The Relevance of Anthropometry in the World of Sports
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The Relevance of Anthropometry in the World of Sports
By Reinaldo Ragil Rompas
Anthropometry is derived from the terms “anthro” (human) and “metri” (size). In broad terms, anthropometry is the study of measuring the measurements of the human body, beginning with shape, size, weight, and others. Anthropometry is frequently applied in different scientific disciplines by using ergonomic notions, such as:
- Designing the work area.
- Industrial equipment design, including machines, equipment, and tools.
- Design of consumer goods such as clothing, chairs, tables, and computers.
- Design for the physical working space.
Anthropometry has two types of applications:
- Static Anthropometry
Static anthropometry, also known as structural anthropometry, is a kind of anthropometric measurement that takes place in a static or standardized position. Static anthropometric measurement dimensions include body height, arm length, elbow height, thigh thickness, hip height, and others.
- Dynamic Anthropometry
As the name implies, dynamic anthropometry is a kind of anthropometry in which the subject is measured in a dynamic condition or body posture while performing or engaging in activities. The angle of rotation of the hand and the angle of rotation of the ankle are two examples of dynamic anthropometric measurements.
Before developing a product, ensure the designer follows anthropometric design principles. This seeks to ensure that a product’s design can be tailored to the dimensions of the human body, resulting in no complications when using it. The anthropometric design concepts for designing items are listed below:
1. Product design based on the rule of extreme sizes
This rule is used to create items that humans will utilize in very small or very large proportions, such as doors with a percentile greater than 90 and headsets smaller than the tenth percentile.
2. Product design principles that can be adjustable in a certain size range
This principle is utilized to produce human-usable objects with sizes that can be modified within a specific percentile range, such as gaming seats.
3. Product design based on the rule of average size
This rule is utilized to build items for humans with the standard or average percentile size of the human body, for example steering wheel and doorknobs with a percentile size that is neither too large nor too little.
In sports, anthropometry is important for assessing a person’s physical capability. For example, in the field of sports, anthropometry delivers numerical information on athletes and their athletic ability levels. If the leg length is adequate, the athlete has significant potential in running competitions or if an athlete’s length of arm is ideal, he is likely to qualify for the throwing event. The optimal body form and composition vary based on the sport, playing position, and fitness level. In a number of sports, having some advantage in a specific body region in some way is advantageous, either small, tall, hefty, or light. Whenever it comes to body composition, an athlete can look for an advantage in any section of the body, because this advantage has the potential to significantly improve their on-field performance.
In Indonesia, anthropometric measurements are also commonly used to see the potential and development of an athlete. The reason is a person’s physical body influences the way they play and their performance on the field. Especially if the athlete has to compete in international competitions.
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