Kin 3514 (Biomechanics)- Lecture 2 Anthropometry

What is Anthropometry?

Study of the measurement (quantitative) of the human body

Types of Anthropometric Data

Static Measure

Dynamic Measure (Functional Measure)

Newtonian Measure

Other Measure (BMI, Somatotype)

Anthropometry involves measurement of:

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

Anthropometry is used to study differences amongst what groups:

race, age, and sex

How might anthropometry in sports after their sports performance?

A sumo wrestler average body mass is 130kg-181kg as compared to marathon runner average body mass is about 63kg

Anthropometry in other fields is

Forensics and Criminology and Ergonomics

Anthropometry in Forensics and Criminology

A form of identity analysis through skeletal measurements to determine biological facts.

Gender determination= pelvis

Race determination= skull

Anthropometry in Ergonomics

Poorly designed seats leads to back injury muscle aches, pain in neck & shoulder

Create safe machinery and protective equipment

What is Static Measures?

Passive measures of the dimensions of the human body. Body measurements while in a fixed position.

Why is static measurement efficient?

Data are more easily dterined, so much more static data are avaliable.

What is Dynamic Measures?

Measurements are taken while the body is engaged in some physical activity (Functional anthropometric data)

Range of motion

• arm functional data may include, flexion/extension, pronation/supination, and radial/ulnar deviation

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

ratio of mass of body/ height

What is the limitations of BMI?

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

What is Somatotyping?

Another word for body type, this classify human physique into 3 extreme body types:

• Endomorph (Thick + round)

• Mesomorph (Muscle + medium)

• Ectomorph (Thin + narrow)

What is Endomorph Body Type?

• High body fat

• Soft body

• Round shoulders

• Wide hips

• Slim wrist and ankles ( High risk of ankle sprain)

What is Mesomorph Body Type?

• Low body fat

• more Muscular body

• Broad shoulders

• Narrow hip

• Strong forearms and thighs

What is Ectomorph Body Type?

• Little body fat and muscle

• Narrow Shoulders and hips

• Thin

• Flat chest

What are somatotype Assessment?

There are two methods: