Citation

Helleur C, Gracovetsky S, Farfan H, Wingrowicz E. Math. Model. 1985; 6(5): 443-462.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1985, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0270-0255(85)90064-8

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A sagittal plane mathematical model is developed to simulate the muscular response of the cervical spine during static loading. In this model the moments due to the weight of the head and neck, and the effects of external forces are balanced by forces generated internally by the muscles, the ligaments, and the intervertebral joints. Possible combinations of muscle and ligament tension has been graded against a mathematical objective function containing the stress experienced by each joint and subjected to the equality constraint (i.e. moments must balance) and the inequality constraints (i.e. muscles and ligaments produce tension). Using this formulation of the problem, a unique solution that produces a minimum of stress at the intervertebral joints is obtained. Electromyographic measurements were obtained from volunteers who pulled with their head against a resistance. Results generated by the model for the superficial neck muscles have been matched to the measured electromyographic activity.