Anthropometry and Biomechanics: Theory and ApplicationR. S. Easterby, K. H. E. Kroemer, Don B. Chaffin Assessment of the physical dimensions of the human body and application of this knowledge to the design of tools, equip ment, and work are certainly among the oldest arts and sciences. It would be an easy task if all anthropometric dimensions, of all people, would follow a general rule. Thus, philosophers and artists embedded their ideas about the most aesthetic proportions into ideal schemes of perfect proportions. "Golden sections" were developed in ancient India, China, Egypt, and Greece, and more recently by Leonardo DaVinci, or Albrecht Durer. However, such canons are fictive since actual human dimensions and proportions vary greatly among individuals. The different physical appearances often have been associated with mental, physiological and behavioral characteristics of the individuals. Hypocrates (about 460-377 BC) taught that there are four temperaments (actually, body fluids) represented by four body types. The psychiatrist Ernst Kretchmer (1888-1964) proposed that three typical somatotypes (pyknic, athletic, aesthenic) could reflect human character traits. Since the 1940's, W. H. Sheldon and his coworkers devised a system of three body physiques (endo-, meso-, ectomorphic). The classification was originally qualitative, and only recently has been developed to include actual measurements. |
Contents
Postural Research | 3 |
Fundamentals of Anthropometric Survey | 9 |
Evolution of the Techniques of Data Collecting | 15 |
Copyright | |
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95th percentile Aerospace Medical Research Air Force analysis anatomical angle anthropometric data anthropometry and biomechanics application axis axis system biomechanical model biometry body dimensions body heights carpal tunnel syndrome Chaffin chair Churchill Churchill et clearance crew station data base developed dynamic ejection elbow electromyograms engineering equations Ergonomics evaluation female Figure flexion Free Body Diagrams function grip strength hand handle human body Human Factors individual industrial isometric joint knee Kroemer Landsmeer lever arms lift load male man-model manikins maximal Medical Research Laboratory ment methods motion muscle groups muscle strength operator percentile performed PIP joint pointmarks population position posture predicted problems range reach capability sample seat adjustability shoulder Somatography spine standard static strength exertion strength measurements subjects Table task seating techniques tendon tests three-dimensional tion torques torso trunk U.S. Army USAF values variables workers Wright-Patterson AFB