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We are in the process of developing an anatomically based computer model of
the human head-neck musculoskeletal system. Based on the musculoskeletal
geometry in the model, the muscles commonly considered to be flexors of the
head and neck (sternocleidomastoid and longus capitis and colli) have very
small moment arms and are incapable of generating the moments measured in
vivo. [Studies of human isometric neck strength have shown that
individuals can generate from 6 to 12 Nm with the head in the neutral
position (Moroney et al., 1988, Berg et al., 1994)]. It is unclear whether
other neck muscles with moment arms appropriate for flexion (i.e.,
infrahyoid muscles, platysma) actively play a role in head and neck
flexion. We would like invite discussion about which neck muscles are
responsible for flexion. Any reference to electromyographic or modelling
studies is welcome.
I will summarize and post all responses.
Thank you,
Anita Vasavada
************************************************** ****************************
Anita Vasavada
Sensory Motor Performance Program Biomedical
Engineering
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Northwestern University
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 908-2696
anitav@merle.acns.nwu.edu
the human head-neck musculoskeletal system. Based on the musculoskeletal
geometry in the model, the muscles commonly considered to be flexors of the
head and neck (sternocleidomastoid and longus capitis and colli) have very
small moment arms and are incapable of generating the moments measured in
vivo. [Studies of human isometric neck strength have shown that
individuals can generate from 6 to 12 Nm with the head in the neutral
position (Moroney et al., 1988, Berg et al., 1994)]. It is unclear whether
other neck muscles with moment arms appropriate for flexion (i.e.,
infrahyoid muscles, platysma) actively play a role in head and neck
flexion. We would like invite discussion about which neck muscles are
responsible for flexion. Any reference to electromyographic or modelling
studies is welcome.
I will summarize and post all responses.
Thank you,
Anita Vasavada
************************************************** ****************************
Anita Vasavada
Sensory Motor Performance Program Biomedical
Engineering
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Northwestern University
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 908-2696
anitav@merle.acns.nwu.edu