Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility Project: Final Report

2.2.2 Structural Anthropometry (i.e. Body and WhMD Dimensions)

A three-dimensional (3-D) electromechanical probe (i.e. FaroArm, Faro Technologies Inc.) was used to record the 3-D location of body and WhMD device points (Figure 2‒2). The 3-D points were used to estimate body and WhMD heights, widths and depths and to construct static 3-D digital human models of WhMD users.

Figure 2‒2. Data collection with an electromechanical probe allows quick and accurate measurement of the widths, heights and depths of the body and mobility device characteristics.

The 3-D measurements required the measurement of reference points and planes, as well as the measurement of key body and WhMD points with respect to the environment. The IDeA Center has developed a detailed manual that defines each of the points in 3-dimensions, includes illustrations and explains applications for each of the points (Feathers et al., 2004). The reference points and planes, body points and WhMD points, and some of their application are listed in Tables 2‒1 and 2‒2.

Table 2‒1. Wheelchair and environment reference points and planes, and uses.

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Table 2‒2. Body points and important anthropometric dimensions associated with each point.

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