Synthesis of standing-up trajectories using dynamic optimization

Dynamic optimization as a tool to compute standing-up trajectories was investigated. Sit-to-stand manoeuvres in five intact persons and five trans-femoral amputees were measured. Movements and ground reaction forces acting on the body were recorded. A five-segment 3D dynamic model of standing-up was developed. In each particular subject, the optimization criterion which yielded trajectories that best resemble the measured standing-up movement was determined. Since the intact persons used considerably different criteria in choosing the standing-up trajectories than the amputees, the optimal trajectories were computed by minimizing cost functionals (CF) with distinctive structures for each group of individuals. In intact persons, a unique cost functional was found which yielded realistic standing-up manoeuvres. In amputees, subject-specific sets of parameters indicating slightly different preferences in optimizing the effort of particular muscle groups were used. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.