Transformation of muscular action into endpoint forces in the hindlimb of the decerebrate cat

The directions of endpoint forces in the horizontal plane exerted by individual muscles of the feline hindlimb were predicted using a musculoskeletal simulation and investigated by electrical stimulation of muscles in decerebrate cats. The vectorial directions were consistent with commonly accepted muscle attachments. Both approaches supported the hypothesis that distal muscles may play an important role in directing the force vectors in the horizontal plane.