Investigation into the mass distribution properties of the human body and its segments

Abstract

A series of studies was conducted to develop information about mass distribution characteristics of the living human body and its segments, and to establish a reliable means for estimating these properties from easily measured body dimensions. While investigators over the years have established a number of laborious methods for determining body mass and moments of inertia of individuals, comparable data for segments of the body have till recently been available only through the study of cadavers. The use of stereophotography now makes possible the segmentation of living subjects and provides a means for measuring mass distribution properties on body segments as well as on the total body.

In the studies described here investigators combined stereophotometric and anthropometric techniques to measure 31 male subjects and 46 female subjects. Bodies were photographically segmented and their volumes, centres of volume and principal moments of inertia established stereophotometrically. The principal axes of inertia were established with reference to anatomical axis systems based on easily located landmarks. A number of body size variables were measured anthropometrically and multiple regression equations were devised for the total body and for each segment using the most highly correlated variables on each segment, and stature and weight for determining volume and principal moments of inertia. It is anticipated that these data will be useful in the design of anthropomorphic test devices used in safety research, design and performance evaluation of safety restraint systems and development of body prostheses.