14030 - Anthropometry and Ergonomics

Academic Year 2018/2019

  • Docente: Natascia Rinaldo
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: BIO/08
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Rimini
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Exercise and Sport Sciences (cod. 8766)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will have the skills to describe, through standardized measurement techniques, the characteristics of the human body and to interpret them in relation to the variability induced by environmental conditions, with particular reference to physical activity, health, sports and ergonomics. In addition, the student will be able, through practical activity, to detect and manage certain linear dimensions of the human body.

Course contents

Definition of Anthropometry and Ergonomics, historical background, study directions and methods, applications.

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Factors of variability of human populations in evolution

Elements of Human Evolution and Biodiversity

Preparation of an anthropometric/ergonomic research. Sampling - Body and orientation planes

Detection techniques, instrumentation used and variability of the main anthropometric parameters: height and seated height, weight, transversal diameters, lengths, perimeters, body skinfolds.

Body Proportion Indices: Evaluation and their variability.

Elements of constitutionalism. Somatotype analysis: evaluation, applications and their variability.

Body composition: assessment techniques and their applicability, with particular attention to densitometric, plicometric and impedance techniques. Information on the variability of body composition.

Evaluation and interpretation of body image perception.

Statistical methods in anthropometry: description of the sample, comparative assessments. Choice of reference points and measurements.

Methods in the study of growth. Anthropometric aspects and drivers of growth. Growth standard. Biological maturity indicators. Growth factors.

Methods for studying ageing. Biological variability related to aging with particular attention to changes in body composition. Factors of aging. Interpretation of ageing.

Ergonomics: investigation methods and application aspects. Application of anthropometry in the ergonomic field. Workspace and body dimensions. Main postures and postural efforts.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

Readings/Bibliography

  • Norton, Olds:"Anthropometrica" UNSW Press, 2006
  • Lohman, Roche, Martorell- "Manuale di riferimento per la standardizzazione antropometrica" EDRA ed., 1992
  • Eston R. Reilly T. .”Kinanthropometry and exercise physiology laboratory manual- vol 1 : Anthropometry” Routledge ed., 2001
  • Frisancho A. R. Anthropometric standard. An interactive Nutritional reference of Body Size and Body Composition for children and adults. Ann Arbor - The University of Michigan Press, 2011

Teaching methods

Frontal lecture and practical anthropometric exercises

Assessment methods

Oral examination which will consist of 3 questions, one relating to anthropometric measurements, one relating to ergonomics and another relating to the other topics covered during the course

Teaching tools

The slides of the lessons will be made available to the students.

Office hours

See the website of Natascia Rinaldo