Search

In cycling, biomechanical posture optimization strives to improve core stability and symmetry in the lower and upper extremities to raise power output. In addition, the shape and pose of the cyclists determine the projected frontal area, which is the major factor influencing drag during cycling. In this study, a high-fidelity prototype garment was developed that includes kinetic bands and proprioceptive devices to adjust biomechanical posture during cycling. The aim is to measure improved projected frontal area, stability, and symmetry as a result of wearing a corrective cycling garment. Thirty participants were gathered under strict exclusion criteria to ensure a representative sample of the population. Two exploratory studies were conducted: experimental and reference measurements of 1) 11 cyclists’ pedal balance and projected frontal area, and 2) 5 cyclists’ biomechanical movements through an optical motion tracking system. The results indicate an improved pedal balance and deteriorated stability and symmetry for the corrective bib short.

In this white paper, the opportunities and current obstacles to use the Move 4D markerless motion tracking system (Instituto de Biomecanica de Valencia - IBV), for capturing human product interactions is discussed. In particular, this whitepaper focuses on scanning cyclists to map and improve biomechanical efficiency and aerodynamics. If successful, it could lay the technological foundation to extend current CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analyses, with flow simulations executed with a dynamically moving body and bicycle based on a high resolution and high framerate 4D mesh. Furthermore, the homologous mesh export function could allow bike fitters to use digitally standardized measurement points for biomechanical assessments. In contrast, marker-based motion tracking systems require hand placement of markers that are susceptible to faults such as placement position errors, low battery while recording, and falling off the skin. A markerless system could also improve flexibility for researchers to find new relevant measurement points due to the flexibility of digital markers. Current obstacles are revealed during an exploratory observation: 1) recording a professional time trail rider. A primary obstacle in capturing human product interactions is that the system does not provide a usable homologous mesh, due to the system's inability to separate the object, in this case, the bicycle, from the cyclist. Two follow-up observations explore the effect of coating objects, used in human-product interactions, with material that do not emit infrared (IR) in broadbands of 3–5 μm and 8–14 μm: 2) exploring coatings that avoid detection by IR cameras, and 3) recording a human product interaction with an object coated in a material that avoids detection by IR cameras. Results shows that these coatings on objects used in a human product interaction enables the system to capture the actor’s full dynamic movement, without the object being captured. This way a dynamically moving, watertight, and accurate homologous 4D mesh can be created of the actor.

Container lashers are at a significant risk of developing musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) when working at port facilities. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) to the back, shoulders, wrists, and hands, in particular, are widespread. This work investigates the ability of a closed-loop vibrotactile motion guidance (VMG) system to teach an ergonomics-focused approach. The taught technique was developed for tensioning and loosening turnbuckles, an important step in container lashing. During five sessions, two groups, each with three participants, were observed. Participants' initial ability was tested in a baseline session. During this session, participants only receive auditory feedback. A VMG device is used to instruct the experimental group during the next three sessions. Traditional auditory feedback is used to teach the control group. Finally, neither group will wear the VMG device during the follow-up session. The findings of this study suggest that both VMG and auditory feedback training are effective training strategies for reducing postural error state (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank, p < 0.05). However, results suggest that VMG does not provide a significant error state reduction compared to auditory feedback training (Mann-Whitney, p > 0.05).

Mass-Customization (MC) has been considered to answer diversifying customer needs and reshape the consumer product market. However, after about two decades of trials, MC has been largely far from success in practice. One of the major reasons for this is considered to be a lack of user engagement with customized products and the customization process itself. Therefore, this draws the attention from what is provided to the customer to how it is provided. The user involvement in MC is in the form of co-creation and often done through online tools, also known as product configurators. In practice, these product configurators for MC frequently fail in sales conversion. This study investigates the experience for customers throughout the co-creation process in an attempt to shed light on different aspects of this experience and provide a better understanding of all contributing factors.