1. Summary of Scientific Goals & Features Needed to Achieve Them
Wendy Murray
Tom Buchanan
Brian Garner
Jeff Reinholt
Ilse Jonkers
Allison Arnold
Peter Loan

2. Scientific Goals Model the neuromusculoskeletal system
Validate the model (input and output)
Simulate (Understand the interaction of components of the biomechanical system)
Predict outcomes
Adjust the model parameters

3. Software Features Needed
Validation
Module that allows the user to compare model performance to experimental data through visualization
Minimizes work associated with external data and maximizes the user’s ability to evaluate the model’s performance
Features such as scripts, templates, visualizations
Subject Scaling and Specificity
Complicated issue, but tools for scaling for each subject and inputting specific subject data are important
Need to scale segment lengths & inertias, MT paths/parameters, joint kinematics
Need an high quality generic model and good scaling algorithms so that we can readily scale generic data. We also need to have a performance measure so that one can argue “because I’ve scaled it I made it better”

4. Software Features Needed
Estimation of muscle activations/forces during movement using dynamic optimization or EMG
Compatibility
Reverse compatible with SIMM
Read imaging data readily
MatLab compatible
Improved Speed
Parallel processing
Real-time inputs
Easy to use interface
Support and maintenance
New tools
Many listed today…

5. New tools (1) Tools to import experimental gait data (FA)
New & improved scalable full-body model (FA)
Better numerical integrators (FA)
Fast, accurate methods for modeling muscle path geometry (FA)
Dynamics engine with no compile step or restrictions (Simbody?) (FA)
Include neuromuscular control (DT)
Stability of simulations (DT)
More predictive capabilities (DT)
Detailed ms models (microscopic) (DT)
Efficient models (force enhancement, depression, activation-deactivation, etc.) (RN)
Animation-making tools (SP)
Bone editing (SP)
Amenable to parallelization (RK)
True dynamic optimization (end points specified, not path) (RK)
Multi-scale modeling (RK)
Fast, real-time simulations for VR and patient training (RD/GL)
Means for handling contact (SP)
Means for processing surfaces (SP)
Wrapping surfaces (SP)
Fast, accurate methods for modeling muscle path geometry (FA)
Incorporation of latest & greatest methods (will only old things be public domain) (TvdB)

6. New tools (2) Robust excitation patterns (JH)
Closed loop kinematics (WM)
Kinematic dependence on multiple dof (WM)
Improved muscle wrapping including branching (WM)
Interactive scaling (WM)
Easier user-interface for parameter editing (WM)
Contact modeling (WM)
Better foot-floor modeling—incompressible hyperelastic solids (SP)
Integrated elastic-foundation contact modeling (SP)
Contact model with friction (SP)
Cartilage models (SP)
More sophisticated muscle-tendon models—architecture, force generation, fascia, ligaments (SP)
Analysis tools with better user interface (JH)
Customizable/usability balance—comment all code and tell user what is changeable (SP)
Make users appreciate that SimTK is not a model; generic model may not generalize (SP)
Expandability/modularity (TSB)
Difficult to calibrate a generic, parametric model to the patient (JR)
Quick, easy, clear, concise, intuitive, powerful, versatile, & effective (JR)
Developmental environment & math functions (JR)
GUI that can be used by researchers and clinicians (RD/GL)