Locomotion diagnostics: Some neuromuscular and robotic aspects

Abstract

Some aspects of neuromuscular function evaluation in fast sports locomotion are presented. The procedure of locomotion diagnostics and the underlying principles are discussed, and experimental data for their support are given. These data concern the evaluation of locomotor skill and of muscle fatigue. The approach processes some features similar to robotic systems study and is potentially applicable to other (ergonomic, medical) areas as well. Among the major limitations of the methodology are a relatively crude representation of the neuromuscular system, with only a few major muscles (and only in the lower extremities) monitored, and the fact that the EMG gives an indication of an actively generated muscle force only, and not of significant elastic force components.