The BSP estimation methods presented here were originally compiled by Kwon (1993). Three groups of BSP estimation methods are included in this page: the cadaver-based (group C), the mass-scanning based (group M) & the geometric models (group G):
Group C is based on the work done by Chandler et al. (1975). Group M is based on the work reported by Zatsiorsky and associates (Zatsiorsky & Seluyanov, 1983 & 1985; Zatsiorsky, Seluyanov & Chugunova, 1990). The geometric models are based on Hanavan (1964) & Yeadon (1990). The original data and/or method reported were slightly modified due to several reasons. See each method page for the details of the modification.
Three general geometric shapes were used in group G to define the body segments: semi-ellipsoid, elliptical solid and stadium solid. See BSP Equations for the details of the BSP equations of these general geometric shapes, such as the volume, CM location, and the volume moments of inertia.
All methods listed above require a set of anthropometric parameters. See Anthropometric Measurement for the details.
The method-selection criteria are: (a) all three principal moments of inertia for each segment should be provided, (b) the BSPs of the sub-trunk segments should be provided, and (c) the BSP estimation process should be relatively simple. The work done by Chandler et al. and Zatsiorsky et al., and the geometric methods were first selected based on the first criterion. Among the geometric methods, the elliptical zone method (Jensen, 1978) and the Hatze model (Hatze, 1980) were dropped based on the third criterion since these methods require either complex data collection and additional equipment, or extensive anthropometric measurement.
In all methods except the modified Yeadon model, the trunk was sectioned at the xyphion and omphalion levels into 3 segments: upper (thorax including neck), middle (abdomen) and lower (pelvis). The CM locations and radius-of-gyration ratios were expressed in % of the hip-to-omphalion height, omphalion-to-xyphion height and the xyphion-to-shoulder height in the lower, middle and upper trunks, respectively. The BSPs of the upper and middle trunks were combined to obtain those of the thorax-abdomen. The modified Yeadon model directly generates the BSPs of the thorax-abdomen.
Due to the errors involved in mass estimation, the masses and moments of inertia of the segments must be corrected based on the measured whole body mass:
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© Young-Hoo Kwon, 1998-