Impact of the seated height to stature ratio on torso segment parameters

Ergonomic modelling programmes such as the Three Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Programme (3DSSPP) are valuable tools for assessing strength capabilities and risk assessment. These tools rely on accurate, representative inputs in the form of body segment parameters (BSPs). The upcoming version of 3DSSPP will employ BSPs for the torso, split into thoracic, lumbar and pelvis segments in order to more precisely determine spinal forces and injury risks. This study determines the impacts of age, body mass index and the estimated seated height to stature ratio (SHS) on these full and split torso parameters in a sample of working American adults. The results show that all of these metrics have significant relationships with the BSPs of interest, indicating that they must be accounted for when determining these parameters. A sensitivity analysis performed in 3DSSPP demonstrates that varying the parameters inputs will have large effects on L5/S1 compression force calculations. Practitioner Summary: Current anthropometric data sets for ergonomic applications do not account for wide ranges of age, BMI and overall body shape on segment parameter calculations. This study quantifies the associations of age, BMI and the seated height to stature ratio on full and split torso segment parameters. Abbreviations: 3DSSPP: Three-Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program; BMI: body mass index; BSP: body segment parameter; BW: body weight; COM: centre of mass; DXA: dual energy x-ray absorptiometry; R_G: radius of gyration; SHS: seated height to stature ratio; SL: segment length.