Biomechanical Evaluation of Joint Torque and Muscle Activation Parameters for Single Leg Squat Activity

Background: Yoga, originated in ancient India, is a spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including variety of aasanas, and other yogic techniques through adoption of specific bodily postures, widely practiced for health and relaxation. “Eka Paada Kaakasana” or Single leg squat activity is one such aasana in yoga that helps in maintaining the lower extremity antigravity muscles. It is a dynamic posture in which muscles and joints of the lower human body are actively used to perform the activity. Hence, it is necessary to understand the muscle activation patterns and the joint mechanical parameters of the body. Aim: The purpose of this study is to understand human body dynamics for “Eka Paada Kaakasana” or Single leg Squat activity. Human motion capture data is recorded through experimentation using inertial measuring units. Analyzing the activity, the moments/torque of the joints and muscle activation pattern of the lower human body (Ankle, Knee and Hip) is obtained. Materials and Methods: x-IMUs, a combination of 3 accelerometers, magnetometers and gyroscopes is used to measure the angular displacement and position in 3D plane of different segments of the lower body. LifeMOD™, virtual human simulation software is used to simulate the motion. A mathematical model is formulated in Matlab to validate the results. Results and Conclusion: The results obtained in the form of joint torques in various lower body is validated using mathematical model. Subsequently the major skeletal muscles actively participating the activity are studied using muscle activation patterns.