Strain gauged six-component load transducer for use in upper limb biomechanics

A six-channel instrumented load transducer has been developed for measuring hand and upper limb loading (maximum design load, 2 kN). Modular in design, the transducer can be adapted to a variety of formats, thereby increasing the range of activities to which it can be applied. When used with a motion analysis system, hand loading can be determined with respect to a laboratory coordinate system irrespective of transducer orientation and position. Measurement accuracy of approximately +/- 1 per cent of applied loading has been determined through a system calibration.