Anthropometry, Systems Approach, and Motion Study

Stadiometer

Tool used for measuring height

Skeletal System

Provides support, protection, load bearing, and mobility

Anthropometry

Study of human body dimensions and proportions

Anthropometer

Tool used for measuring human body dimensions

Calipers

Tool used for measuring distances between two points

Scales

Tool used for measuring weight

Anatomy

Study of the structure of the human body

Biomechanics

Study of the mechanical principles of living organisms

Physiology

Study of the functions and processes of living organisms

Systems Approach

An entity that exists to carry out a purpose, composed of elements working together

Joints

Points of movement in the skeletal system

Human-Machine Tasks

Tasks that involve human interaction with machines

Muscular System

Produces force for movement and stability

Cardiovascular System

Consists of blood, heart, and blood vessels for nutrient transportation

Respiratory System

Network of structures for breathing and gas exchange

Nervous System

Includes brain, spinal cord, and sensory receptors, regulates bodily activity

Planar Motion

Describes common joint movements

Major Muscles

Understanding their types, architecture, and functions

Tendons

Dense collagen tissue connecting muscle to bone

Ligaments

Less dense collagen tissue connecting bone to bone at a joint

Cartilage

Padding between bones to absorb shock and reduce friction

Ergonomic Design

Applying a systems approach to design by considering the interaction between the musculoskeletal system and the designed environment

Injuries

Traumatic or repetitive strain/fatigue events that cause harm

Mechanism of Injury (MOI)

Analysis of the force, angle, surface area, duration, tissue type, and severity involved in causing injuries

Axial/Compression Force

Force that compresses or elongates materials in the same plane

Tensile Force

Pulling force that elongates materials

Shear Force

Noncollinear forces causing sliding

Magnitude of Stress

Mechanical stress, strain vs. stress, factors determining injury magnitude, direction, and material properties

Acute Injuries

Result from a single, often high-force event

Chronic Injuries

Result from repetitive, prolonged stress

Strains

Injuries to muscles or tendons

Tendinopathy

Inflammation or degeneration of a tendon

Ligament Sprains

Injuries to ligaments

Nerve Injuries

Injuries to nerves

Low Back Pain

Pain in the lower back region

Stress

Force per unit area

Strain

Relative change in length

Anthropometric Measurements

Measurements of human body dimensions

Normal Distribution

Distribution where the majority of data lies

Percentiles

Quantify an individual's position within a distribution

Task Analysis

Process of determining tasks required for task performance

Motion Economy

Eliminate wasted motions and energy use in tasks

Therbligs

Classify productive and non-productive motions

Workspace Design

Optimal arrangement of tools and materials for task performance

Two-Handed Process Chart

Analyze motions of each hand through the entire cycle time

Motion Study

Analyzes body motions to eliminate wasted movements