You may have often heard the term anthropometry when you wanted to enroll in a military academy, or when you wanted to monitor your baby’s weight at the posyandu. But what is meant by anthropometry, why is its presence so important in society? This article will thoroughly discuss examples of the application of anthropometry in everyday life.
About Anthropometry
In 1987, Sanders & McCormick defines anthropometry as the measurement of body dimensions or other physical characteristics of the body that are relevant to the design of something people wear. This means that anthropometric measurement data is used as a reference before making a product or tool used to support human activity.
In general, it is known that the term anthropometry is derived from the Ancient Greek anthros and also metron which means human and measurement respectively. From these terms it can be deduced that anthropometry is human measurement, so it is not limited to just the head, body or feet. Anthropometry includes all dimensions of measurement from head to toe.
The anthropometry is then classified into two namely dynamic and static anthropometry. This classification is seen based on the application of anthropometric measurement results. Whether the measurement will be used for activities with movement (dynamic) or just standing still (static).
1. Static Anthropometry
As the name suggests, static anthropometry is anthropometric measurements carried out in a stationary position or linear with body shape. This type of anthropometric measurement is also referred to as structural anthropometry, because the dimensions measured correspond to the structure of the human body.
Examples of static anthropometric measurements are measurements of eye height, head area, face area, leg area, and also measuring dimensions of other body structures.
2. Dynamic Anthropometry
In contrast to static anthropometry, dynamic anthropometry is an anthropometric measurement performed to estimate the human position in a state of motion. Dynamic measurements or also known as functional predict the range of motion of humans through their anthropometry. Not only the range of motion, dynamic anthropometry also estimates what movements may occur when humans or workers in particular are carrying out activities.
The examples of dynamic anthropometric measurements are the maximum reach of the hand, rotation from the angle of the hand, rotation of the ankle joint and other dimensions of motion.
Application of Anthropometry in Various Fields
After understanding a little about anthropometry, questions such as why is anthropometry important? or what fields actually require the role of anthropometry? We will answer that question together.
As is known, anthropometry is a measurement of the dimensions of the human body, meaning that all inches of the human body are measured in this science. A philosopher who was also a famous orator of his time, once said that Man is The Measure of All Things. We can all agree with this statement, that humans are the measure of everything. So that from the time we open our eyes to start the activity to close our eyes to rest, everything is well calculated.
Therefore, anthropometry has a fairly broad scope of knowledge, anthropometry plays a role in various fields. These fields include health and medical sciences, physiotherapy, military, industry, design, to occupational health and safety.
Anthropometric measurements are needed in the fields of physiotherapy, health sciences and also medicine to diagnose diseases. This is because the size of the human body can be used as a visible basis in detecting abnormalities, before being examined entirely with a CT scan or X ray.
The following is the application of anthropometry in various fields:
1. Forensic Autopsy
Anthropometric science intersects with medical science, especially in the fields of forensics and anatomy. In a forensic autopsy, the measurement of the dimensions of the human body is the one that gets the most attention. Because in physical identification, it is necessary to measure every inch of the human body to be investigated.
Also Read : Understanding Anthropomethry Role in Forensic Autopsy
Measurement has a crucial role in forensic autopsies, injuries such as cuts or punctures can be identified through measurement.
2. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is also a science related to anthropometry. This science which is closely related to healing physical injuries also requires anthropometric measurement tools to make a diagnosis. Quoting from Mr. Suryo S. Perdana as a physiotherapist with sports competence, it was stated that athletes competing in the Paralympics also need anthropometry to identify their ‘class’ based on body size.
3. Public Health
Anthropometry in public health has been on the rise lately, following the government’s agenda to reduce stunting rates in Indonesia. Anthropometric measurements can help detect early stunting within the first 1000 days of life. Anthropometry which includes weight, height, arm circumference and head circumference is an indicator used to identify the nutritional intake of toddlers.
Also Read : The importance of Anthropometric Measurements in the Health Sector in Indonesia
4. Military
Anthropometry also plays a role in the military field, especially during physical selection. As is known, not just anyone can become a military officer. Special competence is required before someone is officially recruited to become the TNI or Police, one of which is the anthropometric test stage.
Also Read : Anthropometry Test in Indonesian Police Selection Works
This stage is carried out to check the physical condition of the prospective students, detect possible physical abnormalities and ensure that the physical condition of the chassis is primed enough to undergo training.
5. Industrial Engineering and Design
Furthermore, anthropometry also plays a role in the fields of industrial engineering, product design to design. Often we hear the term ergonomics before buying household appliances. When asked why you choose a product with ergonomics frills, maybe you will answer ‘to make it comfortable to use’. One of the factors that make a product ergonomic is to pay attention to the average human anthropometric size.
Also Read : Get to Know Together the Concept of Anthropometry in Product Design
By paying attention to anthropometry and also human posture, experts working in the fields of industrial engineering, product design and space design can determine which product or work system is good to implement. Ergonomics itself is a science that studies the interaction between humans and their activities.
Also Read : Get to Know the Definition and Application of Macro Ergonomics in Everyday Life
6. Occupational Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety is also not left behind from the role and application of anthropometry. In line with the application of this knowledge in industrial engineering, anthropometric measurements and also body posture will later lead to Occupational Health and Safety (K3) objectives. If the work system is friendly with the anthropometry of the workers, then the possibility of work accidents will be minimal, and safety while working can be realized.
Also Read : The Role of Ergonomics in Occupational Health Through Anthropometric Measuring Instruments, Portable Anthropometry
8. Sport
Anthropometry in sports is also a quite hot discussion among athletes and sports academics. This is because the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sport is intensively looking for the talents of prospective athletes through anthropometric measurements carried out at schools. In addition, as mentioned in the application of anthropometry to physiotherapy, the dimensions of the human body are also used for the classification of athletes’ weight classes.
Anthropometry can even be used to prevent injury, allowing athletes to evaluate their physical condition before competing. So that anthropometry indirectly contributes to maximizing the achievement of the athlete.
Recommendation of Anthropometry Measurement Tool
Metrisis – Portable Anthropometry produced by Solo Abadi Indonesia is an anthropometric measuring instrument derived from an anthropometric chair that is packaged in a portable form, so that the measuring instrument can be moved or carried anywhere easily. Befitting an innovation, portable anthropometry can be used to measure up to 100 dimensions of the human body.
The function of this tool is to carry out anthropometric measurements which are carried out carefully and prioritize data accuracy. This instrument offers measuring capability of up to 100 measurements. Besides that, its portable shape allows this tool to be used unlimited time and can be done anywhere.
Following are the details of the Anthropometry Portable Kit product :
Baca Juga : Best Price, Find Quality Ergonomic Research Tools Here!
Metrisis – Anthropometry Chair is an innovative anthropometric measurement instrument that can measure up to 34 dimensions of the human body. This measuring instrument is designed in the form of an adjustable chair to make it easier to measure in a standing, sitting position, as well as measuring facial dimensions.
Save 25% on Metrisis Portable Anthropometric – Complete Set Series Purchases for November-December 2023 Period
Get a 25% discount for purchasing Metrisis – Portable Anthropometry Complete Set Series units. A set of human body dimension measuring instruments consisting of:
- Antropometer (Antropometer Set, Sliding Block, Branches Measurement Curves)
- Sliding Caliper
- Large Spreading Caliper
- Small Spreading Caliper
The best offer to support anthropometric measurements in sports study programs and sports institutions is only available until the end of December 2023. It’s time to abandon traditional body dimension measurements with a high possibility of error. Use Metrisis – Complete Set Series for more accurate anthropometric measurements.
Contact Us To Get Anthropometry Products
Get and order anthropometric measuring instruments at the best prices from Solo Abadi by filling in the available ask for prices. You can also connect directly via WhatsApp, we are ready to contact you soon.
