doc:predictive

Predictive vs Inverse Simulations

Predictive simulations differ from inverse simulations, in that they do not rely on recorded motion data to estimate muscle force or joint torque. Instead, they use forward dynamics simulation to compute motion trajectories that perform a given task optimally, according to high-level objectives such as stability, energy efficiency and pain avoidance.

Predictive simulations enable powerful new applications for musculoskeletal models, such as predicting the outcome of treatment, and optimizing the efficiency and efficacy of assistive devices. More fundamentally, it enables researchers to pose true what-if? questions, allowing them to investigate the effects of individual model and control parameters on the motion as a whole.