A 3D model of muscle reveals the causes of nonuniform strains in the biceps brachii

Biomechanical models generally assume that muscle fascicles shorten uniformly. However, dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) images of the biceps brachii have recently shown nonuniform shortening along some muscle fascicles during low-load elbow flexion (J. Appl. Physiol. 92 (2002) 2381). The purpose of this study was to uncover the features of the biceps brachii architecture and material properties that could lead to nonuniform shortening. We created a three-dimensional finite-element model of the biceps brachii and compared the tissue strains predicted by the model with experimentally measured tissue strains. The finite-element model predicted strains that were within one standard deviation of the experimentally measured strains. Analysis of the model revealed that the variation in fascicle lengths within the muscle and the curvature of the fascicles were the primary factors contributing to nonuniform strains. Continuum representations of muscle, combined with in vivo image data, are needed to deepen our understanding of how complex geometric arrangements of muscle fibers affect muscle contraction mechanics.