Comparison of sitting height measurement using three anthropometric measuring techniques

Accurate, reproducible, anthropometric measurements are essential in the aviation community. Three methodologies were evaluated to determine how they compared with respect to variability and accuracy. One of the methods, an anthropometric chair, is currently used to screen naval aviation candidates. Another method, employing anthropometers (calipers), has been widely used for anthropometric surveys. A third method, referred to as the digital anthropometric video imaging device (DAVID), is a computer-based technique that digitizes a video image for the purpose of determining anthropometric measurements. For this comparison study, sitting height was measured by 15 subjects using the 3 cited methods. An evaluation of sitting height was used because of its importance to aviation and because it requires attention to both posture and measurement technique. Statistical analysis showed no statistical difference between the three methodologies.