The application to bipeds of a geometric model of lower-limb-segment inertial properties

Drawing inferences about locomotor energetics from limb morphology, especially in regard to small differences between individuals, depends critically on valid estimates of lower-limb inertial properties. While there are numerous options for such estimations in the literature, geometric models that involve simple measures and straightforward mathematics combined with the ability to capture individual variation are rare. In this research, we apply a method, originally developed for quadrupeds, that models limb segments as elliptical columns. When the elliptical model is applied to bipeds, it provides a means of estimating limb-segment inertial properties accurately enough to test differences between individuals of similar stature and mass, but with variation in mass distribution and limb length. We test the method against commonly used equations and are able to show the validity of the method for thigh and shank segments.