Numerical simulation of muscle force distribution during high-intensity athletic movements

Athletes performing high-intensity movements such as sprinting, jumping, and powerlifting rely on precise muscle coordination to generate the necessary forces for efficient movement. Examining how forces are distributed across muscle groups during these activities is critical for enhancing performance and reducing injury risks. However, detailed insights into the muscle force contributions during these specific movements are still limited. This study aims to address this gap by using advanced biomechanical techniques and numerical simulations to analyze the distribution of muscle forces in athletes engaged in these high-intensity tasks. Thirty-two athletes, including 15 professionals and 17 amateurs, participated in this research. Data were collected using motion capture systems, electromyography (EMG), and force plates. The musculoskeletal simulations were run on OpenSim, focusing on key muscle groups like the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, gastrocnemius, and iliopsoas. In sprinting, the quadriceps generated peak force during the stance phase, reaching 1452 N between 200–250 ms, while the gastrocnemius & soleus produced 845 N, contributing to ankle plantarflexion. The iliopsoas took over during the swing phase, peaking at 620 N to elevate the leg. In jumping, the quadriceps exhibited a maximum force of 1480 N in the take-off phase, with the gastrocnemius reaching 1020 N, supporting upward propulsion. During powerlifting, particularly the back squat, the quadriceps reached 1520 N during the concentric phase, while the hamstrings peaked at 1220 N, contributing to knee stabilization and hip extension.