Abstract In this paper, three different muscle models have been investigated. The first model (Ferrarin’s muscle model) is a transfer function between electrical stimulation and the resultant knee torque. The other two muscle models are physiological based (Riener’s muscle model and Virtual Muscle). Riener’s muscle is modelled in this paper by using Matlab/Simulink, while Virtual Muscle model has been built using Virtual Muscle software (Virtual Muscle 4.0.1). A quadriceps is modelled using each of the three models. The three models are tested in terms of their responses to activation and then they are implemented in a fuzzy logic control (FLC) strategy which aims to control the cycling cadence. The performance of the three models during control has been discussed and evaluated. It appears that the type of the muscle model has an influence on the control performance.