Measuring the moment of inertia of the human body by a rotating platform method

An apparatus has been constructed for the demonstration and measurement of the moment of inertia of a human body. The apparatus consists of a turntable that is free to rotate under the action of a falling weight. The mechanical features of the apparatus are presented together with a theoretical model of its operation. The apparatus has been used to measure the moment of inertia of the human body in a number of different positions using motion-analysis video equipment to measure the rotational speed of the turntable continuously. (C) 2005 American Association of Physics Teachers.