Anthropometry of male agricultural workers of north-eastern India and its use in design of agricultural tools and equipment

Abstract

Ergonomic consciousness is increasing among the agricultural workers of India. Hence, anthropometric data were collected for efficient and safe design of agricultural hand tools, implements and machines. A set of 76 body dimensions including age and body weight was measured from a sample of 801 male agricultural workers from four major and fourteen minor tribes of north-eastern (NE) region of India. The mean stature of the total population is 162.0 cm and body weight 56.1 kg. A significant variation in most of the body dimensions was found among four major tribes. Correlation coefficient was determined among different body dimensions. Stature is highly correlated with some body dimensions related to height. Best-fit least square simple and multiple linear regression equations were developed to predict some dimensions. A total of 20 body dimensions could be estimated with simple linear regression equation using stature and 9 dimensions could be estimated with multiple linear regression equation. Factor analysis was performed to reduce anthropometric dimensions. An attempt was made to illustrate the use of these data in design of hand tools and equipment from ergonomic considerations. Relevance to industry The agriculture of the NE region of India is changing from traditional Jhum to settled cultivation. The anthropometric data can be used to design and/or design modification of agricultural hand tools, implements and machines to be operated by male workers in the hilly region of the country.