Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40913215›Full record

SynthesisAnnals of biomedical engineering2025

Advances in Musculoskeletal Modeling of the Thoraco-Lumbar Spine: A Comprehensive Systematic Review.

Linda Carpenedo, Dominika Ignasiak, Robin Remus, Luigi La Barbera

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Annals of biomedical engineering, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
9citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

9 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Not just alignment: body shape influences adult spinal deformity biomechanics.European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society · 2026
    Article
  2. Biomechanical Analysis on Vibration Characteristics of Lumbar Spine Using a Whole Human Body Finite Element Model.International journal for numerical methods in biomedical engineering · 2026
    Article
  3. Machine learning outperforms anthropometric scaling in predicting muscle parameters and spinal loading: a subject-specific musculoskeletal modeling study.European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society · 2026
    Article
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Linda CarpenedoLaBS - Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy. linda.carpenedo@polimi.it.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0005-3058-2317
Dominika IgnasiakInstitute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8557-0245
Robin RemusChair of Product Development, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3695-6595
Luigi La BarberaLaBS - Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9822-2116

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Understanding spine biomechanics is essential for maintaining posture under static and dynamic conditions, relying on a balance of muscular and gravitational forces. Computational musculoskeletal (MSK) models are increasingly being used in biomechanical research as non-invasive alternatives to in vivo and in vitro methods. Two main MSK modeling strategies are multibody (MB) models, which simplify the spine using rigid vertebrae and intervertebral joints to study muscle recruitment, and finite element (FE) models, which provide detailed tissue representation but often rely on oversimplified loading conditions. Recently, coupled (C) models integrating MB and FE approaches have emerged, though they face technical integration challenges. This literature review examines thoracolumbar MSK modeling methods-MB, FE, and C-to outline current practices, evaluate model capabilities, and inform future research and development. Most reviewed models have been published since 2016, reflecting the growing interest and advances in computational spine biomechanics. While certain modeling choices (e.g., the representation of body weight) are consistent across studies, considerable variability remains in other aspects (e.g., the depiction of muscular architecture, including the selection of muscle groups and the number of fascicles used). Despite being critical for model credibility, validation is often constrained by the limited availability of experimental data. Finally, the review highlights emerging directions such as modeling more complex functional tasks, personalizing anatomical and mechanical properties, and promoting Open Science to enhance reproducibility and collaboration in the field.

Indexed as

Lumbar VertebraeModels, BiologicalThoracic VertebraeBiomechanical PhenomenaFinite Element AnalysisHumansCoupled modelsFinite element (FE)Hybrid simulationMultibody (MB)Musculoskeletal modelsSpine biomechanics

Identifiers

PMID40913215
PMCPMC12575568

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.