Designing McKibben muscles: a critical review for practical implementation
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | McKibben artificial muscles (pneumatic actuators) in soft robotics and biomechanical engineering applications |
| I — Intervention | Various McKibben muscle designs, configurations, and manufacturing methods |
| C — Comparator | Different structural variations, operational principles, and performance characteristics |
| O — Outcomes | Performance metrics, design characteristics, functionality, and practical implementation capabilities |
Bottom Line
This narrative review examines McKibben artificial muscles, pneumatic actuators used in soft robotics and biomechanical engineering. While the authors identified 146 relevant studies, the review lacks systematic methodology typical of high-quality evidence synthesis. The search was limited to Scopus database without clear inclusion criteria or quality assessment. The review describes various configurations (linear, circular, bundled) and recent innovations in smart actuation and manufacturing methods. However, the clinical relevance is limited, with primary applications in engineering rather than direct patient care. For healthcare professionals, the main relevance lies in potential future applications for prosthetics and rehabilitation devices, though clinical evidence for these applications is not systematically evaluated. The review provides useful background for understanding pneumatic actuator technology but insufficient evidence for clinical decision-making.
Key Findings
Effect Size: Not applicable - narrative review without quantitative synthesis
Primary Outcome: Comprehensive analysis of McKibben artificial muscle designs and configurations
Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not applicable - engineering review without clinical outcomes
Confidence Interval: Not reported
Clinical Application
Potential applications in prosthetics, rehabilitation devices, and assistive technologies require further clinical validation May inform TGA medical device regulations for pneumatic actuators in medical devices; relevant to Australian research institutions developing assistive technologies Limited direct clinical application - primarily relevant to biomedical engineering and rehabilitation robotics
Abstract
McKibben artificial muscles (AMs) are known as a prominent class of pneumatic actuators in soft robotics and biomechanical engineering, due to their unique structure and multifunctionality. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent advancements in McKibben AMs, focusing on their performance, structural variations, and operational principles. A systematic literature search on Scopus identified 146 relevant articles, which were analysed for both performance metrics and design characteristics. Inspired by natural muscle behaviour, McKibben AMs enable complex motions such as bending, linear extension, and twisting. These actuators can be organised as individual or bundled systems: individual units are typically arranged in linear or circular patterns, while bundled systems occur in serial, parallel, braided, convergent, or pennate configurations. Recent innovations in smart actuation methods, braided sleeves and internal bladders have expanded their capabilities, enabling embedded sensing, environmental adaptability and untethered operation. Additionally, alternative manufacturing methods offer promising solutions for developing McKibben muscles with enhanced functionality and tailored properties.
References
- 1.Kortman, V. G., Jovanova, J., Nabae, H., Endo, G., Suzumori, K., & Sakes, A. (2026). Designing McKibben muscles: a critical review for practical implementation. Bioinspiration & Biomimetics. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3190/ae66c0
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