University of Benghazi ‫جامعة بنغازي‬

Faculty of Engineering ‫كلية الهندسة‬

Benghazi–Libya ‫ليبيا‬-‫بنغازي‬

INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

ENGINEERING DEPARTMAENT

DEVELOPING ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA LIBYAN

SCHOOL CHILDREN OF THE SEVENTH TO THE
NINTH GRADES

By

Mohammed Jamal Netfa 23264

Ahmed Hamad Alabdly 23765
Mostafa Eljilani Alhadi 19397
Rawand Almahdi Alsameen 23232

Spring
2020
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Anthropometry 1
1.2 Motivation and Objectives of the Study 1

CHAPTER 2 SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS STUDIES

2.1 Overview 2
2.2 Summary of the First Study 2
2.3 Summary of the Second Study 4
2.4 Summary of the Third Study 5
2.5 Summary of the Fourth Study 7
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Anthropometry
Anthropometry (from Greek anthropos, 'human', and Merton, 'measure') refers to the
measurement of the human individual. An early tool of physical anthropology, it has
been used for identification, for the purposes of understanding human physical
variation, in paleoanthropology and in various attempts to correlate physical with
racial and psychological traits. Anthropometry involves the systematic measurement
of the physical properties of the human body, primarily dimensional descriptors of
body size and shape. [1]

Anthropometry is defined as the science of measuring the size, weight and

proportions of the human body. [3]

1.2 Motivation and Objectives of the Study

This project is part of a larger study aimed at collecting anthropometric data for
Libyan schoolchildren. This project is a continuation of previous graduation projects -
in which anthropometric data were collected for the first six grades. [2]

The aim of this current project is to develop anthropometric data for Libyan
schoolchildren in Benghazi. It includes data collection from grades seven to nine. This
data can be used as a reference in design, and can help designers consider potential
differences due to age and gender.

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 CHAPTER 2
SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS STUDIES

2.1 Overview
This chapter includes summary of four selected anthropometric studies. Some of the
methods and techniques used in these previous studies have been adopted in this
present study.

2.2 Summary of the First Study [4]

2.2.1 Objective
This study was conducted to provide anthropometric data bank for Iranian workers of
different races, 3,720 Iranian workers (3000 males and 720 females; ages 20 to 60
years) were measured, and about 37 body dimensions were measured.

2.2.2 Method
In this study were collected anthropometric data for various ethnic group (Fars, Turk,
Kurd, Lor, Arab and Baluch), a comparsion was done between Iranian anthropometric
characteristics with those of four Asian populations: Taiwanese, Chinese, Japanese,
and Korean, The measurements were performed by a group of experts including 30
technicians as examiners and nine supervisors.

Measurements were performed using 15 sets of anthropometric instruments,

manufactured in Iran. Conventional anthropometric instruments were used to measure
the target dimensions: a scale to measure weight with a precision of 0.1 kg, a measure
of the corners of the corners, a tape measure of circumference, a steel tape measure of
the length of the ends, a reel mounted to the vertical distance to (shoulder, elbow,
wrist, knee joints), a chair with a seat height Adjustable, 0.1mm anthropometric
measuring plate.
The study lasted 6 months and 35 bodily proportions were calculated from the data
obtained.

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2.2.3 Results
The participants of the present research comprised technical workers (76.1%), service
workers (15.8%), and office workers (7.6%). The mean (±standard deviation (SD))
stature was 1720 (±76.3) mm for the sampled Iranian male and 1585 (±63.2) mm for
the Iranian female.

Based on statistical analysis, some of the dimensions were significantly different

among the studied ethnic groups, For instance, the highest stature belonged to the
Baluch male and the Kurdish female. The Kurdish and Arab male had the longest
popliteal height. The mean values recorded for body weight were highest for the Fars
male (mean ¼ 75.8 kg) and the Baluch female (mean ¼ 64.6 kg).

These differences can be attributed to the differences in geographical regions in which

these ethnic groups reside.

16 body dimensions for the five Asian populations were selected and compared, The
Iranian population showed wide shoulders, hips, and long legs; the Chinese
population showed narrow hips and shoulders and a short height relative to the other
populations. The Korean sample recorded moderate body size comparing the other
populations. The Taiwanese had large hands, relatively wide shoulders and short
upper limbs.

2.2.4 Conclusion
The current volume of industrial and commercial commerce between Iran, the Middle
East, and East Asian countries makes the anthropometric data of crucial importance to
the ergonomic selection of products and equipment, as there is a lack of
anthropometric data in the Middle East, despite having strong commercial and trading
commerce between the East Asian countries and Iran. Therefore, the results of this
study may have implications in the selection of ergonomically appropriate products
and equipment. Moreover, as the data obtained in this study were derived from the
working population of different Iranian ethnic groups, they can be used for designing
workstations

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 2.3 Summary of the Second Study [5]

2.3.1 Objective
The aim of this study is to develop anthropometric database for rural agricultural
workers in Enugu state, southeastern Nigeria

2.3.2 Method
For the purpose of this study A total of 377 rural agricultural workers from different
rural communities with their age ranging from18–45 years, of Which 284 were male
and 93 were female , were selected and measured .
36 anthropometric measurements including age and body weight. Were measured
which
Were considered useful in agricultural tools/equipment design.
(Measuring tape/meter scale) were used for measuring body dimensions, All the
equipment used were calibrated against standard/rules such as centimeters (cm),
kilograms (kg).
The data obtain were analyzed using SPSS statistical package, using descriptive
analysis. The
Descriptive statistics used included the mean, minimum, maximum, standard
deviation and the percentiles. The outliers and unreasonable data, which may be
because of mistake(s) during recording, were identified and carefully eliminated.

2.3.3 Result
284 male subjects were surveyed, while 93 females were surveyed based on the
availability of the subjects. The male height ranged from 150 to 190 cm (SD = 8.09)
with a mean value of 173.84 cm, while the body weight ranged from 53.00 to 100.00
kg (SD = 9.38) having a mean value of 72.28 kg. The age range of the male subjects
was (18to 45years) with a mean value of 31.00 years (SD = 7.30). For the female
subjects, the height ranged from 155.00 to 179.00 cm (SD = 4.66) with a mean value
of 161.20 cm, while the body weight ranged from 52.00 to 100 kg (SD = 7.70) with a
4
mean value of 63.50 kg. The age range was 18.00 to 45.00 years with a mean value of
31.00 years (SD = 8.00).
A comparison between the male and female data indicated that The mean data
recorded for the male agricultural workers were higher compared to the mean values
for the female agricultural workers except for the hip breadth (male, 34.84 cm [SD =
1.91]; female, 41.29 cm [SD = 1.98]), chest (bust) depth (male, 19.46 cm [SD ¼
1.55]; female, 24.95 cm [SD = 1.70]) and the abdominal depth (male, 19.92 cm [SD =
1.37]; female, 24.71 cm [SD = 1.53]).

2.3.4 Conclusion
Anthropometric data for male and female rural agricultural workers from Enugu state,
was collected and showed in this study
The study showed that there was difference between male and female workers ,were
the data that obtained from male agricultural workers were higher than that obtained
from their female counterparts in all body dimensions except chest (bust) depth,
abdominal breadth and Hip breadth (sitting).
In addition, it was observed that the data from Nigerian agricultural workers were
different from that obtained from agricultural workers in northeastern India
The anthropometric data that were collected and measured in this study can be used in
the design, development and improvement of manual agricultural operations,
materials handling, posture and interface designs and workstation layout, among
many others.
It is hoped that the collected data will be used appropriately to improve the life and
conditions of the worker and avoid musculoskeletal injuries that result from using
inappropriate tools.

2.4 Summary of the Third Study [6]

2.4.1 Objective
This study was undertaken with Sub-Saharan African women, and we conducted
measurements on 89 women to provide preliminary results toward answering two
questions. First, how well existing databases are applicable in the design of hand tools

5
for sub-Saharan African women. Second, how universal body dimension predictive
models are among ethnic groups.

2.4.2 Method
The study populations were recruited from five locations along the cattle corridor of
Uganda.

The landmarks of dimensions measured in standing and sitting postures are Twenty-
eight variables from a list of 37 recommended by Kroemer et al. (1997). They were
chosen based on relevance to informing hand-tool design. They included nine lengths
form both direct and derived projected heights, five circumferences, and one reach.

In the sitting posture, 13 measurements were made. They included seven heights,
three breadths, two diameters, and one skin fold thickness.

2.4.3 Result
89 participants were measured and their ethnic breakdown, Bantu and Nilotic were
64% and 36%, respectively. The Bantu were further broken down by three locations
of Kiboga (30.3%), Ngoma (23.6%), and Mbarara (10.1)

Insights in general differences based on ethnicity and location were gained through
Principle Component Analysis (PCA).

2.4.4 Conclusion
Bantu and Nilotic women of Uganda are different with respect to anthropometric
measurements. However, differences within Bantu women based on location are
inconclusive. More data collection is need for more robust statistical hypothesis
testing of what measurements are universally equal or different these models will go a
long way in facilitating the development of better hand-tools for the underserved sub-
Saharan women.

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2.5 Summary of the Fourth Study [7]

2.5.1 Objective

This study conducted anthropometric measurements among 1805 Filipino workers in

31 manufacturing industries. Anthropometric data were measured for standing, sitting,
hand and foot dimensions, breadth and circumference of the various body parts, and
grip strength. The workplace assessment survey was also done among respondents
coming from the subject population to look into the common work and health
problems that may be associated with ergonomic hazards at work. The data gathered
can be applied for the ergonomic design of workstations, personal protective
equipment, tools, interface systems, and furniture that aid in providing a safer, more
productive, and user-friendly workplace for the Filipino working population.

2.5.2 Method

A proportionate random sampling was done from each industry based on the existing
workforce involving only the assembly-line production workers. The sample
population was 1805. Experimenters were all researchers from the occupational health
and safety research division. Training of experimenters and observers were done
rigorously for 2 months before the conduct of the study involving orientation on the
objectives and methodology of the study, lecture series on the measurement protocol
using body landmarks, which are stable, series of pre-measurements among
experimenters to establish accuracy of measurement, and correct body positioning.
They were trained on how to conduct the measurement in reference to stable body
landmarks used in biomechanics. Labeling landmarks before taking measurements
improved precision, as was also shown in the study of Weinberg et al. in 2004. For
instance, upper arm length was measured from the acromial process to the tip of the
elbow. Measurement on one subject was done twice by the same person, and as such
intra reliability measured was r ¼ 0.8. Body physique or anthropometric
measurements were done using tape measure, a goniometer, calipers and
anthropometric to measure body segment length, height, breadth, depth, and
circumference. Examples of such measurements are hip breadth, crotch length,
functional leg length, buttock– knee length, knee height, popliteal height and others.
After the anthropometric measurement, a workplace assessment survey was
7
conducted among 520 respondents coming from the subject population to investigate
the most common hazard exposures, ergonomic problems, and safety issues. The
survey questionnaire also investigated pain, discomfort, limitation of motion, and
affectation of activities of daily living. Data were encoded using word and SPSS 9.0.
Statistical analyses were descriptive and inferential statistics.

2.5.3Result

Among the 1805 individuals selected, 53.3% were females while 46.7% were males.
Majority of them were single (60.4%) and below 30 years old (77%), indicating a
relatively young working population. Forty-one percent of the workers were high-
school graduates, followed by workers who finished vocational school (23.3%). Only
16% of the workers finished college education. Majority (80.50%) of the subjects
were between 150 and 174 cm in height (s.d. ¼ 8), with the shortest at 54 in and the
tallest at 71 in. Most of respondents (92.7%) weighed less than 80 kg, with
measurements ranging from 40 to 170 kg , the mean standing height for males is
higher than for females at 167.0 cm (s.d. ¼ 8.03) and 153.9 (s.d. ¼ 8.08) cm,
respectively. Meanwhile, the mean sitting height is 84.8 cm for males (s.d. ¼ 5.81)
and 79.9(s.d. ¼ 4.5) cm for females.

In this study, similar problems were noted among the respondents. The top five
hazards identified were poor posture leading to backache (72.2%), heat (66.6%),
overwork (66.6%), poor ventilation (54.8%), and chemical exposure (50.8%). Among
physical and psychomotor stresses, the top three were visual strain, overtime, and
overwork. The most common illnesses related to ergonomic problems were backache
(56%), fatigue and weakness (53.2%). Cuts (46.8%) topped the list of common
injuries followed by slipping injury (23.2%)

2.5.4 Conclusion

The gathering of anthropometric data as well as workplace health and safety

assessment is a much needed and worthwhile pursuit in light of the increasing
incidence of work-related illnesses and injuries. The gathered data from the 1805
workers in this study will hopefully be applied in the ergonomic design of
workstations, tools, equipment, layout designs and interventions that are uniquely
well suited for Filipino workers. In addition, it is hoped that this information will be

8
used in the improvement of local working conditions, targeting key problem areas in
order to minimize ergonomic problems and related injuries and illnesses. Both
implementing government agencies and corporate management must work together in
the design and implementation of occupational health and ergonomic programs for the
welfare of workers in the manufacturing sector.

9
 CHAPTER THREE
METHOD

3.1 Introduction
The purpose of this study is to put together, summarize and analyze the
anthropometric data collected and presented in two previous graduation projects [2]
[3].
The data will be summarized using descriptive statistics and percentiles. The analysis
will include the following:-
 The use of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test to check for normality.
 The use of the t-test to test the difference between mean measurements of girls
and boys for each anthropometric dimension.
 Using Pearson correlation to investigate for relationships among the
anthropometric dimensions.
 Performing regression analysis and developing regression models for selected
anthropometric dimensions.

3.2 Anthropometric Data

The data collection was taken from previous graduating projects, First project of the
First to the third Grades, The samples included 600 students (300 boys and 300 girls;
aged between 7 and 9 years). [2]
Second project of the First to the third Grades, The samples included 700 students
(301 boys and 399 girls; aged between 8 to 12 years). [3]

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Table 3.1 the grade and number of data
Grade Boys Girls Totals

First Project [2] 1 90 90 180

2 90 90 180
3 120 120 240

Totals 300 300 600

Second Project [3] 4 80 106 186

5 107 142 249
6 114 151 265

Totals 301 399 700

3.3 Anthropometric Measurements

Nineteen anthropometric dimensions (including body weight) were measured for each
student. These dimensions are defined in Table 3.2 and Table 3.3 shown in Fig 3.1

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Table 3.2 Definitions of the anthropometric measurements.
No Anthropometric Dimension Definition

1 Weight Body weight

2 Body height (stature) Vertical distance from the floor to the vertex (i.e. the crown
of the head).

3 Eye height standing Vertical distance from the standing surface to the inner can
thus of the eye.

4 Shoulder height standing Vertical distance from the standing surface to the shoulder.

5 Elbow height standing Vertical distance from the standing surface to the underside
of the elbow.

6 Forearm length Distance between acromion and tip of the middle finger.

7 Sitting height (erect) Vertical distance from a horizontal sitting surface to the
highest point of the head (vertex).

8 Eye height sitting Vertical distance from a horizontal sitting surface to the
outer corner of the eye.

9 Shoulder height sitting Vertical distance from a horizontal sitting surface to the
acromion.

10 Elbow height sitting Vertical distance from a horizontal sitting surface to the
lowest bony point of the elbow bent at a right angle with the
forearm horizontal.

11 Upper Aram Setting The vertical distance of the arm length to below the elbow.

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Table 3.3 (Continued).

No
Anthropometric Dimension Definition

12 Thigh clearance Vertical distance from the sitting surface to the highest
point on the thigh.

Knee height Vertical distance from the floor to the highest point of the
13
superior body of the patella.

14 Popliteal height sitting Vertical distance from the floor to the popliteal angle at
the underside of the knee where the tendon of the biceps
femoris muscle is inserted into the lower leg.

15 Buttock–knee length Horizontal distance from the back of the uncompressed

buttocks to the front of the kneecap.

16 Buttock-popliteal length Horizontal distance from the back uncompressed buttocks

to the popliteal angle, at the back of the knee, where the
back of the lower legs meet the underside of the thigh.

17 Hip breadth sitting Breadth of the body measured across the widest portion of
the hips

18 Shoulder (bideltoid) breadth Distance across the maximum lateral protrusions of the
right and left deltoid muscles.

19 Sub-scapula height Vertical distance from the horizontal seating surface Sub-
scapula height.

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Fig 3.1 The measured anthropometric dimensions (adopted from [7]).

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 REFERENCES

[1] Islam, Md. Ariful; Asadujjaman, Md.; Nuruzzaman, Md.;

Hossain, Md. Mosharraf. "Ergonomics Consideration for
Hospital Bed Design: A Case Study in
Bangladesh"(PDF). Journal of Modern Science and
Technology. 1 (1): 30–44.

[2] Alfaitouri A., Dabiba Z., Developing Anthropometric Data for Libyan
School Children from the First to the Third Grade, B.Sc. project,
Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Department ,
University of Benghazi, Spring 2018/2019.

[3] Reda Wanis., Maraia Fareg., Amena Abdelbaset., Mustafa Hussin.,

Mabrokah Abdullah., Developing Anthropometric Data for Libyan
School Children from the Fourth to the Sixth Grade, B.Sc. project,
Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Department ,
University of Benghazi, Fall 2019/2020.

[4] Mahan, L and Escott-Stump, S. Krause’s Food Nutrition and Diet

Therapy. 10th Edition, 2004.

[5] Sadeghi, F., Mazloumi, A., Kazemi., “An Anthropometric data bank for
the Iranian working population with ethnic diversity” Applied
Ergonomics, Vol.48, pp 95-103, 2015.
[6] Obi ,F., Boniface ,O., Ugawuishiwu , busayo , S., “A survey of
anthropometry of rural agricultural workers in Enugu State, south-
eastern Nigeria”, Ergonomics ,Vol.58, pp1032-1044, 2015.
[7] Mugisa ,D., Katimbo ,A ., Sempiira , J., Kisaalita , W .,
“Anthropometric characteristics of female smallholder farmers of
Uganda: Toward design of labor-saving tools”, Applied Ergonomics
Vol. 54 , pp177-185, 2016.

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[8] Jinky Leilanie Del Prado-Lua,b, “Anthropometric measurement of
Filipino manufacturing workers” Industrial Ergonomics 37 (2007) 497–
503

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