ANTHROPOMETRY, MOTION RANGE, AND MUSCLE STRENGTH MEASUREMENTS OF AMPUTEES FOR DESIGNING LARGE-SCALE AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this study is to derive and analyze the static, dynamic, and muscle strength measurement items of amputees in Korea for the design of large-scale agricultural work equipment considering their altered physical characteristics and functions. A total of 46 amputees participated in the study, with 34 males and 12 females in the age ranging between 30 and 60 years. Thirty items were derived for the measurement items considering the designing of the large-scale agricultural work equipment. The measurement results were presented as 5%tiles, 50%tiles, and 95%tiles values by item and gender, and t-test verification was performed on gender basis. There was a statistically significant difference between the men and women in most of the measurement items. Our results indicate that the male data should be used for the spatial design of equipment with static measurement items and the design of the controllers with dynamic measurement items, whereas the female data should be applied in the designing of parts that require muscle strength, such as accelerators. The results of this study can provide a basic data for developing the design of large-scale agricultural work equipment and machines that are usable and convenient for amputees in Korea, and in exploring the anthropometric measurements of the subtypes of people with physical disabilities.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to analyze and derive the static, dynamic, and muscle strength measurement items of amputees in Korea, considering their altered physical characteristics and functions, for the design of large-scale agricultural work equipment. The results showed statistically significant differences between men and women in most of the measurement items, indicating the need to consider gender differences in equipment design.