An estimation of anthropometric characteristics of adult female population of Turkey

Abstract

Ergonomics is concerned with the fit between people and work, tool, equipment, vehicle and the environment. Anthropometry, the science of human body measurements, is a field that contributes to ergonomic design. Optimal designs for people (e.g.; designs of workspaces, tools, machines, vehicles and personal protective equipment) involves the use of anthropometric data. Anthropometric measures may vary among world populations from different regions. Hence, every country may require its own anthropometric database. Even though there exist a number of studies on the anthropometric measurements of population of Turkey, the available data are not enough and statistically sound in establishing a useful and valid anthropometric database. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were as folows: (i) to generate an up-to-date anthropometric database of adult female population of Turkey; (ii) to investigate the effects of age and occupation on body dimensions; and (iii) to compare the results with prior female anthropometric data of Turkey and with other nationalities. In order to reach the stated objectives, 65 static and dynamic body dimensions were taken from 250 adult females aged from 18 to 79 yrs. Sampling is done in a stratified manner including subjects from seven regions of Turkey. Subjects were divided into two occupational (manual and non-manual) and five age groups (18 to 79 separeated by 10 years). Results showed that stature and other vertical body dimensions as well as length dimensions were significantly decreasing with age. Some breadth, depth and circumference dimensions were significantly increasing with age. Comparing to a study in 2006, there is a 1.5 cm increase in stature and a no significant decrease in body mass. When compared to the results of other nationalities, anthropometric data of the female population of Turkey, in general, is similar to the Algerian and Cuban, greater than Malaysians, Chinese and Thai adults and lower than Northern Europeans.