ABSTRACT

Anthropometry originates from physical anthropology, which documents body differences among the human races. Therefore, anthropometry is the measurement of the human body or, more specifically, of human body parts. Some examples of body dimensions include stature, leg length, forearm length, head width, sitting height, and hand width. Anthropometric data are used to design environments and equipment for human use. This ensures that the space and equipment fit or conform to the size and shape of humans. Anthropometric measures can also include measures of range of motion and muscle strength, highlighting the importance of biomechanics. Anthropometric measurements are used for designing one's workspace as well as for many things a person uses such as controls, tools, and equipment. Additional reductions in fatigue or loading can be achieved by considering biomechanical data, which help reduce immediate or cumulative trauma such as carpal tunnel syndrome.