Development of the Biomechanical Technologies for the Modeling of Major Segments of the Human Body: Linking the Past with the Present.

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe procedures of body measurement are as old as the inception of the scientific method. The human being has always had the necessity to shape the environment to its own needs, to care for the body and to improve quality of life. Over the centuries, several methods have been developed to measure body size. With the development of measurement sciences, technological tools as well as computational tools have become increasingly precise. This review paper aims to historically review the development of methods for the measurement of body segments from a biomechanical point of view, highlighting the link with the technologies available today.The knowledge of human body proportions and segmental properties of limbs, head and trunk is of fundamental importance in biomechanical research. Given that many methods are employed, it is important to know which ones are currently available, which data on human body masses, lengths, center of mass (COM) location, weights and moment of inertia (MOI) are available and which methods are most suitable for specific research purposes. Graphical, optical, x-ray and derived techniques, MRI, laser, thermography, has been employed for in-vivo measurement, while direct measurements involve cadaveric studies with dissection and various methods of acquiring shape and size of body segments. The present review examines the literature concerning human body segments’ properties for biomechanical purposes starting with a historical examination. It emerges that data obtained in studies on cadaveric specimens are still accurate in comparison to more recent technologies, whilst technological tools currently available are manifolds, each one with proper advantages and disadvantages. Classical studies were focused mainly on white men, while in recent years, the available data on body segments have been extended to children, women, and other races. Additionally, data on special populations (obese, pregnant women) are starting to appear in the scientific literature.