Segmental Method for Computing Center of Mass
Segment Segment Weight (N) CM Location (%) Proximal End Head 0.032 x BW + 18.7066.3 Top of HeadTrunk 0.532 x BW β 6.93 52.2 1ST CervicalUpper Arm 0.022 x BW + 4.76 50.7 ShoulderForearm 0.013 x BW + 2.41 41.7 ElbowHand 0.005 x BW + 0.75 51.1 WristThigh 0.127 x BW β 14.8239.8 HipLower Leg 0.044 x BW β 1.75 41.3 KneeFoot 0.009 x BW + 2.48 40.0 Ankle
From: Chandler, R. F., C. E. Clauser, et al. (1975).
How to Use Segmental Method
1. Determine the X, Y location of the endpoints of all body segments.
2. Determine the weight of each segment.3. Determine the location of each segments center of mass.4. Multiply the segment weights by the x or y coordinates and
then divide by the total weight to determine the location of the body center of mass.
π₯πΆπ=π1π₯1+π2π₯2+π3 π₯3β¦
π1+π2+π3β¦
π¦πΆπ=π1 π¦1+π2 π¦2+π3 π¦β¦
π1+π2+π2β¦
Sagittal View Example
Segment Segment Weight (N) CM Location (%) Proximal End Head 0.032 x BW + 18.70 66.3 Top of HeadTrunk 0.532 x BW β 6.93 52.2 1ST CervicalThigh 0.127 x BW β 14.82 39.8 Hip
In the back handspring assignment we are assuming that the right and left limbs move symmetrically, so the weights must be doubled, in cell F5 enter the following:
=2*((0.127*$L$2)-14.82)