You are viewing the documentation for OpenSim 2.4. Are you looking for the latest OpenSim 4.0 Documentation?

Tutorial 1 - Intro to Musculoskeletal Modeling

Introduction to OpenSim

Models of the musculoskeletal system enable one to study neuromuscular coordination, analyze athletic performance, and estimate musculoskeletal loads. OpenSim is open-source software that allows users to develop, analyze, and visualize models of the musculoskeletal system, and to generate dynamic simulations of movement. In OpenSim, a musculoskeletal model consists of rigid body segments connected by joints. Muscles span these joints and generate forces and movement. Once a musculoskeletal model is created, OpenSim enables users to study the effects of musculoskeletal geometry, joint kinematics, and muscle-tendon properties on the forces and joint moments that the muscles can produce. With OpenSim, our goal is to provide a framework that allows the biomechanics community to create, share, and extend a library of models and dynamic simulation tools. 

Purpose

The purpose of this tutorial is to introduce users to OpenSim by demonstrating the utility of graphics-based musculoskeletal modeling and illustrating how muscle-tendon lengths and moment arms depend upon limb configuration. In this tutorial, you will:

  • Become familiar with OpenSim's graphical user interface (GUI)
  • Discover some limitations of musculoskeletal models
  • Explore differences between "1-joint" (uni-articular) and "2-joint" (bi-articular) muscles
  • Use OpenSim to address an important clinical problem

Do the Tutorial

This tutorial is included with your download of the OpenSim GUI.  You can also download Tutorial 1 as a PDF.

Return to the list of Examples and Tutorials

OpenSim is supported by the Mobilize Center , an NIH Biomedical Technology Resource Center (grant P41 EB027060); the Restore Center , an NIH-funded Medical Rehabilitation Research Resource Network Center (grant P2C HD101913); and the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance through the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation. See the People page for a list of the many people who have contributed to the OpenSim project over the years. ©2010-2024 OpenSim. All rights reserved.