• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.338-349
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• 2000

Neck muscle forces and spinal loads at the C4/5 level were estimated that result from isometric voluntary ramp efforts gradually developing to maximums in flexion, extension, left lateral bending and right lateral bending. Electromyographic (EMG) activities, a three-dimensional anatomic data of the neck and a hybrid model, EMG-assisted optimization (EMGAO) model, were used. The model computed the cervical loads at 25%,50%,75%, and 100% of peak moments. The highest model-predicted C4/5 joint compressive forces occurred during flexion; $361\;({\pm}164)\;N,\;811\;({\pm}288)\;N,\;1207\;({\pm}491)\;N\;and\;1674\;({\pm}319)\;N$ in 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of peak moment respectively. Variations in load distribution among the agonistic muscles and co-contractions of antagonistic muscles were estimated during ramp efforts. Results suggest that higher C4/5 joint loads than previously reported are possible during isometric, voluntary muscle contractions. These higher physiological loads at C4/5 level must be considered possible during orthopedic reconstruction at this level.