Selection of optimization methods for estimating muscle parameters during walking

In the computer simulation of musculoskeletal human model during walking, mathematical optimization is used to estimate muscle parameters, e.g. the muscle force, work and power. Though there are many mathematical optimization methods available, some of them are suitable for the estimate of muscle parameters in simulations and some not. This study aimed to compare several main optimization methods in terms of the feasibility and possibilities in calculating muscle parameters in musculoskeletal modeling. The results showed that different optimization methods can produce different muscle force patterns. Using electromyography obtained from experiment as the criteria, it was found that the min-max minimization or its combination with other methods are better than the genetic algorithm and pattern search methods in terms of the similarity between the simulated muscle forces and the experimental electromyography patterns.