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CHAPTER 3
ANTHROPOMETRY

ANTHROPOMETRICS
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The term anthropometrics is derived from the

Greek word :
Anthropos = person / human being
Metron = measure / limit / extend
Anthropometrics = measurement of a
person
Measurement of the dimensions of the body
and other physical characteristics
Two types of measurement : static and
dynamics
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STRUCTURAL
(static anthropometry)
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Characteristics
Measures distance of bones between
joint centers including some soft tissue
measures in contour dimensions
(includes the wobbly stuff that covers
our body muscle, fat, skin)

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STRUCTURAL
(static anthropometry)
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Statics dimensions
Measurement taken when the human
body is in a fixed position, which
involves standing and sitting.
Statics dimensions are related to other
factors such as gender, ethnicity,
occupation, percentile within specific
population group and historical period.

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Measurement Techniques
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Body measurements are usually defined by

the two endpoints of the distance measured.
For measurement of stature, the subject
assumes one of four customary positions:
1) standing naturally upright
2) standing stretched to maximum height
3) leaning against a wall with the back
flattened and the buttock, shoulders, and
back of head touching the wall
4) lying on the back
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Standardization of Measurement
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Height = straight line, point to point vertical

measurement
Breadth = straight line, point to point horizontal
measurement running across the entire body or a
body segment
Depth = straight line, point to point horizontal
measurement running for and aft the body
Distance = straight line, point to point
measurement between landmarks on the body.
Curvature = point to point measurement
following a contour
Circumference
= closed measurement follows a
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body contour

Anthropometry Terms and

Measuring Planes
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Anatomical Landmarks
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Measuring Instruments
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Anthropometer
A graduated rod with a sliding edge at a right angle.
Spreading caliper
Consists of two curved branches joined in a hinge.
The distance between the tip of the branches joined is read
from a scale.
Small sliding caliper
For short measurements, such as finger thickness or finger
length.
Tapes
Used to measure circumferences and curvatures.
Scale
To measure the weight of the body.
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Anthropometric statistics
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Anthropometric data are usually

distributed in a normal distribution
N = sample size, N
m = mean / average
SD = standard deviation
The range indicates extreme smallest to
largest value

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Percentile
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Percentile
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Range
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FUNCTIONAL
(dynamic anthropometry)
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Measurements are taken when the body

is in motion or engaged in a physical
activity.
Used to match the dynamic
characteristics of controls to the user

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Individual body members function mostly

in an activity

i.e. all parts are affected together, at the

same time
e.g. limit of arm reach involves
arm

length, but also:

shoulder movement
trunk rotation (possible)
back bending (possible)
hand function

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Hands & Fingers Basic Motions

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Flexion - Bending movement that

decreases the
angle between two parts
Extension -The opposite of flexion; a
straightening
movement that increases the angle between
body parts.
Pronation -A rotation of the forearm
that moves the palm from an
anterior-facing position to a posteriorfacing position, or palm facing down.
Supination - the rotation of the
forearm so that the palm faces
anteriorly, or palm facing up.
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Abduction
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Adjusting relation to mid-line of body

A motion that pulls a structure or part
awayfrom the midline of the body (or, in
the case of fingers and toes, spreading
the digits apart, away from the
centerline of the hand or foot)

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Adduction
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Adjusting relation to mid-line of body

A motion that pulls a structure or part
Towards the midline of the body, or
towards the midline of a limb.

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Envelopes
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Work, walking, turning,

bending. boundaries, etc.

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Anthropometric Design Principles

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Design for the extremes

Design for adjustability
Design for average

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Designs for the Extreme Individuals

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Design meant to fit the axial extremes:

Tallest & shortest
Thinnest & Widest
Lightest & heaviest
May result in waste, but allows
maximum users age

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Designing for Extreme Individuals

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designs should try to accommodate everyone

a single design dimension can be:
limiting

factor restricting use of facility for some

a dictate for max./min. value of variable in question

designing for max. population value:

used

if given max/high value of some design feature

should accommodate almost- all users
examples: heights of doorways, strength of supporting
devices (e.g. rope ladder, workbench,)

designing for min. population value:

used

if given min/low value of some design feature should

accommodate almost- all users
examples: distance of control button from operator; force
required to operate the control
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Designs for Adjustability

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Design to fit 5th to 95th percentiles of the

population
User/operator can adjust to their
physical capabilities.
E.g. adjustable chairs and seats

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Design for the Average

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Designed to accommodate the selected

portion of the population
Problem : May eliminate the use by more
users/operators
Solution: Predetermine physical
requirements of operators
E.g. Fire fighting equipment & fire
fighters
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Designing for Motion

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Select the major body joints involved

Adjust your measured body dimensions to
real world conditions

e.g. relaxed standing/sitting postures, shoes,

clothing, hand tool reach, forward bend, etc.

Select appropriate motion ranges in the

body joints, e.g. knee angle between 60105 degrees, or as a motion envelope.

Avoid twisting, forward bending, prolonged

static postures, and holding the arms raised.
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Procedure for Anthropometric Design

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Step 1: Characterize user population

Identify who will be involved or interact with
the tool/equipment or process
Identify the job that theyre doing
Step 2: Determine important body
dimension
Not all body parts will be involved in the
operation. Which ones are?
What are the important dimensions?
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Step 3: Apply Anthropometric

Principles
Based on the Anthropometric Principles,
select one to apply
Step 4:Determine percentile range
Which percentile range are the target
from?
What measurements adequately fit these
operators?
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Step 5: Anthropometric Measures

Which measures correspond with your
target?
Are they:
Male or female or both?
Under 160cm, 160-170cm or over
170cm or otherrelevant height?
Are they Asian, Caucasian, African?
Are they fit, obese, lean?
Etc.
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Step 6: Appropriate allowance

Will the operator/worker wear clothing or
use other equipment that we should
consider?
What is the work environment the
operator will be in like? Is there wide
space for movement? Will it be confined?
Step 7: Test & Feedback
Test the design
Obtain operators feedback
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