Category: Original article

The Suitability of Ergonomics Risk Assessments for Above-Shoulder Reaching of High Shelf Binning Process: Application of Marker-Based Motion Capture.

The Suitability of Ergonomics Risk Assessments for Above-Shoulder Reaching of High Shelf Binning Process: Application of Marker-Based Motion Capture

Gan Xie Li1, Mohd Hafiidz Jaafar1*, Ahmad Sufril Azlan Mohamed2, Nur Zaidi Azraai3 and Norhaniza Amil1

School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia1

School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia2

School of Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia3

mhafiidz@usm.my*

Page 80 – 96   |   Vol. 8 No. 1 2023   |    Available online on 30 Jun 2023

Full text

Abstract

Introduction: The selection of suitable ergonomics risk assessments (ERA) is significant in producing significant results. The study’s main objective is to analyse the suitability of ERA methods for evaluating the risk level of above-shoulder reaching during the HS binning process through the application of marker-based motion capture. Materials and Methods: Methods selected for this study are RULA, REBA, NERPA, MAC, QEC and RNLE. Three participants were chosen to wear a Mocap suit with 25 markers placed on joints and rigs. The participants performed above-shoulder reaching with a load of 2.1 kg at 2.05 m height. RULA is acting as a basis for comparison for this study. Result: RULA rated the posture majority (66.67%) as “high risk”. Conclusion: Based on the Mann-Whitney U Test, RULA, REBA, and NERPA proved that they are suitable for evaluating above-shoulder reaching during the HS binning process.

Keywords

Occupational ergonomics, safety risk assessment, manual material handling, safety management, motion capture.

Acknowledgement

The Universiti Sains Malaysia supported this work under the Bridging Grant with reference number 304.PTEKIND.6316497. The Ministry of Higher Education is also supporting the work through Fundamental Research Grant Scheme with reference number 203/PTEKIND/6711821.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Title

Author name

Institutions

Corresponding email

Page 80 – 96   |   Vol. 8 No. 1 2023   |    Available online on 30 Jun 2023

Full text

Abstract

Text

Keywords

Text

Acknowledgement

Text

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Ergonomics Assessment among Staff at the Faculty of Engineering Technology using ROSA Technique

Ergonomics Assessment among Staff at the Faculty of Engineering Technology using ROSA Technique

Tee Sin Er1, Nurul Ainina Nadhirah Tajurahim1, Salwa Mahmood1*, Ismail Abdul Rahman2

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia1

Ergonomics Excellence Centre, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 81400 Senai, Johor, Malaysia2

msalwa@uthm.edu.my1

Page 44 – 56   |   Vol. 8 No. 1 2023   |    Available online on 30 Jun 2023

Full text

Abstract

Office ergonomics provides an arbitrary framework for integrating a large body of research that is relevant to the design of office work environment to optimize the health, safety, comfort, and effectiveness of human occupants . This paper involves office workers in the Faculty of Engineering Technology (FTK) at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The main objective of this paper is to determine the risk level of the office designed during the working daily time using Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) technique. This paper applied ROSA technique for estimating the risk factor exposure in office workers. A set of questionnaires consisting items on working experience, work-related posture, and work-related pain was distributed to a total of forty (40) respondents among office workers from FTK UTHM. It was found that seventy–five percent (75%) of respondents had work-related pain in their part of body such as the neck, shoulder, wrist, lower back, hip, and knee. Besides, the significant level risk of respondent B and C were deemed high-risk; five (5) and six (6) scores, respectively, implying that respondents’ workstations should be evaluated further in terms of office ergonomic design. Therefore, it is suggested in this study that when designing a workstation, the principle of motion economy be taken into account to ensure that the standard assessment is met.

Keywords

Office ergonomics, ROSA technique, ergonomics risk factor, awkward posture

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) through Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) (FRGS/1/2022/TK08/UTHM/02/26) and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) through Tier 1 (vot K444).

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Musculoskeletal Discomfort (MSD) among Firefighters: An Exploratory Investigation in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Musculoskeletal Discomfort (MSD) among Firefighters: An Exploratory Investigation in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

T.W.Z. Alastair1, M. Ismail2

Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah1

Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah2

aaationg@gmail.com1

daeng@ums.edu.my2

Page 44 – 56   |   Vol. 8 No. 1 2023   |    Available online on 30 Jun 2023

Full text

Abstract

Previous studies have associated musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) with decreased productivity at the workplace and affected workers in various occupations.  Evidence suggests a multi-factorial nature of MSD in terms of its development and exacerbation including physical, psychosocial, and individual factors. In addition, studies in both developed and developing countries also differ concerning the prevalence rate of MSD across countries. Hence, the present study aimed to examine the prevalence rate of MSD among female office workers in public organizations. A questionnaire survey was distributed to four fire stations in Kota Kinabalu Zone in Sabah and 130 firefighters participated in the study. The questionnaire consists of demographical aspects, task characteristics, physical demands, mental health, and musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) levels. The 6 months MSD prevalence was 32.3% (95%CI = 30.9%-35.3%). The majority of the firefighters experienced MSD moderately in various body regions – lower extremity (14.6%), neck/shoulder (16.9%), hand/fingers (17.7%), arms (17.7%), and lower back (20%). The results reported the experience of firefighters with MSD highlighted the need to develop MSD risk management at the workplace. In addition, further examination of MSD among firefighters in Malaysia should be conducted to minimise MSD in the workplace.

Keywords

Musculoskeletal discomfort, firefighters, prevalence, Sabah

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia and Mr Hamsa Isnurdini, (Head of Kota Kinabalu Zone) for the approval to conduct the study at 4 fire stations
in Kota Kinabalu.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Development and Analysis of a New Industrial Safety Helmet in Improving Thermal Properties for Tropics Environment: Use Case of Oil Palm Harvesters

Development and Analysis of a New Industrial Safety Helmet in Improving Thermal Properties for Tropics Environment: Use Case of Oil Palm Harvesters

Khairul Nazri Abd Wahib1, Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin1

Environmental & Occupational Health, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia1

nally74@gmail.com1

Page 25 – 43   |   Vol. 8 No. 1 2023   |    Available online on 30 Jun 2023

Full text

Abstract

Agricultural activities have always been associated with hazards and injuries especially in oil palm plantation where the upstream tasks are majorly manual and labour intensive. Harvesters are exposed to danger when cutting the fresh fruit bunches (FFB) from the tree during harvesting. The height of the palm tree, as well as the quantity and weight of the FFB might injure oil palm harvesters severely where head injury is the main concern. However, due to thermal discomfort associated with working in an unpleasantly hot environment, harvesters tend to take off their safety helmet in which the act poses high risk to injury.

Objective: This paper shows how an industrial design safety helmet shell was redesigned to improve its thermal qualities while still satisfying other critical safety helmet standards.

Method: The design requirements were first gathered. Industrial design and mechanical design were attentively generated utilizing Computer Aided Design software. Structural and thermal analysis were simulated employing Computer Aided Engineering software, iteratively modelled and analysed for an optimally designed safety helmet to satisfy all the identified requirements. Notwithstanding that the absence of regulatory standard for thermal comfort, design detailing and engineering analysis effort was conducted to ensure thermal discomfort is significantly reduced to meet the targeted specification.

Results: High fidelity prototypes were fabricated; field test was conducted to find the acceptability of the new helmet against the current existing helmets. The new safety helmet design was well accepted as there is a significance increase of acceptance level of parameter in day 1, day 3 and day 6 among oil palm harvesters.

Conclusion: The well accepted newly proposed safety helmet for oil palm harvester not only solving thermal discomfort issue while being able to meet stringent safety requirements, but it also resolves all other addressed concerns. Safety helmet for use by oil palm harvesters should be modified to ensure the oil palm harvesters feel more comfortable, therefore encouraging them to wear them consistently during working, comply with existing regulations thus minimize injuries.

Keywords

New Industrial Safety Helmet, Thermal Comfort, Ventilation, Palm Oil Harvester

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

The Use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) In Determining Factors Related to Heat Stress Related Symptoms Among Steel Mill Workers in Hot Tropical Countries

The Use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) In Determining Factors Related to Heat Stress Related Symptoms Among Steel Mill Workers in Hot Tropical Countries

Imam Munajat Nurhartonosuro1, Shamsul Bahri Md Tamrin1,*, Dayana Hazwani Mohd Suadi Nata2, Karmegam Karuppiah1, Ng Yee Guan1, Gede Pramudya Ananta3

1 Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

2Environmental Health & Industrial Safety Program, Center for Health & Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Johor Malaysia

*Corresponding author: shamsul_bahri@upm.edu.my

Page 1 – 24   |   Vol. 8 No. 1 2023   |    Available online on 30 June 2023

Full text

Abstract

Abstract: Heat stress related symptoms are commonplace workers experience heat strain due to heat stress occurring at workplaces. Steel mill workplaces have an extremely high operating temperature around 1800oC, thus operators are most likely to be exposed to hot environments. The study aimed to apply principal component analysis (PCA) in predicting the heat stress symptom model among steel mill workers. Data including environmental variables (WBGT, relative humidity, air temperature; related symptoms), physiological changes (blood pressure of systolic and diastolic, heart rate, and body core temperature) at three steel mills located in East Java, Indonesia, where operators might experience were used in PCA. Based on the principal component analysis (PCA) result, there are three variables that have a strong correlation (> 0.5) with factor 1, namely WBGT, relative humidity and body core temperature. The three variables are then grouped into factor 1; Furthermore, the other two variables have a strong correlation with factor 2, namely blood pressure systolic and diastolic. In conclusion, PCA is able to determine the prediction of heat stress symptoms and is simplified to be used by the steel mill industries.

Keywords

Predictive model, heat stress related symptoms, steel mills, PCA

Acknowledgement

We would like to gratefully acknowledge PT Bhirawa Steel, PT Jatim Taman Steel, PT Ispatindo, and UPT K3 Jatim providing the opportunity to the authors in conducting data collection.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic in service learning process of Industrial Ergonomics course

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic in service learning process of Industrial Ergonomics course

Ummi Noor Nazahiah Abdullah1, Nurul Ikhmar Ibrahim2, Norashiken Othman3

University Malaysia Perlis, Main Campus, 02600, Arau, Malaysia1,2,3

Biomechanic-Sport Engineering Research Centre, UniMAP Main Campus, Arau, Malaysia1,3

nazahiah@unimap.edu.my 1

Page 92-110   |   Vol. 7 No. 2 2022   |    Available online on 30 Dec 2022

Full text

Abstract

University Malaysia Perlis supports the ergonomics requirements and practice in industry by teaching the Industrial Ergonomics (IE) course for Manufacturing Engineering students in Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology. The teaching and evaluation process in IE course experienced multiple changes due to the Service Learning Malaysia- University for Society (SULAM) requirements and rapidly transform from physical to virtual learning due to COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 year end. This paper aims for investigating the effect of service learning implementation and COVID-19 pandemic in teaching and evaluation process of IE course. The pedagogy methods were applied in IE in the academic year 2018 and it was changed in service learning approach in the year 2019 and 2020 due to SULAM requirements. The main findings in this study show that the changes in the teaching and evaluation methods due to service learning implementation does effect the course satisfaction, teaching satisfaction, course outcomes (COs) and final students’ grade in positive form even though there were major challenges happened in service learning implementation especially in academic year 2019. The study also finds out that COVID-19 does effect the course and teaching satisfaction score, but it almost not contribute to significant negative impact to the COs and students’ final grade. This paper gives significant contribution for preparing the teaching and evaluation methods for future students in IE course for SULAM program specifically and for the similar course generally especially in uncertainty conditions such as pandemic and endemic scenario.

Keywords

Industrial Ergonomics, SULAM, COVID-19, service learning, virtual learning

Acknowledgement

The acknowledgement firstly goes to the students and lecturers that involved in Industrial
Ergonomics course in academic year 2018, 2019 and 2020. Special acknowledgement goes to Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, University Malaysia Perlis for giving permission on presenting the IE results.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Risk Assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Body Mass Index Amongst the Traffic Control Personnel in Ogun State, Nigeria

Risk Assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Body Mass Index Amongst the Traffic Control Personnel in Ogun State, Nigeria

Adekunle I. MUSA1* and Ayomide I. MUSA2

1*Department of Mechanical Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ibogun Campus, Nigeria

2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria

*Corresponding author email: musa-olokuta.adekunle@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng

Page 81 – 91   |   Vol. 7 No. 2 2022   |    Available online on 30 Dec 2022

Full text

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and body mass index (BMI) relatives to the effect among the TCP) in Ogun State which was sought and selected using the snowball technique. Twelve out of twenty local government areas which cut across the entire three senatorial districts of Ogun State were selected, which is sixty percent of the entire local government in the state. Data analysis was performed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) V23 and Microsoft Excel (2010). The results were presented using descriptive statistics, means, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, pie charts and a bar chart. The result showed that 177 TCP (88.5%) participated with 32.5 ± 0.97 years as the mean age of the respondents. However, 76.3% reported daily pains while 95.5% complained of major pains in the body. The majority 79.1% spent less than 8 hours in a standing position when controlling the traffic while 48% enjoyed rest at the close of work. The result also revealed that 80.2% had normal BMI, 33.35% were smokers and 54.8% drank alcohol respectively. Occupational health was considered as 45.2% engaged in self-medication. The study shows that age is significantly correlated with BMI (P>0.01) and alcohol drinking (P<0.01) with WRMSDs and other factors such as working hours, gender and years of experience. The study concluded that prolonged standing, walking and repetitive twisting of the hand and shoulder may have seriously affected the health of TCP.

Keywords

WRMSDs, BMI, traffic, personnel, health, smoking

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Form Swallows Function: Design for Ergonomics and Aesthetics in the Application of Human Factors through the Perspective of Anthropometry

Form Swallows Function: Design for Ergonomics and Aesthetics in the Application of Human Factors through the Perspective of Anthropometry​

Stephen T.F. Poon

 

Integrated Sustainability & Urban Creativity Centre, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, Malaysia

stephentfpoon@aol.com

Page 70 – 80   |   Vol. 7 No. 2 2022   |    Available online on 30 Dec 2022

Full text

Abstract

This article considers the application of the principles of ergonomics in examining contemporary furniture design.   The study probes how aesthetics and ergonomics have shifted design thinking from the previous century.   The objective of research is to examine user experience and how these are translated into appeals based on understanding anthropometric values of comfort and functionality.   Some issues of aesthetics will be highlighted through two case studies of chair designs.   The aim is to critique the importance of relationships between aesthetics, ergonomics, and user experience, through assessments of anthropometric values such as comfort and posture, against visual characteristics.   Findings indicate that chair design solutions must prioritise ergonomics in achieving the goals of commercial design.   This should not mean sacrificing aesthetics, but an integrated approach that applies human-centred design principles whereby consumer perceptions of design comfort are as important as visual aesthetics.

Keywords

Aesthetics, Anthropometrics, Ergonomics, Furniture Design, User Experience

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Covid-19 Awareness Among Healthcare Students and Professionals Around Johor, Malaysia

Covid-19 Awareness Among Healthcare Students and Professionals Around Johor, Malaysia

Mohd Usairy Syafiq1, Hairul Fitri Shah1 , Sabariah Mohd Yusoff1

Quality Engineering Research Cluster, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology, Johor Bahru, Malaysia1

usairy@unikl.edu.my 1

Page 60 – 69   |   Vol. 7 No. 2 2022   |    Available online on 30 Dec 2022

Full text

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the awareness of healthcare workers and professionals during COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to estimate the awareness of COVID-19 disease and related infection control practice among healthcare students and professionals around Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The data were collected from the respondents which consists of 153 healthcare students and professionals. Median test and quantitative analysis were used to test the level of awareness. The empirical study results revealed that healthcare students and professionals were shown to have high levels of COVID-19 awareness and information, as well as optimistic attitudes toward the disease based on the total percentage of the correct response.

Keywords

Covid-19, Healthcare workers, Malaysia

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Anthropometric Study of Arm Span Length and Standing Height of 5 – 12years Pupils in Obantoko, Ogun State, South Western Nigeria

Anthropometric Study of Arm Span Length and Standing Height of 5 - 12years Pupils in Obantoko, Ogun State, South Western Nigeria

Adekunle I. MUSA1*, Ayomide I. MUSA2

1*Department of Mechanical Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ibogun Campus, Nigeria

2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria

*Corresponding author email: musa-olokuta.adekunle@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng

Page 80 – 96   |   Vol. 8 No. 1 2023   |    Available online on 30 Jun 2023

Full text

Abstract

Height is an essential and important anthropometric parameter for coroners and forensic anthropologists. Several studies have been performed to determine standing height (SH) using various anthropometric body parts. Arm span length (ASL) is recognized as an alternative means of measuring standing height for the disabled, adaptive, or unable to stand upright. This study was conducted to measure the height of pupils from the age 5 to the 12 years old using ASL A total of 440 pupils (220 male and 220 female) participated in the study and the study was conducted in Obantoko Ogun State in Southwestern Nigeria. The Participants’ actual standing height were measured with a digital stadiometer and ASL with a tape measure to within 0.1 cm. Results showed the mean SH of 133.23 ± 9.97 cm (male participants), 123.21 ± 11.25 cm (female participants), and 128.27 ± 11.75 cm (pooled) and mean ASL of 133.66 ± 9.88 cm, 123.83 ± 11.01, and 128.75 ± 11.55 cm respectively. The correlation (r) between SH and ASL was 0.999 (p<0.000) with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 99.8%. A regression models was developed to determine SH from the ASL. This study concludes that ASL is a reliable predictor of SH for both sexes and also a veritable tool for physical anthropologists and related professionals. The authors recommend conducting a larger sample study in six southwestern Nigerian states to develop a database for determining SH.

Keywords

SH, ASL, Prediction, Obantoko, Anthropometric, Regression

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

Publish with us

Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.