Anthropometry for the physiotherapist: arm reach boundaries for operation of cockpit controls

The systematic measurement of body dimensions, using special instruments, is known as anthropometry and data produced by these measurements are used not only to determine the size and shape of equipment but also to define workspaces. If a workplace is being designed or improved to suit just one person, men only his individual measurements are required for the specifications. However, if the equipment or workspace is to be shared by many individuals of varying sizes and proportions, it is essential that measurements of a representative sample of the using population be taken. In the latter case, the data must be assembled and analysed so that the dimensions selected for design will be suitable for the majority of operators. If necessary, appropriate adjustments to cater for the range of sizes indicated by the measurements of the subject sample may be added to allow comfortable or posturally safe conditions for the total using population. Guides to equipment design using anthropometric data have been published by Damon, Stoudt and McFarland (1971) and Morgan, Cook, Chapanis and Lund (1963).