Advancing Knowledge on Human Muscle Contraction through Innovation for 3D Muscle Shape Analysis
In the MUSCLE3D project, the goal is to understand how human muscles change shape in 3D when they contract. This is crucial for understanding how muscles generate force and to how we move. Currently, we lack any method to measure 3D muscle shape changes during dynamic contractions. To address this gap, the project proposes an innovation to assess the 3D nature of muscle contraction. By making the first-ever groundbreaking measurements of 3D muscle shape of contracting muscle, MUSCLE3D will significantly advance our knowledge on human muscle contraction. After developing the measurement technique, we aim to use it to answer key questions such as how does the shape of muscles change in 3D in muscles with different functions, are the shape changes linked to force production, and what factors, such as muscle design and muscle bulging restrictions, influence the muscle shape changes. The outcomes of this research will not only significantly advance our understanding of muscle contraction biomechanics but also have important future applications related to human movement. The findings may further impact fields such as rehabilitation, surgery, and the design of apparel and wearable technologies for which a strong fundamental understanding of muscle contraction is essential. Moreover, the knowledge gained from MUSCLE3D can facilitate and improve the development of bio-engineered muscles and exoskeleton design, impacting various aspects of medicine, rehabilitation, and human movement.