It is likewise in Taiwan, several anthropometric databases of adults have been established with the support of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and Nation Science Council, but there is no anthropometric database for young children. However, most of these databases were built only for adults with the aim of increasing industrial safety, and much less attention has been paid to adolescents and children. Local anthropometry database should be established as reference and basis for safe environmental, industrial designs or related research for different ethnic groups.
In additions, not only different ethnicity, but also nutrition, living style and environment are very likely to contribute to differences in body size and dimensions. In Asia, even among ethnic groups which are historically closely associated, such as the Taiwanese, Japanese, Koreans and mainland Chinese, differences in body shape and bodily proportions have been found. Besids, differences in nutrition and life style, as well as hereditary and ethnic factors, lead to difference in body sizes and dimensions.
Asian countries account for more than 60% of the world population, but have relatively fewer anthropometric databases. However, there are less than 10 in Asia, of which more than half are in Japan (IOSH, 1997). Worldwide, there are at present more than 90 large scaled anthropometric databases, and most of them focus on Western populations. Since the 1940s, several developed countries have been working on the establishment of anthropometric databases of their military, workforce or citizens in general. In particular for children, whose bodies are growing and changing rapidly, appropriate applications of anthropometric data in product design should be undertaken to decrease the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain and scoliosis, due to long periods using unsuitable desks and chairs. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that anthropometry should be taken into account when designing products, such as hand tools or furniture. In addition, it is suggested that all playground equipment should be designed specifically for the physical dimensions of preschool children. For example, in New Zealand four children under 5 years old die each year from injuries related to infant furniture. Improper product design and environmental planning are also associated with a greater incidence of injuries even may result in a fatal hazard. ĭesigns based on inaccurate physical dimensions are an important factor in the development of musculoskeletal disorders, as they encourage poor posture over a long period of time. Moreover, there is less muscle activity in the latissimus dorsi when children sit at an ergonomics work-station than that at a traditional one. It was also indicated that the design of school furniture would influence schoolchildren’s learning behavior and health. Not only adults but also children have been studied in this regard and it was found that ergonomic mismatches between the physical dimensions and classroom furniture might be associated with musculoskeletal discomforts, while improper backpack carrying has been shown to lead to chronic musculoskeletal pain to schoolchildren. It has been indicated that neck and shoulder pain in computer workers might result from poor posture. Previous studies have found evidence for an association between pain or discomfort at work and an ergonomically deficient workplace or poorly structured job. It also can be regarded as the basis of ergonomics, which has become increasingly important because of its ability to prevent injuries and increase comfort. Suitability of products and environments made for Taiwanese children can advanceĪnthropometry plays a very important role in fields such as clothing design, industrial design, and architecture. Accordingly, it is anticipated that the safety and This study established a large-scale and reliableĪnthropometric database of preschoolers which provides a practical reference forĭesigns aimed at Taiwanese children. It is supposed that ethnic diversity leads to variedīody dimensions in children. In stature and weights were found in preliminary comparisons with children of the sameĪge in Japan and the United States. Were used to measure the basic data, structural and postural dimensions. Motion analysis system, measuring tape, an electronic scale and electronic calipers Preschool children (from two to six years old) were recruited. Populations, especially for different genders, ages and races. Specific anthropometric databases should be established for certain of Anthropometry is important in product or environment designs based on humanįactors.