Novel approaches for geometrical model-based calculation of human body segment inertial parameter values

Abstract

In human motion analysis, inverse dynamic solutions are used for the determination of joint reaction forces and net joint torques. This approach requires a full kinematic description, external forces and, most important, accurate anthropometric measures. For the estimation of human body segment parameter values, several methods have been proposed in literature throughout the last 120 years. The paper gives an overview of historical and contemporary methods with a specific focus on approaches based on geometrical models of the human body. Methods for (semi-)automated shape detection, segmentation and calculation of anthropometric dimensions are presented and compared. Body segment parameters of Hatze’s hominoid model can be estimated applying image based or photogrammetric techniques. Results of an evaluation study on 6 subjects (3 male, 3 female) by comparing principal moments of inertia and total body masses are shown. The calculation of body segment inertial parameters from 3D surface scanning techniques has proven to be a fast and accurate method without exposing subjects to radiation. Future developments in application of mobile 3D scanning techniques can be expected to further ease handling and reduce costs.