Anatomical Frames of Reference and Biomechanics

Abstract

For dynamic simulation of human movement, segment axis systems are often defined by the inertial tensor unique to each simulated body segment. When empirical three-dimensional data are sought that describe either the mass distribution or the kinematic properties of the human body, anatomical frames of reference are needed for the sake of measurement methodology and data comparability. Anatomical axis systems are based on anatomical landmarks that must represent functional and stable features in the skeletal geometry. The role of anthropometric landmarks used in defining anatomical coordinate axis systems is discussed with examples from current research regarding the kinematics of the hip joint and mass distribution of the whole body. The use of anatomical frames of reference will improve the correspondence between computer simulations of the human body and the biological structure.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Bonney, M. C. , Case, K. , Kennedy, D. N. , and Bisby, E. The development of Sammie for computer-aided work and work task design. Paper presented at the 6th Congress of International Ergonomics Association, College Park, Maryland, July, 1976.

Bowman, B. M. , Bennett, R. 0. , and Robbins, H. MVMA two-dimensional crash victim simulation, Version 3. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, Highway Safety Research Institute, Report No. UM-HSRI-BI-74-1, 1974.

Braune, W. and Fischer, O. The center of gravity of the human body as related to the German infantryman. (ATI 138 452. Available from Defense Documentation Center).Leipzig, Germany, 1889.

Braune, W , and Fischer, O. Bestimmung der Tragheitsmomente des menschlichen KoUrpers und seiner Glieder. Abhandlungen der Mathematisch-physischen Classes der Konigl. Sachsischen Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften, 18, 409–492, Leipzig, Germany, 1892.

Chandler, R. F. , Clauser, C. E. , McConville, J. T. , Reynolds, H. M. , and Young, J. W. Investigation of inertial properties of the human body. Washington, D.C.: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Technical Report DOT HS-801-430, March, 1975.

Clauser, C. E., personal communication, 1978.

Colachis, S. C. , Worden, R. E. , Bechtol, C. 0. , and Strohm, B. R. Movement of the sacroiliac joint in the adult male. Preliminary report. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 44, 490–498, 1963.

Dempster, W. T. Space requirements of the seated operator: Geometrical, kinematic, and mechanical aspects of the body with special reference to the limbs. Wright. Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio: Wright Air Development Center, Technical Reports WADC-TR-55-159, July, 1955.

Egund, N. , Olsson, T. H. Schmid, H. , and Selvik, G. Movements in the sacroiliac joints demonstrated with roentgen stereophotogrammetry. Acta Radiologica Diagnosis, 19, 833–846, 1978.

10.

Hanavan, E. P. Mathematical model of the human body. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio: Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, Technical Report AMRL-TR-64-102, October, 1964.

11.

Herron, R. E. , Cuzzi, J. R. , and Hugg, J. Mass distribution of the human body using bio-stereometrics. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio: Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, Technical Report AMRL-TR-75-18, July, 1976.

12.

McDaniel, J. W. Computerized biomechanical man-model. Paper presented at the 6th Congress of International Ergonomics Association, College Park, Maryland, July, 1976.

13.

Patten, J. S. and Theiss, C. M. Auxiliary program for generation of occupant parameter and profile data. Buffalo, New York: Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, Incorporated, Report No. CAL V5-2759-V-lR, January, 1970.

14.

Reynolds, H. M. , Freeman, J. , and Bender, M. A foundation for systems anthropometry, Phase II. Washington, D.C.: Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Bolling Air Force Base, Technical Report AFOSR-TR-78-1160, March, 1978.

15.

Robbins, D. H. Errors in definition of an anatomicallybased coordinate system using anthropometric data. In H. M. Reynolds , A foundation for systems anthropometry, Phase I. Washington, D.C.: Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Bolling Air Force Base, Technical Report AFOSR-TR-77-0911, January, 1977.(AD-A042 890), 29–34.

16.

Thomas, D. J., Robbins, D. H., Eppinger, R. H., King, A. I., Hubbard, R. P., and Reynolds, H. M. Guidelines for the comparison of human and human analogue biomechanical data. Unpublished second annual report, Ad-Hoc Committee of the International Workshop on Human Subjects for Biomechanical Research, 1975.

17.

Weisl, H. The movements of the sacro-iliac joint, Acta Anatornica, 23, 80–91, 1955.