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

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