Kinematic compatibility between the body and a mock spacesuit during basic upper body motions

• A conceptual method was tested to study kinematic mismatch between body and suit.
• Open structure mock suits were used with marker-based motion capture system.
• Seven basic arm and trunk motions were studied.
• Body segment range of motion was found to be higher than corresponding suit segment.
• Differences of up to 21.3% were found between body and suit segment motions.

In this study, a novel conceptual method was tested to study the kinematic mismatch between the body motion of an occupant with respect to a rigid suit. It was hypothesized that differences between body and suit motion would require extra body movement to achieve the desired suit motion. To quantify the mismatch in kinematics, mock upper body suits with an open structure were used in conjunction with a marker-based motion capture system. A 3D motion modeling software was used to determine the range of motion of the suit and body segments of nine participants performing seven basic arm and trunk motions. In general, range of motion of the body segment was found to be higher than the corresponding suit segment range of motion. Differences in range of motion of up to 21.3% were found between corresponding body and suit segments, and significance was found in five of the seven motions.Relevance to industryDevelopment of a method of determining kinematic misalignment of protective suits will assist evaluation and development of more appropriate protective suits. Better kinematic alignment will not only reduce the risk of injury, but can also improve comfort and benefit performance.