CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF AN APPARATUS FOR TRI-AXIAL MEASUREMENT OF LUMBAR TORQUES IN ISOMETRIC MODE

Understanding the role and significance of the different components of the trunk neuro-musculo-skeletal system is of great importance for development of proper preventive and curative measures for low back pain. The experimental investigations, using lumbar moment measurement devices, are considered the most useful sources of information for detail understanding of the biomechanics of trunk and its components. This paper describes the conceptual design of a new lumbar moment measurement system, based on minimum deflection, anthropometric characteristics, and measurement considerations. The system is capable to measure the 3-D trunk moments using uni-directional torque sensors within a proper configuration of links and joints. Some other features of the system include convergence of its joints, high stability, and ability to adapt to a wide range of anatomical postures is standing and sitting positions.