What Is Anthropometry?

Anthropology A branch of anthropology. It mainly studies anthropometric and observation methods, and explores the characteristics, types, variations and development of the human body through overall measurement and local measurement. Anthropometric measurement includes skeletal measurement and living measurement. The former includes measurement and observation methods of skull and body bones, and the latter includes measurement and observation methods of head, face and body. In recent years, the widespread application of electronic instruments and computers has played an important role in anthropometrics and data analysis. Anthropometrics are of great significance to the theoretical research of anthropology and national economy and people's livelihood. ^[1]

Its main task is to carry out quantitative analysis of human characteristics through statistical data using statistical methods.

Anthropology is based on the measurement, recording, and description of a large number of individual parts of human beings. It studies the individual development and physical characteristics of human beings, and then uses the various data obtained from multiple measurements to analyze individual to individual, group to group Comparative study. There are two main types of anthropometrics: living measurement and skeletal measurement. Anthropometrics requires the establishment of standardized methods and techniques, and statistical processing of the data to make interpretation and testing possible. ^[2]

A subject that studies anthropometric and observation methods, and explores the characteristics, types, variations, and development laws of the human body through overall and local measurements of the human body. It includes skeletal measurement, living body measurement, joint mobility measurement, skinfold thickness measurement, physical strength measurement, physiological measurement, and dynamic measurement of the range of movement of various parts of the body in various activities.

The systematic anthropometric method was founded by scientists from some countries in Western Europe at the end of the 18th century. The earliest anthropometric research was carried out by France's L. Daubenton and Holland's P. Camper. At the end of the 19th century, anthropologists from various countries began to study unified international standards in anthropometrics in order to unify anthropometric methods. German anthropologist Martin (Martin Martin) made an outstanding contribution in this regard. His "Anthropology Textbook" edited anthropometric methods and is still used by anthropologists in various countries.

The simplest anthropometric content includes: the ratio of the length and width of the skull, the so-called "cephalic index"; the ratio of the length and width of the nose; the ratio of the upper and lower arms. These data can be measured with familiar utensils such as a meter, a caliper, a tape measure, and the like. As long as you choose a reliable measurement point, the so-called "landmark" on the human body, and standardize the measurement method, the result can be very accurate. A large amount of data obtained through such survey methods was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries by some

Anthropometric measurement is not only of great significance to the theoretical research of anthropology, but also has great practical value in ergonomics, national defense industry, light industry, safety engineering, mechanical design, sports science, and health care. Using anthropometric data and data to design products scientifically, one is to determine the size and shape of people using mechanical equipment; the other is to determine the size and shape of the space required to work with the mechanical equipment. In this way, the product can be more practical, more in line with safety requirements, and improve efficiency.