Comparing Methods for 3d Inverse Dynamics Analysis of Squat Lifting Using a Full Body Linked Segment Model

Abstract

Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of bottom-up solution for three-dimensional (3D) inverse dynamics analysis of squat lifting using a 3D full body linked segment model. Least squares solution was used in this study as reference for assessment of the accuracy of bottom-up solution. Findings of this study may clarify how much the bottom-up solution can be reliable for calculating the joint kinetics in 3D inverse dynamics problems. Methods: Ten healthy males volunteered to perform squat lifting of a box with a load of one-tenth of their body weights. The joint moments were calculated using 110 reflective passive markers (46 anatomical markers and 64 tracking markers) and a 3D full body linked segment model. Ground reaction forces and kinematics data were recorded using a Vicon system with two parallel Kistler force plates. Three-dimensional Newton–Euler equations of motion with bottom-up and least squares solutions were applied to calculate joint moments. The peak and mean values of the joint moments were determined to check the quantitative differences as well as the time-to-peak value of the moment curves was determined to check the temporal differences between the two inverse dynamics solutions. Results: Significant differences (all [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]) between the two inverse dynamics solutions were detected for the peak values of the hip (right and left sides) and L5–S1 joint moments in the lateral anatomical direction as well significant differences (all [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]) were detected for the peak and mean values of the L5–S1 joint moment in all anatomical directions. Moreover, small differences (all [Formula: see text]) were detected between the two inverse dynamic solutions for the calculated lower body joint moments. Conclusions: The findings of this study clarified the disadvantages of the straightforward solutions and demonstrated that the bottom-up solution may not be accurate for more distal measures from the force plate (for hip and S1–L5) but it may be accurate for more proximal joints (ankle and knee) in 3D inverse dynamics analysis.