ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF KINESIOLOGY AND RECREATION
KNR 342, Occupational Biomechanics
Anthropometric Measurement Lab
OBJECTIVES:
1.
To provide experience taking anthropometric measurements.
2. To compare measured anthropometric parameters to normative tables.
3. To demonstrate inter-tester variability in the measurement of anthropometric parameters.
4. To create a free body diagram of the upper extremity (a tool for future labs)
READINGS: From Chaffin & Andersson , Anthropometry in Occupational Biomechanics, (Chapter 3)
CLOTHING: Wear (bring) a loose fitting t-shirt and loose shorts to facilitate measurements.
Anthropometry is the science that deals with the measure of size, mass, shape and inertial properties of the human
body. Understanding the parameters is critical for the development and use of models for workplace design and task analysis.
The purpose of this lab is to provide you with hands on experience taking measurements using anthropometric tape
measures. It will also demonstrate the inter-tester variability that is present in the measurement of body parameters.
Accurate measurement with the instruments has been critical in the development of normative tables for anthropometric
parameters such as segment lengths. The parameters you measure will be interpreted by comparison to the norm tables
provided in your textbook.
A free body diagram is a sketch of a body or system on which is indicated all external forces acting on the body.
Creating a free body diagram is the first step in conducting an analysis of the resultant muscle force that must be produced
at a selected joint.
Methods
Step 1. Get into groups of four. For the best experience, your group should be varied; that is, include males and
females of different stature and body build. Each group should include someone who is familiar with the body landmarks
described on the attached Anthropometric Table. Each member of the group will make the measures on two of the other
members of the group. All group members should make the measures and be measured. Record the scores on the data sheet.
Step 2. Measure the height and weight of each subject, and record on the data sheet. Calculate the mass in kilograms of
the subject (this may be provided by the scale).
Step 3. Using the landmarks on the table, use the anthropometric tape to carefully measure and record the length of
the segments on the data sheet.
Step 4. Using Figure 1 (picture capture is Figure 3.9), calculate the expected length of the measured segments and
record on the data sheet.
Expected length = (Total body height) x (proportion of total body height)
Step 5. Using Table 3.1, the Anthropometric table from Winter (1989), calculate the mass of the individual segments and
record on the data sheet.
Segment mass = (Total Body Mass) x (proportion of total body mass)
Step 6.. Calculate the distance from the proximal end of the segment to the center of mass of the segment, using the
expected segment length and Anthropometric Table 3.1 (Winter, 1989).
CofM location = (Expected Segment length) x (percent of segment length from proximal end)
Assignment DUE DATE: __________________________________________
Note: when submitting your work, create a cover sheet for the lab. In the top right hand corner, put your name in bold, upper
case letters. In non-bold, lower case letters, list the names of your group members under your own name.
Complete the following calculations for each of the two subjects for whom you have data.
1.
For each segment, calculate the difference in length as measured by tester 1 and tester 2. Express the difference as a
percent of the Tester 1 measured length, using
% difference = (measured difference) / (Tester 1 length) x 100
Create a table (or figure) to present these calculated values for BOTH of your subjects.
2. For each segment, calculate the difference in length from the expected length as measured by tester 1 and tester 2. For
each tester, express the difference as a percent of the expected Length, using
% difference = (measured difference) / (Expected length) x 100
Create a table (or figure) to present these calculated values for BOTH of your subjects.
Answer the following questions.
1.
Using Table 3.9,
a.
Determine if either of your subjects falls beyond the 5th or 95th percentile for height.
b.
Calculate the z-score for your subject’s height (z-score = (Raw Score – Mean) / SD)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Compare the difference in measured segment lengths between tester 1 and 2.
a.
Was the percentage difference the same for all segments measured? Was the percentage difference the same for
each segment across both measured subjects? If not:
i.
For which segment was the difference the greatest?
ii.
For which segment was the difference the least?
iii.
On which subject was the measured difference typically higher?
iv.
Identify factors that might contribute to inter-tester differences in measured segment lengths. Explain
how to minimize these influences.
Compare the difference in segment length measured by tester 1 and tester 2 and the expected length of the segment.
Base your answers to the following on both subjects measured.
a.
Was this difference greater than, equal to or less than the observed inter-tester difference?
b. To what can you attribute the difference between measured segment length and expected segment length? How can
the difference be minimized?
Using Table 3.12 in your textbook (you do have a textbook, don’t you???)
a.
determine if either of your subjects falls beyond the 5th or 95th percentile for total body mass.
b. Calculate the z-score for your subject’s mass (z-score = (Raw Score – Mean) / SD)
For each subject, draw a free body diagram of the entire right upper extremity at a 45 o angle to the vertical (ie arm
abducted to a 45 o angle with straight elbow).
To what activities might this lab be relevant?
Summarize the outcome of this lab, with special reference to the inter and intra-subject variability.
How could this lab be improved??? Be specific.
Figure 1. Segments expressed as a proportion of Total Body Height (TBH)