A Method for Measuring the Weight of Human Body Segments Based on 3D-printed Body Segments

Knowing human body segment weights is crucial in several applications. Alongside, there is a persistent need to present these segments in terms of their actual weight and morphology. Thus, this paper aims to construct customized 3Dprinted models of some segments; the upper arm, forearm, hand, thigh, leg, and foot, then measure their weights using a digital scale. Sixty participants, both male and female, were recruited and assigned into experimental and control groups. The linear anthropometric measurements were taken for thirty individuals in the experimental group. The average of these measurements was used to adjust the ready 3D models of the stated segments. Then, the models were scaled and printed. Then, their weights were compared to the weight of every segment for each individual in the control group. The mean percent error of printed segments’ weight compared to the control group ranges between (8-9) %. Compared to the literature, the error range is acceptable. Hence, these printed models are a valid method to be used in several applications, including prosthetics manufacturing, car pedal design, garment design, etc.