Computational modeling and simulation of neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) systems enables researchers and clinicians to study the complex dynamics underlying human and animal movement. NMS models use equations derived from physical laws and biology to help solve challenging real-world problems, from designing prosthetics that maximize running speed to developing exoskeletal devices that enable walking after a stroke. NMS modeling and simulation has proliferated in the biomechanics research community over the past 25 years, but the lack of verification and validation standards remains a major barrier to wider adoption and impact. The goal of this paper is to establish practical guidelines for verification and validation of NMS models and simulations that researchers, clinicians, reviewers, and others can adopt to evaluate the accuracy and credibility of modeling studies. In particular, we review a general process for verification and validation applied to NMS models and simulations, including careful formulation of a research question and methods, traditional verification and validation steps, and documentation and sharing of results for use and testing by other researchers. Modeling the NMS system and simulating its motion involves methods to represent neural control, musculoskeletal geometry, muscle–tendon dynamics, contact forces, and multibody dynamics. For each of these components, we review modeling choices and software verification guidelines; discuss variability, errors, uncertainty, and sensitivity relationships; and provide recommendations for verification and validation by comparing experimental data and testing robustness. We present a series of case studies to illustrate key principles. In closing, we discuss challenges the community must overcome to ensure that modeling and simulation are successfully used to solve the broad spectrum of problems that limit human mobility.
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February 2015
Technical Forum
Is My Model Good Enough? Best Practices for Verification and Validation of Musculoskeletal Models and Simulations of Movement
Jennifer L. Hicks,
Jennifer L. Hicks
1
1Corresponding author.
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Thomas K. Uchida,
Thomas K. Uchida
Department of Bioengineering,
Stanford University
,Stanford, CA 94305
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Ajay Seth,
Ajay Seth
Department of Bioengineering,
Stanford University
,Stanford, CA 94305
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Apoorva Rajagopal,
Apoorva Rajagopal
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Stanford University
,Stanford, CA 94305
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Scott L. Delp
Scott L. Delp
Department of Bioengineering and the
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Stanford University
,Stanford, CA 94305
Search for other works by this author on:
Jennifer L. Hicks
Thomas K. Uchida
Department of Bioengineering,
Stanford University
,Stanford, CA 94305
Ajay Seth
Department of Bioengineering,
Stanford University
,Stanford, CA 94305
Apoorva Rajagopal
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Stanford University
,Stanford, CA 94305
Scott L. Delp
Department of Bioengineering and the
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Stanford University
,Stanford, CA 94305
1Corresponding author.
Manuscript received September 10, 2014; final manuscript received December 2, 2014; published online January 26, 2015. Editor: Beth A. Winkelstein.
J Biomech Eng. Feb 2015, 137(2): 020905 (24 pages)
Published Online: February 1, 2015
Article history
Received:
September 10, 2014
Revision Received:
December 2, 2014
Online:
January 26, 2015
Citation
Hicks, J. L., Uchida, T. K., Seth, A., Rajagopal, A., and Delp, S. L. (February 1, 2015). "Is My Model Good Enough? Best Practices for Verification and Validation of Musculoskeletal Models and Simulations of Movement." ASME. J Biomech Eng. February 2015; 137(2): 020905. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4029304
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