Showing 15 results for Anthropometry
Mohammad Ghofrani, Habib Noori, Ahmad Roshan Bakhsh Yazdi,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (12-2014)
Abstract
Introduction: Due to the deleterious
effects of mismatch between body dimensions of students and educational
furniture, this study aimed to assess the size of students’ body in Yazd.
Material and Methods: The study population included
all high school students in Yazd city. Popliteal height, buttock-popliteal
length, elbow rest height, hips width, thighs thickness and scapular elevation
were measured in 307 students. Besides, in furniture used in the schools studied,
two chairs and two benches that had a greater frequency of analysis were
chosen.
Results: The results of the
statistical comparisons showed that type 1 furniture, seat width was acceptable
for 96.74% and thigh freedom was 100% fit. The type 2 furniture depth for most
students was appropriate, and seat width was acceptable for 96.42% of students.
Thigh freedom was fit for 100% with a good rating. In type 3 furniture, there
was not any parameter with good fit and in type 4 furniture, wide seat width
and thigh freedom was desirable.
Conclusions: In general, the furniture
conformity with students’ anthropometry was not desirable.
Mohammad Amin Mououdi,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: An important measure for ensuring safety in the operation of industrial machinery is to install proper guards that prevent machine hazards and protect operators. The design of industrial machine guards is a key issue in ergonomics and worker safety and has become a focus of research in hand anthropometry.
The present study was conducted to assess the different hand anthropometric dimensions of employees in an industrial unit and to design a fixed mesh guard in the shape of a rectangle for industrial machines and to use the collected data for the standardization of industrial machine guards in Iran to help prevent machine hazards.
Materials and methods: Thirteen right hand anthropometric dimensions of 97 male and female employees of an industrial unit were examined. To design a standard fixed guard, the length dimensions of the 99th percentile of men and the thickness (diameter) and width of the 1st percentile of women were calculated.
Results: According to the data obtained, a standard fixed guard creates a safe distance of 196.61 mm with the hazardous components of the machine, a gap length of 10.19 mm and a gap width of 8.29 mm. Comparison of 6 parameters, including DIP, PIP, MCP, TE, DPC and WR, with the OSHA regulations showed that PIP and WR had decreased, MCP, DIP and TE had increased and DPC could not be analyzed given the lack of sufficient information on the parameter in the OSHA.
Conclusion: The design of machine guards that help prevent industrial hazards is an integral part of workplace safety. The analysis of DIP, PIP, MCP, TE, DPC and WR in the present study and in a study conducted by Vaillancourt et al. showed some of the parameters to have increased and some to have decreased compared with the OSHA regulations. This study also reveals the need for revising ISIRI 11800, a standard published by the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran.
Mohammad Gofrani, Habib Noori,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (6-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Using human data and observing local manufacturers of domestic products for imported furniture seems necessary to design and manufacture sofas with ergonomic indices. This paper uses data from the study of human population. The design process from the perspective of ergonomic furniture and product design consists of ergonomic principles such as shape and posture in the correct state and consideration of parts of body that need cushion for protection.
Methods: In this research, anthropometric data of 150 males and 110 females between the ages of 25 to 35 were measured. The calculations were based on a sample size sofa to gather user evaluation.
Results: After analyzing the measured results of a similar internal investigation using SPSS software and combining them with ergonomic principles, the optimal size sofa measurements with all angles for Iranians adults was calculated and the results were compared with the dimensions of the furniture.
Conclusions: Seat height and backrest height and width, respectively 37, 57 and 62 cm, the angle of 105 degrees between the seat and the back, and the slope of 5 degrees for the seat surface are suggested as the standard.
Roya Emamgholizadeh Minaei, Mohammad Hajaghazadeh, Teimour Allahyari, Hamidreza Khalkhali, Mansoor Keramat,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (6-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Foot anthropometric dimensions could be useful in designing comfortable footwear. The objective of this study was the measurement of foot anthropometric dimensions in a group of students.
Methods: This was a descriptive study in which 21 dimensions of foot for 580 males and females were measured manually. To measure the foot dimensions, a digital caliper and a tape were used. The measured dimensions included the important lengths, widths, heights and girths of foot. Descriptive statistics such as percentiles, mean and standard deviation were calculated for the collected data. To test and survey of the mean of foot dimensions between males and females, statistics such as independent t-test and effect size (Cohen’s d) were used.
Results: The values of mean, standard deviation, the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles were calculate and tabulated for the total studied population and for gender. In all measured foot dimensions, males had bigger dimensions than females. Gender had different impacts on the measured foot dimensions. The mean of all foot dimensions was significantly different between males and females (P value = 0.001). Digital pattering of I and II were observed in 78% and 22% of the studied population, respectively.
Conclusions: In the present study, important anthropometric data of foot were collected for a group of students. The presented percentiles could be used in design of male and female shoes. Conducting similar studies in children with different age categories could help completion of the anthropometric database.
Mehrdad Ashrafi, Hamideh Razavi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Nine percent of all available packaging are jars with steel lids. However, some consumers have trouble with jar opening. The aim of the current research was to analyze the exerting force on jar lids regarding the torque input to the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of the consumers.
Methods: In this study, the force distributed on the fingers and the palm was examined using a special tester consisting of Force Sensing Resistors (FSR). This tester included 19 sensors, 14 of which were installed on the fingers and 5 on the palm. Each sensor was connected to a driver via 2 wires and then to a computer by a USB port. A full jar with 1100 g weight and 85 mm lid outer diameter was used and the forces exerted by 20 participants, including 10 male and 10 female students, was recorded. Next, the Minitab 17 software was used and the mathematical relationship between the torque and anthropometric and physiological characteristics was investigated.
Results: It was found that the force is mainly exerted by the index finger. The calculation of the torque based on the force measurements showed that the maximum torque applied by males was 10.63 Nm and by females was 7.66 Nm. Statistical F test for the torque (response variable) at a significance level of 0.05 resulted in P values equal to 0.011 and 0.008 for male and female participants, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the measured values are statistically significant.
Conclusions: Statistical analysis revealed that hand dimensions and grip strength play major roles in applying torque. Additionally, the results indicated that packaging conditions for the particular jar in this study must be adjusted such that the consumers with the lowest physical ability (5.11 Nm torque) could open them.
Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Ismail Shokrolahi, Royan Shahpuri, Jamshid Yazdani-Charati,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, with the progressive development of various scientific, research and industrial fields, there are musculoskeletal disorders in computer and laptop users. Musculoskeletal disorders including pain and pressure in areas such as wrists, elbows, neck and shoulders, along with the fatigue of these areas, especially back and waist pain are common among many computer and laptop users. The aim of this study was to design a customizable ergonomic table for using laptops based on the anthropometric characteristics of students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This study was conducted on 108 (61 males and 47 females) students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Ten parameters including knee height sitting on a chair, eyes- elbows height, cross-legged posture kneeling length, cross-legged posture kneeling height, thick thighs, elbow rest height-sitting, shoulder-fingertip length, abdominal depth, hip breath, and elbow-fingertip length were measured using the adjustable seating, caliper and meter. The SPSS software version 20 was used to analyze the data. Then, the percentiles 1 to 99 and the golden number 1.618 were used to design the table.
Results: The mean age of the subjects was 23 ± 3.14 years. Based on anthropometric characteristics, gold number, resulting percentiles and design equations, an adjustable ergonomic table was designed in three seated sitting, four-knee and Fowler’s positions.
Conclusions: It is expected that after putting this device on the laptop, the musculoskeletal disorders caused by its use will be reduced. Because of limited studies have been conducted in this area, it is suggested that further studies in this regard be undertaken in the future.
Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Mohsen Hosseini,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (11-2017)
Abstract
Background: Sitting for long periods of time is a part of the illness, which can happen in the workplace and the lack of attention to the ergonomic principles causes musculoskeletal disorders such as backache, pelvic ache, shoulder ache, elbow ache, arm ache, wrist and ankle ache, and muscle aches in the other parts of the body. The present research was carried out according to the ergonomic principles and designs, in order to design an ergonomic chair, suitable for the computer users in the monitoring room of one of the industries in the Mazandaran province.
Methods: The participants in this study included a total of 32 male staff from the monitoring room of one of the industries in the Mazandaran province. A total of 24 anthropometric parameters were measured from the body of each of the subjects, sitting in a vertical position on an adjustable chair, using anthropometric calipers and meters and the data were analyzed with the Excel and the Minitab statistical programs.
Results: The mean age of the subjects was 42.59 ±5.34 years and the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of their anthropometric dimensions and Pearson's correlation coefficients were obtained to design the height, the depth, the height, and the width of the ergonomic chair. All parts of the chair had two degrees of freedom. The neck and back supports, adjustable for this type of chair were designed specifically. Also, using MIT standards, the level of seat compressibility was measured to be 4.26 cm, based on the 95th percentile weight.
Conclusion: Considering that other countries design and produce suitable chairs, focusing on the anthropometric characteristics of the individuals, studies, similar to this research could be recommended in the different parts of the country, in order to design and produce appropriate chairs for the physical dimensions of the people and their needs.
Mohsen Taghizade, Iraj Mohebbi, Hamidreza Khalkhali, Parya Ahmadi-Arablu, Arezou Torfeh, Mohammad Hajaghazadeh,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2018)
Abstract
Background: The lack of fit between tools and human hand could result in musculoskeletal disorders and decrease efficiency. Designing hand tools, anthropometric data of target population is necessary. A few studies have reported the hand anthropometric dimensions of Iranians. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to measure the most important anthropometric dimensions of hand in a population of office staffs in Urmia.
Methods:In this study, 20 dimensions of dominant hand were measured in 345 participants (217 males and 128 females) using a digital caliper and a plastic tape. The important percentiles were reported by gender. Independent t-test was used to compare the mean of male and female hand dimensions. The length and width of hand were compared with the corresponding data from published literature.
Results: The values of 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles were calculated and tabulated by gender. The hand dimensions of men were larger than those of women. The mean of hand dimensions of men was statistically different from those of women (P=0.001). In contrast to women, the hand length and breadth of the men of this study were significantly different from those of the most of the other communities.
Conclusion: The results of this study could be used by designers or importers of hand tools and gloves. Considering the significant differences of hand dimensions between men and women, it is recommended to use hand dimensions of each gender for designing their related products.
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Mehrane Shabani, Younes Lotfi, Fakhradin Ghasemi, Younes Mohammadi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the factors affecting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the lack of coordination and appropriateness of these tools. Designing a handy tool helps with a better performance, befitting and less fatigue. In this study, anthropometric data on the hands (right and left) of women and men were collected.
Materials & Methods: This research was descriptive and 576 people participated in this study; 10 anthropometric measurements of the hand according to the principles of measurement of Pheasant were measured by digital caliper under the same conditions. The measured anthropometric dimensions were the length of the hands and palms, the width of the hands and palms, the length of the fingers (m1-m2-m3-m4-m5) and the maximum power grip. Descriptive indices such as percentile 5, 50 and 95, maximum and minimum, mean and standard deviation were calculated using SPSS software.
Results: 290 women and 286 men participated in this study. Mean and standard deviation of age was (40.58 ± 9.95), height (1.66 ± 1.14) and BMI (26.85 ± 4.50). 90.8% were right handed and (9.2%) were left handed. The mean difference in length of hand, palm length, hand width, thumb length, middle finger length, small finger length, maximum power grip of women and men were statistically significant (P<0.01). All dimensions of the hand in men were larger than women.
Conclusion: Anthropometric dimensions are influenced by factors such as gender, age, genetics, and even type of nutrition, occupation, and other factors. The size of the dimensions of the hands of women and men are different. Anthropometric database of two communities should be used to design handheld devices that are commonly used by both women and men. The findings can be used to design and redesign any hand tools and improve the convenience of users.
Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi, Mehrdad Anbarian,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (2-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Using anthropometric characteristics in the ergonomic design of workstations can be useful in the prevention and reduction of musculoskeletal discomfort and in office-work environments. The purpose of this study was to determine the anthropometric dimensions of Hormozgan province gas department staff to design desks and chairs for computer work based workstations.
Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study for measuring 36 anthropometric variables of 121 Hormozgan province gas company staff selected by cluster random method. After collecting anthropometric data considering ergonomic design criteria, dimensions of desk and office chairs are designed.
Results: Participants were 80.2% male and 19.8% female with a mean age of 35.11 and a standard deviation of 6.6 between 25 and 59 years. The mean and standard deviation of height measured was 170.7 and 8.06 cm, respectively. Anthropometric results are shown separately by gender and percentile in the tables. Dimensions of chair and office desk are designed based on obtained data.
Conclusion: The presented anthropometric desks can be used in future studies and designs. Also, the dimensional characteristics of the furniture provided can be a practical guide for designing and manufacturing office workstations.
Masoud Feyzi, Hossein Navid, Iman Dianat,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Agricultural combine harvesters play a crucial role in cereal productions. A combine operator performs almost all harvesting activities in seated posture. As an interface of the biomechanical system of operator’s body and combines’ mechanical system, seat has major effect on operator’s safety, health, and comfort. A successful design of seat is not achievable without considering the anthropometric characteristics of user population in geometric design. In current study, the accommodation of common harvesting combines’ seat with Iranian operators’ body dimensions has been investigated.
Methods: This study was conducted in Bijar, the widest county of Kurdistan province in the west of Iran. Eight anthropometric dimensions including weight, stature, shoulder height, elbow rest height, popliteal height, buttock-popliteal length, shoulder breadth, and hip breadth were measured on a sample of operators. The accommodation of seat pan width, upper backrest width, lower backrest width, seat height, armrest height, seat depth, and backrest height were investigated based on logical equations.
Results: There was a considerable mismatch between evaluated combine seats and the anthropometric dimensions of operators. Selecting 440, 370, 440, 410, 260, 430, and 415 mm for respectively seat pan width, upper backrest width, lower backrest width, seat height, armrest height, seat depth, and backrest height can increase the match percentage to a range of 62.2% to 100%.
Conclusion: The dimensions of available combine harvester seats are not suitable for Iranian population. However, considering the anthropometric dimensions of operators can improve the seats ergonomically. It should be noted that a design based on corresponding national and international standards cannot guarantee the geometrical accommodation of seats.
Mohammadreza Jannati, Hamed Aghaei, Taleb Askaripoor, Mehdi Khazaei, Ehsan Bayat Khalaji, Elahe Kazemi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (6-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Despite the main role of cranes in advancing construction operations, however, accidents and occupational injuries resulting from their activities have become a critical issue. Recent evidence suggests that the cause of these problems may be associated with the absence of design of the interior space of the crane cabin, and the tasks of the operators, based on ergonomic principles. This study was conducted to assess the ergonomic risk of the tower crane operator’s activities and redesigning the dimensions and interior space of these cranes, based on the anthropometric dimensions of Iranian operators.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 30 male tower crane operators working on three major construction projects in Tehran were investigated. Initially, a multi-step approach was applied to define the problem, including: observing the working statuses, interviewing operators, Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire, and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method. Then, using anthropometric data, the dimensions and interior space of the crane chamber were redesigned.
Results: The results of the rapid upper limb assessment method showed that the activities of tower crane operators were at high and very high-risk levels. Also, 85% and 38.5% of these people reported pain and discomfort in one of the nine areas of their body in the last 12 months and 7 days, respectively. In this study, the dimensions of the interior space of the redesigned tower crane cabin were obtained 160.8×144.1×199.7.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the current interior design of the tower crane cabin does not fulfill the needs of the operators. Hence, redesigning it appears essential to enhance human-machine compatibility, improve safety and productivity, and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).
Elham Salvarzi, Alireza Choobineh, Mehdi Jahangiri, Sareh Keshavarzi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (6-2020)
Abstract
Introduction: Craniofacial anthropometry and anthropometric ratios are used in different sciences such as dentistry, medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, growth studies, plastic surgery, bioengineering and production of personal protective equipment. The purpose of this study is to introduce Digimizer software to measure facial dimensions and compare manual dimensional measurement and photoanthropometry with this software.
Methods: In This descriptive-analytical study 12 female students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences participated. Measurement of face dimensions of samples was done manually and by photographic methods and data analysis was performed with SPSS software version 19 and descriptive-analytical tests.
Results: From the ten dimensions of the measured dimensions, a significant difference was observed in the three dimensions of the Subnasal-Nasal Root Length (SNRL), Menton-Nasal Root Length (MNRL) (Face Length) and Bitragion-Menton Arc (TRMA) dimensions,(P <0.05 ). No significant differences were observed in other dimensions. The ICC (Intra Class Correlation) coefficient for both methods was obtained in the range of 0.56-0.94.
Conclusion: This study showed that the use of Digimizer software can replace the use of manual method in measuring the dimensions of the face and in the preparation of anthropometric database of the face in less time is preferable to the manual method.
Saeed Ilbeigi, Mohsen Ebrahimi, Mohammad Esmaeil Afzalpour, Hadi Moazeni,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (10-2021)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the ergonomics of armpits and aviators outdoor (park) based on anthropometry parameters of male users.
Methods: Among male users of these outdoor park equipment, 120 people from Tehran and in the age range over 20 years (48.38±16.27) were selected as a sample. The research variables were the dimensions of the devices and the anthropometry of the male users. The plumb line, engineering meter, ruler, goniometer and static anthropometer kit (caliper) were used to measure the dimensions of the devices and the anthropometry of the users (according to Pheasant instructions). Then, according to the standards of ergonomics and bodybuilding, the science of motor biomechanics and the way of installation on the devices, the fit of the devices was evaluated. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data and single-group t-test (parametric statistics) and binomial statistics (non-parametric statistics) were used to test the hypotheses.
Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between most of the desired dimensions of the devices with the relevant and optimal dimensions of users (P value<0.05). Therefore, from the anthropometric point of view, these devices are not ergonomic for male users, and it is necessary to adopt a method for the standardization of these devices.
Conclusion: Most dimensions of underarms and outdoor aviators are not ergonomic from the anthropometric point of view of male users. This mismatch can lead to complications and physical injuries to users. Therefore, users should be careful when using these devices and avoid working with devices that do not fit their physical dimensions.
Zohreh Karami, Zahra Naserzadeh, Neda Mahdavi,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) induced by work are common in laboratory jobs. One of the most important reasons for disorders is the lack of personal fit with a workstation. This study aims to evaluate the body posture of experts in scientific-research labs and explore their anthropometric fitness with workstations on the campus of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences in 2022.
Methods: To investigate the MSD prevalence associated with the work, it was used the Nordic questionnaire and, for evaluating the posture, the Novel Ergonomic Postural Assessment (NERPA) technique. Then, to check the compatibility of laboratory personnel with the workstations, some interventions were proposed to improve them.
Results: According to the findings, the highest amount of prevalence of pain over the past year was in the neck area, 68.7%, and waist area, 59.37%, respectively. To assess the body posture using the NERPA technique, the middle level of corrective actions as well as more research was required. Also, the highest score of the risk, i.e. 40.62%, was allowed to the neck. In most activities, there was not any match between the dimensions of the personal body and the workstation.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the prevalence of MSD symptoms is high among the experts in research laboratories, and the risk levels of ergonomic assessment are in the middle. It seems that the lack of anthropometric matches with the workstation generally has led to adverse work posture and thus, the prevalence of MSD disorders. So, providing anthropometric matches between people who work in research laboratories and their workstations is essential to reducing these disorders.
