Objective Metrics Quantifying Fit and Performance in Spacesuit Assemblies

• DOI: 10.3357/amhp.5123.2018
• Publication Date: 2018-10-24T04:58:42Z
• Authors: Richard A. Fineman; Timothy M. McGrath; Damian G. Kelty-S...; Andrew F. J. Aber...; Leia A. Stirling
• Keywords: Cadence; Padding

INTRODUCTION: Human-spacesuit fit is not well understood, especially in relation to operational performance and injury risk. Current decisions use subjective feedback. This work developed evaluated new metrics for quantifying assessed metric sensitivity changes padding between the human hip brief assembly (HBA).METHODS: Three subjects donned Mark III (MKIII) spacesuit with three thicknesses lower body HBA. Subjects performed a walking task inertial measurement units on thigh shin of both suit. For each step, cadence, knee range motion (tRoM), difference suit tROM (ΔtRoM), relative coordination (ρ) human-suit femur tibia were computed.RESULTS: The MKIII significantly reduced user cadence by 20.4% tRoM 16.5% during subject-dependent due added padding. In general, addition altered ΔtRoM; however, variability did exist subjects. Mixed-effect regressions dynamic reflect distinct positive spikes ρ around heel strike (human-dominated motion) negative dips following toe off (suit-dominated motion).DISCUSSION: There mixed effects gait measures. Differences may be more reliant alternate aspects fit, such as component sizes designs, than level. Subjective feedback supported quantitative observations, highlighting utility. Future will explore sizing components measures performance.Fineman RA, McGrath TM, Kelty-Stephen DG, Abercromby AFJ, Stirling LA. Objective assemblies. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(11):985-995.