Mitigating Anthropometric Measurement Variation: Applied Tolerances for Static Anthropometric Landmark Digitizations in Three-Dimensional Space

摘要

The quality of repeated digitizations of static anthropometric landmarks in three-dimensional space using an electromechanical approach should arguably include investigating digitization behavior and performance through n iterations in addition to defining the contributing factors that are inherent in digitizing 3D landmarks. An empirical study was performed in which repeated digitizations of five upper extremity landmarks (Lateral Humeral Epicondyle, Medial Humeral Epicondyle, Radiale, Radial Styloid, Ulnar Styloid) were captured using an electromechanical approach on a healthy human subject. Results show that observers exhibited spatial variation in three-dimensions for all five landmarks. Observer-specific palpation behavior and interpretation of anatomical features are posited as agents to landmark digitization variability in three-dimensional space. Post-hoc dimensions were created using the digitized landmarks to test the impact individual landmark variation had on resultant dimensions. Tolerances in digitization variation for each landmark were created in accordance to their respective contribution to dimensional variation and the prospective consequence this variation would have on a variety of anthropometric applications (such as biomechanical modeling, product design, design of the built environment, and the design of personal protective equipment). Results demonstrate a wide variety of requisite tolerances when applying anthropometric measurements.