consisting of vasti and rectus femoris muscle groups, we find in agreement with experiment that knee torque at slow isovelocities can increase from the isometric torque. Thus, torque-velocity curves generated from isokinetic data can differ qualitatively from classical force-velocity curves generated from isotonic data.