Computational Modeling and Simulation of Quadrupedal Animal Movement

Computational modeling and simulation have been used to study human gait, movement and function in healthy people, as well as in those with clinical disorders for some time. Computational simulation of movement enables bioengineers working with clinicians to gain objective insight into skeletal motion, ligament and joint loading, muscle activation patterns, neuromuscular coordination, injury mechanisms, compensatory locomotion, and other anatomical functions. Anatomically accurate models developed from medical imaging and knowledge of biomechanical properties of tissue can provide a window into in vivo function that would otherwise not be possible without subject experimentation. Computational models enable researchers to gain insight into the interaction between musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems needed to generate motion. Additionally, the predictive capabilities of validated computational models offer the benefit of being able to answer “what if” questions, and through parametric sensitivity analysis researchers can determine the influence of relevant factors affecting outcomes. It has only been in the recent past that computational modeling has been applied to the study of animal movement and function in the fields of veterinary medicine, comparative biology and zoology. Such models seek to understand not only the functional movement of healthy quadrupeds, but also to advance our understanding of clinical pathologies to promote both animal and human health (One Health). With increasing parallel computing and graphics processing capabilities, dynamic optimization of advanced anatomical models and realistic simulation of motion can be achieved to further our understanding of functional movement in both healthy and unhealthy animals.

The goal of the Research Topic is to advance our understanding of quadrupedal animal movement and function through the use computational modeling and simulation. This Research Topic will describe advances in the development, optimization and validation of anatomically accurate computer models, based on advanced imaging, kinematics and kinetics, for the purposes of investigating quadrupedal animal locomotion and function. Applications of these computational models to the fields of veterinary medicine, comparative biology and zoology will be explored.

Topics to be included are:

• Advances in the development, optimization and validation of anatomically accurate computational models and simulation of quadrupedal animal locomotion and function

• Use of computational models to further our understanding of the biomechanics of locomotion and function in quadruped animals

• Use of parametric sensitivity analysis in computer modelling to predict biomechanical outcomes in quadrupedal locomotion and function

• Use of computational modeling to investigate subject-specific models, musculoskeletal dynamics, neuromusculoskeletal function, neuromuscular coordination, clinical pathologies, injury, surgical correction, joint replacement/implants, rehabilitation, prosthetics/orthotics, sports medicine and injury prevention

• Demonstration of the role of computational modeling and simulation in veterinary medicine, zoology, and comparative biology

• Use of computational modeling to support pre-clinical decision making/research in the management of bone and joint disease affecting quadrupeds.

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Nathan Brown, who stands at the Co-ordinator for this Research Topic.

We acknowledge the sponsorship of a subset of the manuscripts within this Research Topic, focusing on canine research on client owned animals and having ethical approval, by the American Kennel Club - Canine Health Foundation. The American Kennel Club - Canine Health Foundation has had no editorial input for the articles included in this Research Topic, thus ensuring that all aspects of this Research Topic are evaluated objectively, unbiased by any specific policy or opinion of the American Kennel Club - Canine Health Foundation.

Prof. Bertocci holds patents on a soft tissue assessment system, a decubitus ulcer prevention garment for animals and an ergonomic syringe, none of which are related to the theme of this Research Topic. Additionally, Prof Bertocci is the co-founder of Bearcat Innovations LLC, a consulting company providing services associated with injury assessment, which is unrelated to the theme of this Research Topic. Prof. Pandy holds a provisional patent on mobile x-ray imaging of human joint motion and has a copyright on software for computer modelling and simulation of human movement, none of which are related to the theme of this Research Topic. All other Topic Editors have no competing interests to declare.