2
Department of Mechatronics Engineering, University of Tabriz
10.22041/ijbme.2026.2093504.2044
Abstract
Accurate estimation of joint torque is essential for the control and evaluation of active rehabilitation systems. While surface electromyography (sEMG) offers a non-invasive measure of muscle activation, musculoskeletal modeling enables the estimation of internal joint moments without reliance on costly dynamometers. In this study, we present an integrated framework that combines real-time 2-channel sEMG recordings and knee angle measurements with a subject-specific OpenSim musculoskeletal model of the seated leg, interfaced through MATLAB. Experimental data from a healthy participant were used to drive the model, estimate individual muscle forces, and compute the net knee extension torque. To this end, a forward dynamic simulation framework, where the muscle-driven excitations were derived from the measured sEMG signals to actuate the knee extensors and flexors in the OpenSim model. The estimated peak torque (~25 N·m), angular impulse (~50 N·m·s), and average torque (~12.5 N·m) were found to be consistent with physiological ranges reported in the literature. The proposed framework provides a practical, cost-effective, and scalable solution for real-time knee torque monitoring, with significant potential for integration into sensor-driven rehabilitation devices and biomechanical assessment protocols.
Sayyed Noorani,M and Vaziry,M . (2026). Integration of OpenSim Musculoskeletal Modeling with Surface EMG for Real-Time Knee Torque Estimation in Rehabilitation Applications. (e738795). Iranian Journal of Biomedical Engineering (IJBME), (), e738795 doi: 10.22041/ijbme.2026.2093504.2044
MLA
Sayyed Noorani,M , and Vaziry,M . "Integration of OpenSim Musculoskeletal Modeling with Surface EMG for Real-Time Knee Torque Estimation in Rehabilitation Applications" .e738795 , Iranian Journal of Biomedical Engineering (IJBME), , , 2026, e738795. doi: 10.22041/ijbme.2026.2093504.2044
HARVARD
Sayyed Noorani M, Vaziry M. (2026). 'Integration of OpenSim Musculoskeletal Modeling with Surface EMG for Real-Time Knee Torque Estimation in Rehabilitation Applications', Iranian Journal of Biomedical Engineering (IJBME), (), e738795. doi: 10.22041/ijbme.2026.2093504.2044
CHICAGO
M Sayyed Noorani and M Vaziry, "Integration of OpenSim Musculoskeletal Modeling with Surface EMG for Real-Time Knee Torque Estimation in Rehabilitation Applications," Iranian Journal of Biomedical Engineering (IJBME), (2026): e738795, doi: 10.22041/ijbme.2026.2093504.2044
VANCOUVER
Sayyed Noorani M, Vaziry M. Integration of OpenSim Musculoskeletal Modeling with Surface EMG for Real-Time Knee Torque Estimation in Rehabilitation Applications. IJBME. 2026;():e738795 (In Persian). doi: 10.22041/ijbme.2026.2093504.2044
