Aboriginal Australian weapons and human efficiency.

Aggression-and its role in human societal development-continues to be hotly debated within both the sciences and the humanities. Whatever the evolutionary origins and repercussions of interpersonal and intergroup conflict for the human story, cultures around the globe have invested significant time and effort into designing deadly hand-held weaponry. Here, we describe for the first time, how humans deliver a deadly strike using two iconic and widespread Aboriginal Australian weapons: the kodj and the leangle with parrying shield.

Real-Time Calibration-Free Musculotendon Kinematics for Neuromusculoskeletal Models.

Neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) models enable non-invasive estimation of clinically important internal biomechanics. A critical part of NMS modelling is the estimation of musculotendon kinematics, which comprise musculotendon unit lengths, moment arms, and lines of action. Musculotendon kinematics, which are partially dependent on joint angles, define the non-linear mapping of muscle forces to joint moments and contact forces.

Prediction of Achilles Tendon Force During Common Motor Tasks From Markerless Video.

Remodeling of the Achilles tendon (AT) is partly driven by its mechanical environment. AT force can be estimated with neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) modeling; however, the complex experimental setup required to perform the analyses confines use to the laboratory. We developed task-specific long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks that employ markerless video data to predict the AT force during walking, running, countermovement jump, single-leg landing, and single-leg heel rise.

Hip contact forces can be predicted with a neural network using only synthesised key points and electromyography in people with hip osteoarthritis.

Objective: To develop and validate a neural network to estimate hip contact forces (HCF), and lower body kinematics and kinetics during walking in individuals with hip osteoarthritis (OA) using synthesised anatomical key points and electromyography. To assess the capability of the neural network to detect directional changes in HCF resulting from prescribed gait modifications.

Design: A calibrated electromyography-informed neuromusculoskeletal model was used to compute lower body joint angles, moments, and HCF for 17 participants with mild-to-moderate hip OA.

Sagittal plane knee kinematics can be measured during activities of daily living following total knee arthroplasty with two IMU.

Knee function is rarely measured objectively during functional tasks following total knee arthroplasty. Inertial measurement units (IMU) can measure knee kinematics and range of motion (ROM) during dynamic activities and offer an easy-to-use system for knee function assessment post total knee arthroplasty. However, IMU must be validated against gold standard three-dimensional optical motion capture systems (OMC) across a range of tasks if they are to see widespread uptake.

Predicting Free Achilles Tendon Strain From Motion Capture Data Using Artificial Intelligence.

The Achilles tendon (AT) is sensitive to mechanical loading, with appropriate strain improving tissue mechanical and material properties. Estimating free AT strain is currently possible through personalized neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) modeling; however, this approach is time-consuming and requires extensive laboratory data. To enable in-field assessments, we developed an artificial intelligence (AI) workflow to predict free AT strain during running from motion capture data.

Maintaining soldier musculoskeletal health using personalised digital humans, wearables and/or computer vision.

Objectives: The physical demands of military service place soldiers at risk of musculoskeletal injuries and are major concerns for military capability. This paper outlines the development new training technologies to prevent and manage these injuries.

Design: Narrative review.

Feasibility of personalised hip load modification using real-time biofeedback in hip osteoarthritis: A pilot study.

Objective: (i) Compare the feasibility of three load modification strategies to immediately increase hip contact force in people with hip osteoarthritis (OA) using real-time visual biofeedback during walking, and (ii) prospectively evaluate changes in pain and physical function following 6-weeks of walking using a prescribed personalised load modification strategy.

Design: Twenty participants with symptomatic mild-to-moderate hip OA walked on an instrumented treadmill while motion capture and electromyographic data were recorded (normal walk), then under three conditions: (i)neutral trunk lean; (ii)neutral pelvic obliquity; (iii)increased step length. The biomechanical parameter of interest and corresponding target value were displayed in real-time.