Using the flexible multibody approach to estimate bone strain during physical activity: quantifying osteogenic potential

As the stimulus for bone adaptation, bone strain is an indicator of the effectiveness of bone strengthening exercise. A flexible multibody analytical approach was used to calculate leg bone strain based on motion capture data taken as a human subject performed a number of exercises. Four typical leg strengthening exercises were studied: leg press, knee flexion, knee extension, and squats with focus on the tibia. Walking was included as a reference. Mechanostat theory was applied to quantify the osteogenic potential of each exercise.