A survey of the anthropometric data relating to five ethnic groups in Assam considering gender and ethnic diversity: Application of the data in designing an improvised pedal-operated Chaak

This study was undertaken to gather and analyze the anthropometric data of five ethnic groups from Assam, India. In this study, 72 anthropometric body dimensions, including the age and body weight of 453 people from different districts of Assam, India, are summarized. The sample included 265 male and 188 female participants in the age group of 18–60 years. Five different ethnic groups of the state, that is, Boro, Garo, Hira, Karbi, and Rabha, are considered in the study. People associated with the handicraft sector are considered for the study's purposes. The variation in anthropometric data considering gender and ethnic diversity is also examined, and significant differences are observed in relation to gender and ethnicity. The most notable variation observed is in the anthropometric dimensions of Hira population when compared to the other four ethnic groups of the same gender. Factor analysis and regression modelling are also done as part of the study. Further, the collected data are used to redesign the traditional Chaak (pottery wheel) and, cater to their comfort with added safety. These enhancements are intended to double the productivity of artisans as compared to that obtained by the existing Chaak that is being used by the artisans.The relevance of the studyThe fresh anthropometric data summarized in this study will be helpful for redesigning tools and machinery for the rural population of Assam, India. The outcomes of the study will add knowledge to the differences existing with regard to the anthropometric data of the different native groups from a small geographical space.     

Structural anthropometric measurements for wheelchair mobile adults.

Structural anthropometric measurements for males and females were determined for the wheelchair mobile adults. A photogrammetry methodology was used to obtain the measurements. The various subject demographics including age, level or type of dysfunction as well as the specified anthropometric dimensions of the wheelchair mobile subjects were identified. The data would be useful for the design of industrial workstations for wheelchair mobile adults. Present workstation design principles based on seated able-bodied anthropometric measurements would not be suitable for this population.     

A Survey of Hand Anthropometry and Biomechanical Measurements of Dentistry Students in Turkey

The objectives of this study were 1) to determine various hand dimensions and biomechanics measurements for Turkish dentistry students, 2) to evaluate the differences between males and females and between the right and left hand, and 3) to compare these data with similar data for other populations (Thai, Indian, Malaysian, British, Jordanian, Nigerian, Mexican, Bangladesh, and Vietnamese). The present study was undertaken to generate hand anthropometric and biomechanics data of 92 male and 73 female students studying at dentistry faculty. Sixty‐seven anthropometric and 26 biomechanics measurements were taken in both hands. The means, standard deviations, and percentile values were tabulated and compared with other populations. The results suggest that the Turkish female fingers are thinner than those of other females except Indians, and that the Turkish male fingers are wider than those of the other males. Furthermore, the results also suggest that the Turkish female strength in handgripping is greater than that of other females except British females, and the Turkish male handgrip strength is greater than that of other males except Americans. This study provides insights about Turkish hand dimensions and biomechanics; it can be a basis for future studies and the design of dental tools meant for the Turkish market. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Anthropometric study of Algerian farmers

An anthropometric study of Algerian date-palm farmers was carried out. Thirty-six body dimensions were measured. Mean, variation measures, percentiles, 4 indices, and correlation coefficients between body dimensions were calculated. Effects of age were studied. Data of Algerian farmers and farmers from both developed and developing countries are compared. Body dimensions results were presented in one table so that they can easily be used by designers. It has been found that both stature and weight correlated significantly with many body dimensions. In addition, age was found to affect body height and weight. Moreover, it was found that stature and weight have increased with time. These days farmers are taller and heavier than farmers of the 1960s. Algerian farmers are also taller and heavier than farmers of many developing countries. However, when Algerians are compared with the farmers of developed countries, they are shorter and lighter.

Relevance to industry

The physical dimensions of the workplace are very important because small changes can have a considerable impact on worker health, safety, and productivity. Therefore, this study was completed to provide anthropometric data that can be used to design or redesign agricultural machines, tools and equipment. Date-palm agriculture is still done traditionally in most of the date-palm producing countries. The introduction of ergonomically designed technology will improve the date-palm industry.     

Surveying the dimensions and characteristics of Korean ears for the ergonomic design of ear-related products

Six hundred male and female Korean subjects aged 17–89 were selected for this study. Four different points of the outer ear—the lengths of the pinna, the ear connection point, the earhole and the lobule thickness—were measured and analyzed along with demographic data, including age, stature and weight. The results showed that age, sex and different ethnic populations were determinants of ear dimensions as exemplified by the length of the pinna which increases as age increases (r=0.689). The primary objective of this study was to provide product designers with the anthropometric dimensions of Korean ears and recommend appropriate solutions for the ergonomic design of ear-related products. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that the change in body parts due to aging be considered in the application of anthropometric data when designing such products.

Relevance to Industry

Limited research has been done on the dimensions of ears although an extensive amount of research has been conducted on other parts of the human body. The findings of this study, therefore, can be used as a basis for researching and producing ergonomically designed ear-related products.     

Measurements of projected areas of seated and standing people of southern Italy based on a statistical analysis

One of the most important components affecting the human thermal balance is represented by its radiative exchange with the surrounding surfaces. The projected area of the human body is an important parameter of these thermal exchanges. Unfortunately, although the anthropometric measures of people are characterized by significant differences among various populations, the experimental data currently available in the literature refers to a small group of people. Moreover, measurements are generally performed regardless of the statistical significance of the involved subjects with respect to the population to which they belong.In this study, a statistical study is introduced that is based on a large analysis of the anthropometric characteristics of the analysed population. Moreover, a new experimental procedure is applied to evaluate the projected area factor and the effective radiating area of a sample of people belonging to the population of southern Italy.The calculated projected area factors are fairly in accordance with those originally proposed by Fanger for standing people. For seated people, however, the experimental values of the present study show some differences from those of the literature. This study provided a tentative explanation for these discrepancies.     

Biomechanical parameters on body segments of Korean adults

This study investigates anthropometric and kinetic characteristics of Korean adults. Dimensions, immersion method for volumes and reaction board method for centers of masses are directly measured.The anthropometric characteristics of eighteen body segments on a sample of 1199 male subjects and 937 female subjects whose ages range between 20 and 39 in Kim et al. (1992), are used to estimate segment lengths as a fraction of body height. Thirty-one male subjects and 29 female subjects in their twenties and thirties are served for anthropometric and kinetic measurements of body segments according to Röhrer index.Obtained data are compared with cadaver data in Dempster (1955), Matsui (1958)and Clauser et al. (1969). Also, to observe anthropometric and kinetic trends of Korean adults, results are compared with the results in Jung (1993)and Lim (1994).Relevance to industryObtained anthropometric and kinetic data can be applied to areas such as workspace design, statistical guidelines for product design, human movement analysis, human manikin development, vehicle seats and furniture design.     

Musculoskeletal disorders among female carpet weavers in Iran

The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with self-reported upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) among female carpet weavers. Data on demographic characteristics and workplace factors were collected from 626 female carpet weavers. Type of carpet weaving looms, weaving style (Persian vs. Turkish), daily working hours and work experience as well as personal factors including age and marital status were significantly and independently associated with self-reported UEMSDs (p < 0.05), while education, handedness and weight of weaving comb were not. A major finding of this study was the significant association between weaving style and UEMSDs. Better measures of the biomechanical requirements of carpet weaving tasks in Persian and Turkish weaving types are required to understand better their influences on the health of weavers and on UEMSDs in particular. Poor workstation design, in particular, design inappropriate for the anthropometric dimensions of weavers, was a major risk factor for musculoskeletal symptoms in carpet weaving. Therefore, this industry should develop equipment adapted to women's sizes and shapes. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: This article provides an insight into the risk factors associated with self-reported UEMSDs among female carpet weavers, identifying major factors associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and exploring guidelines for designing weaving workstations.     

Quality circle activities in the Turkish establishments

A research, which has been conducted to study quality circle activities in the Turkish industry, has revealed that quality circles are implemented by a limited number of establishments. 18 large scale industrial organizations that operate, or intend to operate quality circles have been identified. The patriarchal nature of the Turkish culture, the economic circumstances of Turkey, the educational and social backgrounds of quality circle members, and the policies of top managements and labor unions are the main obstacles for QC implementation. The sample studied in this research is too small to carry out reliable statistical tests. When the results are reviewed, however, it seems that quality circles are functioning just on the borderline.     

Anthropometry of the Singaporean and Indonesian populations

This research collected anthropometric data of the Singaporean and Indonesian populations. The data were mainly from university students. In total, 245 male and 132 female subjects from Indonesia and 206 male and 109 female subjects from Singapore were measured. The Singapore data were divided into three sub-groups, comprising Singapore overall, Singapore citizens, and the Chinese ethnic sub-group. The Indonesians data were divided into two sub-groups, comprising Indonesia citizens and Indonesia Chinese. This study used 36 measurement dimensions. The authors made a comparison with previous anthropometric data collected in 1990 of over a thousand Singaporeans.The main contributions of this study are: i) an updated anthropometric database of Singaporeans and Indonesians, ii) a comparison of the two samples obtained, and iii) a projection of dimensional changes over time from comparing past to more recent anthropometric data. Statistical analyses show that Singaporeans (both male and female) tend to have larger dimensions than Indonesians in general. In addition, the data reveal the current sample to be significantly larger on more than 50 percent of the dimensions measured, for both males and females.In providing instances of possible application, the Body Mass Index (BMI) of all sub-groups was calculated. The results show both samples to have normal indexes with BMIs in the range of 18.5–25.0. This paper presents also an empirical estimation of unknown anthropometric characteristics using the Ratio Scaling Method. The purpose is to estimate uncollected anthropometric data based on a given scaling dimension. Overall, the reported anthropometric data and analyses can be used as relevant consideration in product and systems design.

Relevance to industry

The findings of this study indicate differences between Singaporean and Indonesian anthropometry in the citizen and Chinese sub-groups. The utilization of an updated anthropometric database that incorporates geographical origin and ethnic group is useful. Product designers would be able to cater to a wider range of target users.     

Seated body apparent mass response to vertical whole body vibration: Gender and anthropometric effects

The gender and anthropometric effects on apparent mass characteristics of the seated body exposed to vertical vibration are investigated through laboratory measurements. The study was conducted on 31 male and 27 female subjects, exposed to three levels of vertical vibration (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 m/s² rms acceleration) in the 0.50 to 20 frequency range, while seated without a back support and against a vertical back support. The apparent mass responses were analyzed by grouping datasets in three ranges of mass-, build- and stature-related parameters for the male and female subjects. Comparisons of responses of male and female subjects with comparable anthropometric properties showed distinctly different biodynamic responses of the two genders. The primary resonance frequency of male subjects was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the female subjects of comparable body mass but the peak magnitude was comparable for both the gender groups. The male subjects showed greater softening with increasing excitation magnitude compared to the female subjects, irrespective of the sitting condition. The male subjects showed significantly higher peak magnitude response than those of the female subjects for the same anthropometric properties, except for the total and lean body mass. The peak magnitude was linearly correlated with the body mass, body mass index, body fat and hip circumference (r² > 0.7), irrespective of the back support and excitation conditions for both the genders.Relevance to the industryThe apparent mass responses of the human body exposed to whole-body vibration form an essential basis for an understanding of mechanical-equivalent properties of the body, developments in frequency-weightings for assessment of exposure risks and anthropodynamic manikins for assessment of seats. The effects of gender and anthropometric parameters on the AM response are vital for seeking better seat designs, and anthropodynamic manikins for assessments of seating for male as well as female workers.     

Hand tool handle size and shape determination based on hand measurements using a contour gauge

The purpose of this study is to provide a novel approach to tool handle design and development based on measurements of hand shape using a contour gauge. In general, traditional design techniques, designing based on anthropometric data, and derived mathematical models do not incorporate enough subject data to design a customized product. First, anthropometric measurements on the right hand of 60 participants were collected with a contour gauge to manufacture matching handles. A curved handle fitting the human hand was constructed with common computer‐aided design software, and cylindrical handles and elliptical handles were added for comparison. All of the handles were used to record the participants' grip force to evaluate the operating efficiency of the handles. Finally, the participants completed a comfort‐rating questionnaire. The results show that contours based on the hand provided the highest operating performance and the best overall comfort‐rating compared to cylindrical handles and elliptical cylindrical handles. The newly developed handles in the grip force tasks have the highest push performance and the best comfort ratings compared to traditional cylindrical and elliptical handles. The developed handles could provide the hand tool industry information on developing and manufacturing many other similar handle designs (such as those for saws and electric screwdrivers).     

Anthropometry of male agricultural workers of western India for the design of tools and equipments

Agricultural workers and farmers in India perform most of the agricultural operations manually. Hence, for the design of farm equipments, hand tools and machinery involving human efforts, region specific anthropometric data is needed. A survey was conducted to collect anthropometric dimensions of male agricultural workers in the state of Maharashtra in India in the age group of 18–60 years. Almost 59 body dimensions were selected for the measurement from the recommendations by All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Human Engineering and Safety in Agriculture (HESA) and requisite by digital human manikin modeling. Total 303 male agricultural workers were selected from 23 districts of Maharashtra by convenience sampling. Repeatability of the measurements was checked by paired samples t test. From the measured dimensions, the values of minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation (SD), standard error of mean (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), 5th and 95th percentile values were determined. The results of the survey were compared with results of other regions of India and other countries.Relevance to industryThe anthropometric data of user population is very utile for the design/improvement of farm equipments/implements for agricultural workers in order to reduce drudgery, increase efficiency, safety and comfort.     

Performance of a 2D image-based anthropometric measurement and clothing sizing system

Two-dimensional, image-based anthropometric measurement systems offer an interesting alternative to traditional and three-dimensional methods in applications such as clothing sizing. These automated systems are attractive because of their low cost and the speed with which they can measure size and determine the best-fitting garment. Although these systems have appeal in this type of application, not much is known about the accuracy and precision of the measurements they take. In this paper, the performance of one such system was assessed. The accuracy of the system was analyzed using a database of 349 subjects (male and female) who were also measured with traditional anthropometric tools and techniques, and the precision was estimated through repeated measurements of both a plastic mannequin and a human subject. The results of the system were compared with those of trained anthropometrists, and put in perspective relative to clothing sizing requirements and short-term body changes. It was concluded that image-based systems are capable of providing anthropometric measurements that are quite comparable to traditional measurement methods (performed by skilled measurers), both in terms of accuracy and repeatability.     

Anthropometry of Algerian women

An anthropometric study was carried out in Algeria between March 1986 and September 1987. A set of body dimensions were taken from a sample of 666 Algerian female subjects, age range 16-65 years. The subjects were selected randomly and covered a mix of occupational groups. The measurements were taken as part of a ful ler study, and were chosen for their relevance to furniture design and the domestic workplace layout. Results are presented, discussed, and compared with those of other female populations.     

Anthropometry of Algerian women

An anthropometric study was carried out in Algeria between March 1986 and September 1987. A set of body dimensions were taken from a sample of 666 Algerian female subjects, age range 16-65 years. The subjects were selected randomly and covered a mix of occupational groups. The measurements were taken as part of a fuller study, and were chosen for their relevance to furniture design and the domestic workplace layout. Results are presented, discussed, and compared with those of other female populations.     

Choosing cross-over designs when few subjects are available

Cross-over designs are used extensively for experiments in many fields. If the n subjects are relatively scarce compared to the t treatments then universally optimal designs do not exist under these restrictions and a computational procedure is usually required to select the design. This arises, for example, if the subjects comprise several animals which are in short supply, due perhaps to weight or age limitations. It is shown that cyclic cross-over designs are available that have lower average variances for direct and carry-over elementary treatment contrasts than other cyclic cross-over designs described in the literature. Examples of these improved designs are given for typical values of t and n. It is further shown that in these circumstances it is sensible to guard against a choice of design that can become disconnected if a few observations are lost during the experimentation. These points are illustrated in detail by considering the selection of a cross-over design for an experiment involving seven treatments applied to four subjects.