development of a malaysian anthropometric database 2010_mohamad_3

World Engineering Congress 2010, 2nd – 5th August 2010, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Conference on Manufacturing Technology and Management

CMTM49

DEVELOPMENT OF A MALAYSIAN ANTHROPOMETRIC DATABASE

Darliana Mohamad, Baba Md Deros, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail, Dian Darina Indah Daruis

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Human being plays an important role in the functioning of socioeconomic system such as in developing

equipment, machinery, workstation, and objects. The most important criteria which have been suggested in

ergonomic were the system must fit anthropometrically, comfortable and safe to use. Therefore the designer

must ensure those important criteria such as the anthropometric data were applied before the system could be

use by the user. Several literatures were presented in this paper to show the importance of incorporating

anthropometric concern in designing processes. Eventhough the importance of anthropometric database is

recognised, a published anthropometric database for Malaysian population is still not available. This paper

presents a summarized data of a Malaysian population anthropometric study. The objective of the study was to

develop an anthropometric database for Malaysian population. The study was conducted using anthropometric

data of 1,007 Malaysian consisting of 516 males and 491 females. The equipments used in this study were

measuring tools comprised of Human Body Measuring Kit and Anthropometer for body dimension

measurements. A total of 40 anthropometric dimensions were measured in this study. The data collection was

for both standing and sitting postures. The database comprised of the important values such as the mean and the

standard deviation, the 5th and 95

th percentile. The study had successfully produced a detailed and

comprehensive anthropometric database for Malaysian population which can be used in the future by all

designer and engineers in designing process.

Keywords: ergonomics, anthropometry, human-machine, design.

INTRODUCTION Ergonomic is one of the important factors that need to be considered in the design process. As mentioned by [1],

the importance of safety and ergonomic had grown significantly. During the past decade, researches in

ergonomics had led to heightened interest in the technology of work and furniture design based on biomechanics

of the human body. These researches were focused on the development of new principles for the design of

chairs and desks in the workplace [2].

The branch of ergonomics that deals with human variability in size, shape and strength is called

anthropometry. Anthropometry refers to the measurement of humans. Anthropometry has been considered as the

very basic core of ergonomics in an attempt to resolve the dilemma of ‘fitting people to machine’ [3]. Bridger

[4] and Chou & Hsiao [5] believed anthropometry is a research area in ergonomics dealing with the

measurement of human body dimensions and certain physical characteristics. Anthropometric data can be used

in ergonomics to specify the physical dimensions of workspaces, workstations, and equipment as well as applied

to product design.

As mentioned in the abstract section, the objective of this study was to develop an anthropometric

database for Malaysian population. The aim was to assist the designer and engineers in incorporating

anthropometric features in their design process.

LITERATURE REVIEW The roots of modern anthropometry beginning can be traced back to the initiative taken by the Belgian

statistician Adolphe Quetelet in the middle of the 19th century [6]. Adolphe Quetelet has used the word

Anthropometric in his book entitled “Anthropometrie”. The word Anthropometric is also derived from the

Greek word “anthropos”, which means human, and “metros”, which means measure [6].

By the end of the 19th century, anthropometry was a widely applied scientific principle. Today,

engineers have become highly interested in the application of anthropometric and biomechanics information,

especially to the design of equipment and the arrangement of workstations [7].

Anthropometry consists of the measurement of body characteristics such as reach, body segment length

and circumferences, widths, and heights, among others. This information can be used to inform the design of



tools, equipment, workstations and clothes. Appropriate use of anthropometry in design may improve well-

being, health, comfort, and safety [8].

Figure 1 is the drawing figure of anthropometric body measurement from Panero & Zelnik [9].

Anthropometric data measurement collection is done while in sitting or standing position according to the

measurement variables required.

Figure 1: Anthropometric body measurement

Source: Panero & Zelnik (1979)

A wide variety of factors influence human body dimension. Ethnic diversity is always a significant factor that

may affect the anthropometric data and the scopes of its application [10]. Industries need data on racial

differences to meet the needs of their customers [11].

It was suggested that the variations of body dimensions of different groups can be observed in terms of

overall body size and bodily proportions [12]. The mean anthropometric dimensions, for example stature and

sitting height, are the most typical distinctions among ethnic groups. Another significant ethnic difference lies in

the ratios of body dimensions, i.e. bodily proportions. The bodily proportion is a scaling relation calculated with

a ratio of one body dimension to a specific reference dimension.

There are several studies done by past researchers in constructing anthropometric database. According

to Barroso et al. [13], the data collected will serve as a basis for the design of industrial tools, equipment and

clothing. In addition, the data constitutes an essential element for the ergonomic design of workplaces.

Wang et al. [3] has constructed a static and dynamic anthropometric database for local workers, for use

by designers and engineers. The database consists of data for 266 static-body dimensions and 42 dynamic ranges

of motion. It is expected that the data can be used by designers and engineers to create ergonomically designed

equipment, devices, and work environment for local workers, thereby ensuring a safe work environment.

A Chinese anthropometric database was developed as a Chinese national standard of human

dimensions for adults. The database involves 47 anthropometric dimensions measured from 11,164 males with

ages ranging from 18 to 60 years old and from 11,150 females with age ranging from 18 to 55 years old [14].

A study conducted by [15] had come out with the Japanese anthropometric database which includes

178 anthropometric items from more than 34,000 people with age ranging from 7 to 90 years old. For the adult

population, this database includes 12,100 males and 8600 females with age ranging from 18-59 years old [10].

Concurrently, Lee [16] has also put up a Korean anthropometric database that includes 120 dimensions

from 2090 males and 2014 females with age ranging from 18 to 59 years old. Barroso et al. [13] had conducted

a study of the development of a procedure for data acquisition of an anthropometric database for Portuguese

adult workers. Eight hundred and ninety-one individuals were measured which includes of 399 female and 492

males with ages ranging from 17 to 65 years old. This database includes of 24 static anthropometric

measurements.

To create an ergonomics product, anthropometry is playing a main role in the design development.

Appropriate use of anthropometry in product design may improve well-being, health, comfort, and safety of

human as the user [17].



In Korea, the development of a prototype of an adjustable table and an adjustable chair for educational

institutions was conducted by Jung [18].

Gouvali & Boudolos [19] did the study to examine whether school furniture dimensions match

children’s anthropometry.

A study by Kabir & Ahmed [20] had applied anthropometry conscious in the design of work surface.

Work surface height is simply the height of upper surface of table, bench, desk, and counter measured from the

floor. If the work surface is too low, the back may be bending too far. And if it is too high, the shoulder must

rise above their relaxed posture, which caused shoulder and neck discomfort.

For the computer product, innovation of keyboard is attempted to make more ergonomic computer

product. Newest adjustable keyboard design enables users to set it to their desire position. This will help to

reduce the muscle activities in the hand, arms, and wrist area, therefore decreasing the stresses placed on the

tendon and joints [21].

MATERIALS AND METHODS The study involved 1,007 Malaysian citizens who include 516 males and 491 females’ participants. As quoted

by Bridger [22], the World Health Organization (1995) recommends that if anthropometric data are to be used

as reference standards, a minimum sample size of 200 individuals is needed. The participants’ ages varied

between 15 - 80 years old. The range of participants for collecting the anthropometric data comes from all ages

to fit the 95th percentile of Malaysian citizens. The participants involved are gathered from all 14 states of

Malaysia. The percentage values of the participants collected in this study are 71.7% Malays, 14.9% Chinese,

13.1% Indians and others 0.3%. According to the Department of Statistics [23], Malaysian population

comprised of Malays 65.1%, Chinese 26% and Indians 7.7%. Pheasant [24] suggested that percentile values are

unlikely to be affected if the minority is less than 30% of the total.

A total of 40 anthropometric dimensions were measured in this study. The list of the anthropometric

dimensions is shown in Table 1. All anthropometric data collected were based on MS ISO 7250 (2003) standard

[25]. The equipment used in this study comprised of the anthropometric measuring tools such as the Human

Body Measuring Kit and Anthropometer. It is a well known fact that the use of computerized mechanism may

produce more accurate results [26], however it lacks in terms of flexibility, mobility and very costly.

The dimensions measured were recorded in a form. The form includes some personal information such

as age, sex, race, state of origin, date of birth, religion and occupation. Participants are required to fill in their

personal information before the measurement process started. This form also provides spaces for the entire 40

dimensions measured data to be recorded. An exact measurement location of human figure is also shown in the

form. This is important in ensuring the measurement process for all participants are done correctly and

accurately to minimize error in data collection. Later, the data that had been collected was analyzed using

Microsoft Excel to calculate the mean and standard deviation values. In addition to the mean and standard

deviation, the 5th and 95th percentile values of the data were also calculated.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The results obtained from the anthropometric database collection of 1,007 Malaysian citizens in this study are

shown in Table 1 below. The anthropometric data has been summarized to the mean value, standard deviation

value, and the 5th and 95th percentile value.

Table 1: Anthropometric data for the overall Malaysian citizen, all units are in mm

No Anthropometric Dimensions Mean SD 5th Percentile 95th Percentile

1 Stature 1565.00 59.58 1466.69 1663.31

2 Eyes Height 1451.15 100.52 1285.29 1617.01

3 Shoulder Height 1288.09 105.54 1113.96 1462.23

4 Elbow Height 984.44 95.69 826.55 1142.34

5 Olectron Height 995.95 72.60 876.16 1115.73

6 Waist Height 959.27 371.37 346.52 1572.03

7 Knee Height 436.81 59.36 338.87 534.76

8 Shoulder Breadth 438.97 55.88 346.77 531.17

9 Chest Breadth 317.82 50.80 234.00 401.64

10 Chest Depth 215.06 48.28 135.40 294.72

11 Hip Breadth 378.34 70.98 261.22 495.45

12 Chest Circumference 843.74 132.42 625.24 1062.24

13 Wrist Circumference 160.86 84.17 21.98 299.75



14 Waist Circumference 751.30 127.98 540.14 962.47

15 Thigh Circumference 504.72 74.16 382.36 627.09

16 Calf Circumference 345.93 48.41 266.05 425.81

17 Sitting Height 792.86 76.20 667.12 918.59

18 Sitting Eyes Height 679.08 72.69 559.14 799.01

19 Sitting Shoulder Height 515.84 62.66 412.45 619.23

20 Popliteal Height 424.80 42.68 354.38 495.21

21 Cervicale Height 597.42 76.39 471.38 723.46

22 Buttock Popliteal Length 448.60 48.93 367.87 529.33

23 Buttock-Foot Length 940.35 96.04 781.89 1098.81

24 Sitting Knee Height 470.36 65.94 361.56 579.15

25 Forearm Hand Length 421.53 33.05 366.99 476.06

26 Shoulder-Elbow Length 340.51 50.62 256.99 424.03

27 Sitting Elbow Height 224.66 56.82 130.91 318.41

28 Thigh Clearance 196.62 49.82 114.41 278.83

29 Hand Length 173.37 15.24 148.22 198.52

30 Hand Metacarpal Breadth 79.40 32.49 25.79 133.00

31 Palm Length 97.52 40.40 30.87 164.17

32 Grip Diameter 48.56 15.79 22.52 74.61

33 Foot Length 225.68 26.76 181.52 269.83

34 Foot Breadth 101.90 65.10 -5.52 209.31

35 Shoulder Grip Length 651.03 56.17 558.36 743.71

36 Weight 60.40 52.41 -26.07 146.88

37 Head Length 194.94 33.67 139.38 250.49

38 Biacromial Breadth 365.46 53.27 277.55 453.36

39 Crotch Height 789.30 105.02 616.02 962.59

40 Upper Arm Length 325.55 50.86 241.63 409.47

From Table 1, it is shown that the average stature of Malaysian citizen is 1565.00mm with 90 percent of stature

lies between 1466.69mm and 1663.31mm. The anthropometric database from Table 1 can be used for all various

design purposes. For example, the value of 5th percentile and 95th percentile of standing elbow height for

Malaysian population is 826.55mm and 1142.34mm. This means that if the designers need to construct an

ergonomic standing workstation, the height of the workstation table between 826.55mm and 1142.34mm should

be able to fulfil the height of 90 percent Malaysian population. For further understanding, a basic normal

distribution graph is shows in Figure 2 with clear description on the 90% of distribution.

Figure 2: The Normal distribution graph

For example, the standard deviation value for hip breadth is 70.98. Figure 3 shows that variation in term of hip

breadth for Malaysian citizen is high. It can be seen in Figure 3 that the distribution is quite normal. Therefore, it

can be summarized that 90 percent of the Malaysian citizen hip breadth lies between 261.22mm and 495.45mm.



Figure 3: Normal distribution graphs for hip breadth of Malaysian citizen

The value of the sitting eye height is also important and can be used to determine the proper height of a

computer screen at workplace that is suitable for Malaysian citizens. Figure 4 shows the normal distribution

histogram for sitting eye height.

Figure 4: Normal distribution graphs for sitting eye height of Malaysian citizen

The average value of sitting eye height for Malaysian citizen is 679.08mm with a slightly higher variation of

72.69. The graph distribution is normal with 90 percent of Malaysian citizen sitting eye height value is between

559.14mm and 799.01mm.

Comparison between Male and Female Anthropometric Data for Malaysian Citizen

Besides the overall data analysis of all the participants, the authors had also categorized the anthropometric data

into male and female categories for easy reference as shown in Table 2 and Table 3.

Table 2: Anthropometric Data for Male Malaysian citizen, all units are in mm

No Anthropometric data Mean SD 5th Percentile 95th Percentile

1 Stature 1686.18 67.73 1574.43 1797.930723

2 Eyes Height 1569.23 68.34 1456.47 1681.981778

3 Shoulder Height 1388.39 66.53 1278.61 1498.157995

4 Elbow Height 1056.66 87.00 913.12 1200.20769

5 Olectron Height 1053.23 87.51 908.84 1197.63083

6 Waist Height 984.49 92.99 831.05 1137.927488

7 Knee Height 485.59 50.65 402.02 569.1504867


9 Chest Breadth 354.64 50.84 270.75 438.5285778

10 Chest Depth 217.58 43.59 145.66 289.5055847

11 Hip Breadth 375.39 68.67 262.09 488.6996462








17 Sitting Height 846.68 66.27 737.34 956.0271875











28 Thigh Clearance 183.19 45.25 108.53 257.8432424

29 Hand Length 192.03 54.74 101.72 282.3425713


31 Palm Length 109.02 38.71 45.15 172.892045

32 Grip Diameter 54.89 32.24 1.70 108.0816501

33 Foot Length 252.72 21.83 216.70 288.7428147

34 Foot Breadth 105.34 11.20 86.87 123.8135077


36 Weight 66.64 36.26 6.81 126.4685173

37 Head Length 203.89 27.61 158.34 249.4433909


39 Crotch Height 841.92 127.18 632.07 1051.771895

40 Upper Arm Length 345.22 45.37 270.36 420.0915956

Table 3: Anthropometric Data for Female Malaysian citizen, all units are in mm

No Anthropometric data Mean SD 5th Percentile 95th Percentile

1 Stature 1565.00 59.58 1466.69 1663.306361

2 Eyes Height 1451.15 100.52 1285.29 1617.005061

3 Shoulder Height 1288.09 105.54 1113.96 1462.232143

4 Elbow Height 984.44 95.69 826.55 1142.337836

5 Olectron Height 995.95 72.60 876.16 1115.732915

6 Waist Height 959.27 371.37 346.52 1572.028264

7 Knee Height 436.81 59.36 338.87 534.7604704


9 Chest Breadth 317.82 50.80 234.00 401.6392303

10 Chest Depth 215.06 48.28 135.40 294.7246655

11 Hip Breadth 378.34 70.98 261.22 495.452831






17 Sitting Height 792.86 76.20 667.12 918.5902558













28 Thigh Clearance 196.62 49.82 114.41 278.833819

29 Hand Length 173.37 15.24 148.22 198.5203453


31 Palm Length 97.52 40.40 30.87 164.1738256

32 Grip Diameter 48.56 15.79 22.52 74.60982179

33 Foot Length 225.68 26.76 181.52 269.8291851

34 Foot Breadth 101.90 65.10 -5.52 209.3125445


36 Weight 60.40 52.41 -26.07 146.8760085

37 Head Length 194.94 33.67 139.38 250.4939629


39 Crotch Height 789.30 105.02 616.02 962.5868845

40 Upper Arm Length 325.55 50.86 241.63 409.4722805

From Table 2 and Table 3, they are several major differences in terms of the 40 dimension values. The value for

stature, sitting height and sitting eye height are higher for males compared to females’ Malaysian citizen. These

values are acceptable because normally men are taller than women.

Meanwhile, the value for thigh clearance of females is larger compared to males. Figure 5 and Figure 6

shows clearly the differences in values of thigh clearance between males and females. This data shows that

female have larger thigh than men which can be explained by the fact that a female pelvis bone is slightly wider

than men for reproduction purpose. Dlugos [27] explained that the female pelvis is more widely separated

causing a widening of the hips with respect to the male.

Figure 5: Normal distribution graphs for thigh clearance of Male Malaysian citizens

Figure 6: Normal distribution graphs for thigh clearance of Female Malaysian citizens



Comparison of Anthropometric Data between Other Regions

The average data for male and females of different region in the world are listed in Table 4. Three commonly

used anthropometric dimensions were selected for the purpose of comparison. All anthropometric data presented

exclude Malaysian are collected from several past studies by Juergens et al. [28], Lin et al. [10] and Barroso et

al. [13]. The empty data cells are due to data being unavailable for certain region.

Table 4: Average Anthropometric Data for Several Regions in the World, units are in mm

Male Female

Stature Sitting Height Sitting Knee

Height

Stature Sitting Height Sitting Knee

Height

Malaysian 1686 847 514 1565 793 470

North American 1790 930 550 1650 880 500

Portuguese 1690 920 NA 1565 865 NA

North African 1690 870 535 1610 840 505

South Indian 1620 820 510 1500 800 470

Australian 1770 930 570 1670 880 525

Japanese 1690 909 NA 1569 850 NA

Taiwanese 1699 907 523 1573 848 472

Chinese 1678 908 493 1570 855 458

Korean 1707 921 508 1588 866 470

Source: Juergens et al. (1990), Lin et al. (2004), Barroso et al. (2005)

From Table 4, it can be seen that the average value of all anthropometric dimension listed for North American

and Australian are the highest. This is maybe due to both region are Caucasian population.

As for the Asian regions that are Malaysian, Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese and Korean shows that the

Korean population stature and sitting height value for both male and female data are the highest among all.

While for the sitting knee height dimension, the Taiwanese population obtain the highest value. These shown

that there are differences in the anthropometric data eventhough all five regions are from Asian population.

CONCLUSIONS Anthropometry is the measurement of human body dimensions. As shown in this paper, anthropometric data are

widely used to eliminate or minimize mismatch between workers and their working environments. The proper

matching of machine requirements with the human capabilities is basically necessary for optimum performance

of any human-machine systems. As shown in the literature, it is important that each different ethnic should have

their anthropometric database in order to ensure compatibility. A proper and detailed anthropometric database of

Malaysian population is successfully constructed in this study. The anthropometric data collected in this study

shows that 90 percent stature values for Malaysian citizen lies between 1466.69mm and 1663.31mm. This

anthropometric database is practical to be use by all designer and engineers in developing an ergonomic product,

workstation or facilities. As a result, all designers need to incorporate the anthropometry awareness into their

design to avoid long term health problem to the user and also to ensure their comfort and safety.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Malaysia and

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia for their support in providing the research grant for the project entitled

“Establishment of Malaysian anthropometric data for the design and development of safe and comfortable

driver’ seat for road vehicles” (Science Fund 03-01-02-SF0073).

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