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EVaRT 5.0 User’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
body position. By manipulating a model on the computer graphics system, you can quickly explore the effects of changing musculoskeletal geometry and other model parameters.
Since the software can be used to study many different musculoskeletal
structures, it can enhance the productivity of investigators working on diverse problems in biomechanics. SIMM provides a framework that organizes the parameters of a model and allows people to work together on a
modeling project. The moving, three-dimensional images of anatomical
structures that you can create are extremely valuable when developing a
model and when communicating the results of an analysis.
Applications
SIMM has a wide variety of applications. A few examples include the fol-
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Biomechanics researchers are using SIMM to create models of the
human elbow, wrist, jaw, and other anatomical structures. These models can be altered according to particular surgical procedures to study
how the surgical alterations affect muscle function. SIMM can also be
used to analyze and display the mechanics of injuries.
Neuroscientists are using SIMM to study how the central nervous system controls movement. For example, muscle activation patterns
determined from electromyographic recordings can be used to estimate muscle forces and joint moments generated during a task. The
computed joint moments can then be compared to experimentally
recorded moments.
Medical students and residents can use models created with SIMM to
study musculoskeletal anatomy and function. In addition to visualizing anatomical structures, students gain an appreciation for the interplay of muscle architecture and joint geometry.
Kinesiologists who record and analyze the motion of persons with
movement disabilities can use SIMM to create three-dimensional animations of a person's movement. Movements, such as walking, can be
quantitatively compared to normal movement to gain insight into the
causes of movement deformities. Motion can also be analyzed in the
context of optimizing athletic performance.
Human factors engineers who need to account for muscle strengths
when designing products or work stations can use SIMM to study how
posture effects muscle strength. Limits on joint ranges of motion can
also be taken into account.
Biologists interested in animal movement can create models to quantify limb function. Investigating movement strategies in other species
can provide insights needed to design machines that move.
Computer scientists who develop models of the human body for virtual environments can use SIMM to create the models and compare
them with biomechanical data for verification.
Animators can use SIMM to develop realistic representations of
human and animal movements. World objects can be added to provide a context for the animation.
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