A bio-mechanical model for elbow isokinetic and isotonic flexions

A new bio-mechanical model for elbow flexions is proposed to quantify the elbow torque generated as a function of the upper-arm circumferential strain and influencing factors of elbow angle and angular velocity. The upper-arm circumferential strain is used to represent the contractile intensity of the dominant flexor, biceps brachii, whose behavior is described by Hill's theory. Experiments with thirteen healthy subjects were conducted to determine the influencing factors. The temporal distributions of torque and elbow angle were measured by Biodex ®3 simultaneously, while the upper-arm circumference was obtained by a wearable anthropometric measurement device. Within the experimental range, the change of angular velocity has been found to have no effect on the torque generated. The new model was further verified experimentally with reasonable agreements obtained. The mean relative error of the torque estimated from the model is 15% and 22%, for isokinetic and isotonic flexions, respectively. The verified model establishes the relationship between the torque generated and circumference strain of the upper arm, for the first time, thus provide a scientific foundation for the anthropometric measurement technology as an alternative to sEMG for monitoring force/torque generation during elbow flexions.