Evaluation of a Transparent Seat Back for Motion Capture of the Thoracolumbar Spine on the Multi-Axis Ride Simulator

Abstract

Low back pain is a pervasive health problem in a range of military occupations. A knowledge gap exists regarding spinal movement in operational ride environments due to limitations in data collection caused by equipment impeding motion capture data collection. This involves the development and validation of a novel transparent seat back (TSB) for the USAARL multi-axis ride simulator (MARS) to develop a standard methodology to quantify seated spinal motion response to whole-body vibration (WBV) and jolt during simulated operational transport environments. The TSB was fabricated and affixed to the standard MARS chair instead of the aluminum seat back. Volunteers were instrumented and asked to perform torso movements within all three planes. Vicon motion capture was used to observe visual distortions through the transparent seat back. Data were collected for a 35th percentile female and 95th percentile male, and x-, y-, and z-positional data were analyzed. Results indicate that the retroreflective markers can be tracked regardless of TSB configuration with minimal error or distortion. The TSB will add to vibration research capabilities.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 16, 2024
Accession Number
AD1219902

Entities

People

  • Adrienne M. Madison
  • Alexis S. Stewart
  • Allison M. Robinette
  • Matthew T. Ballard
  • Meghan E. Prusia
  • S. M. Perkins
  • Sean M. Shumate
  • Shelby H. Hasapes
  • Valeta C. Chancey

Organizations

  • United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab

Tags

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.