The simulation of aerial movement—II. A mathematical inertia model of the human body

A mathematical inertia model which permits the determination of personalized segmental inertia parameter values from anthropometric measurements is described. The human body is modelled using 40 geometric solids which are specified by 95 anthropometric measurements. A ‘stadium’ solid is introduced for modelling the torso segments using perimeter and width measurements. This procedure is more accurate than the use of elliptical discs of given width and depth and permits a smaller number or such solids to be used. Inertia parameter values may be obtained for body models of up to 20 segments. Errors in total body mass estimates from this and other models are discussed with reference to the unknown lung volumes.