Human modeling for biomechanical analysis of closed kinetic chain exercises of the leg

This paper presents the development and validation of a tridimensional 7-DOF human body model for the representation and study of closed kinetic chain exercises (CKCE) performed with the feet fixed in space, i.e. low posture exercises. The biomechanical model, a link-segment model, is based on an Euler-Lagrange formulation and employs a generalized joint coordinate system. A top-down mechanical analysis provides an estimation of the internal joint moments, along with the vertical ground reaction forces, using kinematical data collected by inertial sensors. The model is validated by correlating estimated ground reaction forces to kinetic experimental data from force plates. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for four CKCE types (150 trials in total). In all cases, a median correlation r > 0.90 was found, hence proving that the proposed model is quite satisfactory for CKCE movement representation and analysis. Volleyball serve reception in low posture, a type of CKCE, is also analyzed using the results of the model.