Investigating the biomechanics of the biceps brachii muscle during dumbbell curl exercise: A comprehensive approach

Abstract

Investigation of the mechanical behavior of the biceps brachii (BB) muscle at different dynamic forces is essential to improve training techniques, prevent sports injuries and optimize rehabilitation results. In previous studies, researchers studied mechanical changes during muscle contraction using various mathematical methods and simulation models. The models adopted by the majority of these studies assumed a constant value for muscle force. However, variable muscle force has different effects on muscle mechanics. In this study, an inverse dynamic simulation model was initially utilized to determine the dynamic muscle forces generated in the BB while performing the dumbbell curl exercise with 5 kg and 10 kg weights. Subsequently, the finite element method (FEM) was used to calculate the stress and strain changes experienced by BB as a consequence of the applied forces. Moreover, simultaneous analysis through electromyography (EMG) was carried out to investigate muscle contraction during the dumbbell curl exercise. Consequently, it was concluded that the average BB force during the dumbbell curl exercise with 5 kg and 10 kg weights was 433.9 N and 695.0 N, respectively. The maximum stresses in the BB during exercise were calculated to be 960.5 Pa and 1484.9 Pa, respectively. Additionally, the maximum displacements were determined to be 102.30 μm and 158.28 μm, respectively. According to the findings of muscle force 100% increase in dumbbell weight increases the maximum muscle force by 83.13% and the average muscle force by 60.17%. Therefore, it is understood that there was no linear correlation between weight gain and muscle force.