Design and Implementation of a Custom Force Pole Assembly for the Measurement of Primate Locomotor Kinetics

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to design and implement a custom force transducer assembly for the measurement of primate locomotor kinetics. The measurement system incorporates various strain gauges, accelerometers, high-speed video cameras, and a data acquisition system to generate quantitative stability measurements during primate locomotion. The tasks for this research include: (1) designing and constructing Wheatstone bridge circuitry to read outputs from the constructed force transducers, (2) calibrating and verifying force transducer outputs, (3) constructing a compliant force pole base to simulate tree branch mobility, and (4) constructing, wiring, and testing of accelerometers to independently measure force pole movement during animal locomotion on the compliant substrate. This system is used to gather locomotor kinetics of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis), common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina). The transducer assembly is applied in two experimental contexts: (1) animals moving over static force poles and (2) animals moving over force poles mounted on a compliant base to simulate tree branch mobility. The design surpasses other similar testing structures through the use of accelerometers to independently measure relative movement and acceleration on compliant substrates. Most importantly, the system allows for adaptation and scalability required for application in other species, such as reptiles and other mammals. Data gathered from this system can be applied to impaired mobility studies in disabled individuals and elderly people.