[CCoE Notice] Thesis Defense: Modeling Torso Shape and Assessing Lumbar Kinematics with Flexible Strain Sensors

[Grayson, Audrey A]

Name: Linh Vu
Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Room 231, Engineering Building 2
Thesis Committee Chair: Dr. Lawrence Schulze
Thesis Committee Members: Dr. Christopher Chung, Dr. Beom-Chan Lee, Dr. Han Kim


Title: Modeling Torso Shape and Assessing Lumbar Kinematics with Flexible Strain Sensors


Abstract


Astronauts that are exposed to long-term microgravity are at risk for low back pain and injury due to deconditioning of the spine. The risks for low back pain and injury are further elevated as astronauts are required to perform functional tasks in a spacesuit. To understand and mitigate injury risks, it is necessary to evaluate the lumbar kinematics. This evaluation can be achieved using fabric-based strain sensors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and test a method to assess the torso shape deformation and lumbar motion with fabric-based strain sensors that were adhered on the body. Twelve male study participants performed lumbar articulation postures while 3D body scans and sensor measurements were collected. A multilayer principal component and regression-based model was constructed to estimate torso shape and lumbar kinematics. The model demonstrated good lumbar kinematics estimation (< 15°), fairly accurate torso (RMSE < 4.5 cm), and lumbar (RMSE < 1.2 cm) geometry estimation. Thus, the method developed here provides a useful tool for measuring suited lumbar motion.

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