Method for Measuring Position and Posture of the Shoulder Skeleton Using Parallel Links

Abstract

In order to develop scapula motion support equipment for the athlete to learn proper movement of his shoulder in such sports and games as baseball and tennis, a measuring method of the skeleton position and posture is necessary for automation of teaching training. The paper proposes a method for measuring the position and posture of the shoulder skeleton using parallel links. The proposed method is noninvasive and simple, and employs linear encoder. Measurement experiments of the position and posture of the scapula were conducted using this method, and obtained results were compared with previous results obtained by X-ray radiography, and the validity of the proposed method was demonstrated.