Estimation of myodynamic parameter values from observations on isometrically contracting muscle groups.

A new method is presented which makes it possible to estimate from a series of experimental observations of isometric maximum-effort muscle torque, a set of myodynamic parameter values for each of a number of muscles contributing collectively to the total torque output. The parameters that can be estimated are: the individual maximum isometric forces; the spreads of the length-tension curves; the relative maximum isometric tendon extensions; and the optimum muscle lengths; most of which parameters could not be estimated previously. The method is described for both penniform and fusiform muscles, and is demonstrated using the human triceps muscle as an example. The values obtained by this method are in general agreement with comparable values obtained by in vitro methods.