Effects of Reduced Achilles Subtendons Relative Displacement on Healthy Elderly Walking: A Simulation Study
Khosrotabar M, Aftabi H, Firouzi V, Mohseni O, Karimpour M, Ahmadabadi MN (2026)
Publication Type: Conference contribution
Publication year: 2026
Publisher: IEEE Computer Society
Pages Range: 883-890
Conference Proceedings Title: Proceedings of the IEEE RAS and EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics
Event location: Edmonton, AB, CAN
ISBN: 9798331548131
DOI: 10.1109/BioRob66782.2026.11681603
Abstract
This study presents a computational model designed to simulate the reduced sliding among Achilles subtendons and investigate its impact on muscle force distribution and total body metabolic rate in elderly walking. Utilizing a measured gait dataset, we developed an OpenSim musculoskeletal model and computational algorithms, enabling the simulation of varied levels of subtendon displacement during normal walking. Our analysis revealed significant changes in triceps-surae force distribution: gastrocnemius force decreased by 40% while soleus force increased by 124%, potentially contributing to the less agile gait characteristic of older adults. Additionally, the reduced sliding among subtendons is associated with a marked increase in metabolic cost, a common feature in elderly gait. These findings suggest that incorporating reduced subtendon sliding in musculoskeletal simulations may lead to more accurate analyses of elderly gait. The developed model holds promise for guiding the design of innovative training programs and assistive devices aimed at enhancing gait performance in the elderly.
Involved external institutions
Technische Universität Darmstadt
Germany (DE)
University of Tehran
Iran, Islamic Republic of (IR)
University of British Columbia
Canada (CA)
Germany (DE)
University of Tehran
Iran, Islamic Republic of (IR)
University of British Columbia
Canada (CA)
How to cite
APA:
Khosrotabar, M., Aftabi, H., Firouzi, V., Mohseni, O., Karimpour, M., & Ahmadabadi, M.N. (2026). Effects of Reduced Achilles Subtendons Relative Displacement on Healthy Elderly Walking: A Simulation Study. In Proceedings of the IEEE RAS and EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics (pp. 883-890). Edmonton, AB, CAN: IEEE Computer Society.
MLA:
Khosrotabar, Morteza, et al. "Effects of Reduced Achilles Subtendons Relative Displacement on Healthy Elderly Walking: A Simulation Study." Proceedings of the 11th IEEE RAS/EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, BioRob 2026, Edmonton, AB, CAN IEEE Computer Society, 2026. 883-890.
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