KIN 3514 - anthropometry

what is anthropometry?

Study of the measurement (quantitative) of   the human body and body segments

• e.g., match people physically with the   products and work systems

what measurements are involved in anthropometry?

size, shape, length, volumes, weight of body   segments, etc

what are the types of anthropometric data?

static measure, dynamic measures (functional measure), Newtonian measures, and other measures like BMI and somatotype

what is used in anthropometry to study differences between groups?

age, sex, and race

how is anthropometry useful in forensics and criminology?

used as a form of identity analysis through skeletal measurements   to determine biological facts

• Sex determination: pelvis

• Ancestry determination:skull (OUTDATED)

how is anthropometry helpful in ergonomics?

Create safe machinery and protective equipment

• ex: poorly designed seats → back injury muscle ache, pain neck & shoulder

what are static measures?

Passive measures of the dimensions of the human body

• Body measurements while in a fixed position

why are there more static measures available?

because the data are more easily determined

what are dynamic measures?

Measurements are taken while the body is engaged in some physical activity; measure the range of movement of body parts (functional anthropometric data)

• maximum forward reach

what are some examples for range of motion?

Flexion and extension, Pronation and supination, and Radial and ulnar deviation

what is the formula for body mass index (BMI)?

BMI = kg/m²

why is BMI a limitation?

an inaccurate measure of body fat content and does not take into account body composition (muscle mass, bone density, etc.)

what is the BMI for obesity?

> 30 kg/m²

what is the BMI for overweight?

>25 kg/m²

what is the BMI for non-overweight?

<24.9 kg/m²

what is somatotyping?

body type; a way of describing body build

• Developed in the 1940s by American psychologist, William Sheldon

what are the extreme body types of somatotyping?

endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph

what is the somatotype of these conditions: High body fat, Soft body, Round shoulders, Wide hips, and Slim wrists and ankles.

endomorph

what is the somatotype of these conditions: Low body fat, Muscular body, Broad shoulders, Narrow hip, and Strong forearms and thighs

mesomorph

what is the somatotype of these conditions: Little body fat or muscle, Narrow shoulders & hips, Thin, and Flat chest

ectomorph

what are the methods of the somatotype assessment?

The anthropometric method

• rating form

• body dimensions

The photoscopic method

• William Sheldon (1940s)

• 4000 pictures of young people

what is the equipment required for the anthropometric method?

Stadiometer, Weighing scale, Skinfold caliper, Sliding caliper, and Measuring tape

what is measured in anthropometric method?

Height (cm), Weight (kg), Skinfold thickness (mm), Width (cm), Girth  (cm)

what are advanced methods of somatotyping?

Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, DEXA (body composition scan), and 3D body scanner

what is Newtonian Anthropometry?

used in mechanical analysis of the loads on the human body; Related to strength measures (e.g., grip strength and comfort)