Introduction
Disorders involving the muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, bones, and blood circulation are all included under the umbrella term "work-related musculoskeletal disorders," or WMSDs. These areas of the body are also vulnerable to harm from WMSDs. Repetitive manual jobs, physically transferring heavy weights, significant energy expenditure, extended static forced body position, and the characteristics of the immediate work environment are the primary causes of these impairments (De Kok et al., 2019). It is well known that musculoskeletal disorders can be exacerbated by improper body posture. Adopting an unnatural body posture is a common source of strain when transporting heavy loads. Similarly, minor postural discomforts that are experienced hundreds or thousands of times over time may also contribute to the degradation of human health (De Kok et al., 2019). These conditions can progress to more severe medical diseases and cause lasting structural changes to the human locomotor system if left untreated.
Discomfort felt across multiple anatomical structures that cannot be adequately expressed in clinical words, such as neck muscle tensions or non-specific lower back pain (De Kok et al., 2019), are often classified as WMSDs. This is due to the fact that WMSDs encompass not only generalised pain but also pain localised to specific anatomical regions. The aforementioned patterns of illness and medical condition constitute the most widespread health issue in the European Union. Musculoskeletal problems are among the work-related health difficulties that almost 60% of all workers in EU nations experience, as described in the report prepared by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (De Kok et al., 2019). There were more complaints from people working in forestry, agriculture, and fishing (69%), machine operators and assemblers in industry (66%), and artisans (55%). Operator and assembler groups predominate among the mentioned categories. In Germany, the EU's largest economy, for instance, manufacturers account for 45% of total economic output. Large-scale manufacturing companies are easily distinguished by the presence of extensive assembly workstations throughout their buildings. Increases in product complexity and variety, as well as decreases in product batch sizes and product life cycles, continue to promote the usage of hand assembly (Hinrichsen et al., 2016). In the European Union, the most common occupational health problems for people in this field are discomfort in the arms (55%), shoulders (47%), upper arms (45%), and lower legs (33%) (De Kok et al., 2019).
Knowledge of illness mechanisms and risk factors in general has allowed for a number of different methods to be developed for identifying and responding to potential dangers. This made it simple to plan and set up the desks in a way that minimises the potential for WMSDs. Methods that aid in the avoidance of WMSDs have been used for quite some time. Popular posture analysis tools include the Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS) (Gómez-Galán et al., 2017), the Rapid Upper Limbs Assessment (RULA) (Gómez-Galán et al., 2020), and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) (Hita-Gutiérrez et al., 2020).
Assessing the danger of WMSDs is the main goal of the OWAS method. This is accomplished by classifying the user into one of many risk groups based on the results of an analysis of their posture, which is defined by the segmental positions of their bodies and the force loads acting upon them. The RULA instrument analyses the upper limbs to determine the extent to which sedentary posture is to blame. It's very similar to OWAS, but it does a better job of recognising the varied ways in which the hands can be held while performing a task. When the static workload is prevalent, the REBA technique considers both the RULA and OWAS perspectives and accounts for the possibility of WMSDs (Hignett & McAtamney, 2000).
The primary idea behind the WMSD risk assessment is measuring the extent to which individual body segments vary from their neutral locations. Such an assessment is supported, at least in part, by studies examining perceived pain and exhaustion as well as by precise physiological tests. It was discovered by Aaras et al., (1988) that the greater the degree of departure from neutral position of the hand segments, the greater the strain on the muscles and tendons. A number of experts have performed studies to study people's subjective impressions of body positions in similar scenarios. Corlett & Bishop (1976), for instance, looked into the pain and distress felt by welders in various parts of the body. Drury & Coury (1982) then developed a technique for evaluating the overall chair comfort. Using the respondents' stated discomfort, Kee (2002) automatically constructed a three-dimensional isocomfort workspace while Bhatnager et al., (1985) discovered a connection between higher levels of subjective discomfort and lower levels of work performance.
The most common ways to implement the aforementioned strategies for assessing body postures call for close observation and recording of the positions of various body segments during normal activities, such as photographs or video recordings. These measurements are utilised to ascertain the accuracy with which one can calculate the angles between the analysed body segments. Following this, the risk indicator values and/or workload for the WMSDs are determined in accordance with the established protocols. When unfavourable outcomes are observed, these methods often suggest the best course of action to take. Because of this, corrective measures may involve rethinking and rebuilding equipment, rearranging the layout of physical encounters, or shifting the structure of daily tasks. For example, several authors analysed postural behaviour during the completion of repeated activities using photographs and activity sampling methodologies, providing a case study for such analyses and interventions (Floyd & Ward, 1967). Photos were used to analyse body postures (Corlett & Bishop, 1976) while Gómez-Galán et al., (2018) measured postural load during melon cultivation using images.
There are tight limits on the applications of such methods. When trying to properly identify the angles that describe the body position, it can be rather tough. In addition, there are obstacles that may arise while trying to demonstrate anthropometric representativeness of the people polled, which can be a major problem for the researcher. Most studies focus solely on one person currently employed in the field of study. As more and more women enter the workforce in industrial settings, anthropometric studies that involve participants from a wide range of backgrounds are gaining importance. They may include not only generic information but also specifics about humanoids, such as their height and weight. The best option to get around the practical barriers and meet the specific modelling needs is to use modern computer systems that support 3D design in conjunction with the digital human models that are currently in existence (DHMs).
Digital Human Models for generation of anthropometric data
The first DHMs appeared in the late 1960s. CAD workstations must be designed with human body features. By combining these aspects in a virtual area before creating the actual project, testing and revisions can be done quickly and economically. This is now possible because to virtualization. Only the designer's imagination limits possible adjustments. Creating realistic digital body models is key to this technique. This must happen first. In terms of anthropometric characteristics and biomechanical and physiological capacities, the digitised, 3D mannequins should statistically properly mirror real populations. These must be considered. Incorporating ergonomic evaluations into DHM software automates their preparation, increasing the usefulness and efficiency of virtual investigations. Mechanical workload, postural pain, and thermal comfort could be incorporated.
Between 1960 and 1990, computer systems for static anthropometric evaluations and dynamic process studies developed simultaneously. These computing platforms were created for researchers. In the early 1960s, the first field generated many computer systems, including SAMMIE, Apolin, and Anthropos. Studies of dynamic systems with human input led to programmes like CALSPAN 3D CSV, ADAMS, and MADYMO 3D (Grobelny & Michalski, 2020). These technologies were originally designed to simulate car crashes. This trend of merging left and right brain techniques in complex systems with mainstream CAD programmes like Apolinex and 3DSSPP/AutoCAD began in the 1990s. JACK, now part of Tecnomatix, RAMSIS, SAFEWORK, now part of DELMIA 3DExperience, and Santos are popular examples (Grobelny & Michalski, 2020). These include novel capabilities such as psychophysiological examinations utilising AI and research using advanced methods of dynamic load assessment.
Software like DHM may be effective for investigating postural loads and WMSD hazards since it offers multidimensional process and workstation studies. Recent implementations may use modules that automatically calculate postural pain markers or postural loads. Research and analysis of this nature employ outdated systems (such as SAMMIE or Anthropos). Most adequately reflect the anthropometric traits of a wide variety of persons and incorporate WMSD risk assessment tools. They interface with ordinary CAD systems or may be used in tandem with them. These programmes have user-friendly interfaces. Their simplicity of use is due to substantial practical experience and a more confined range of optional features than JACK, RAMSIS, or DELMIA. So, the end-workflow user's is simplified.
Conclusion
Unfit workplaces may increase the risk of anthropometric stress disorders. Safer and healthier workplaces are crucial financially and health-wise. WMSDs are linked to worse health outcomes and along with the International Classification of Diseases has listed 31 illnesses. Seven different tendinopathies, eight tunnel syndromes and nerve compressions, four bone syndromes, three hygromas, three vascular syndromes, meniscus lesions, and five non-specific illnesses. Research also shows that designing the worksurface height for the 5th percentile can reduce WMSD risk for the whole population.
Sectors where occupational biomechanics is applied intensively
To better understand the correlation between human anatomy and illness, morphometry is introduced as a quantitative method. From the dawn of humanity to the present day, anthropometric methods have been used by scientists to study the human body. Thus, anthropometric information is useful in many settings for screening and tracking health conditions. Among the many subfields of morphometry is anthropometry, which investigates the distributional and individual differences in body size and shape among populations.
Anthropometry in the aviation industry
To make sure the pilot is comfortable while using the cockpit, it is important to figure out the best size for the shape of the cockpit. The body measurements of the potential pilot will be taken in an anthropometric chair, which will make it much easier for the designer to get the right measurements. But in the modern world, anthropometric data is used for more than just designing the cockpit of commercial aircraft. It is also used to measure the size of potential pilots to see if their bodies meet the ideal requirements needed to become a pilot who will fly this passenger aircraft. With this chair, the designer can also design the inside of an aeroplane cabin and even make seats for airline passengers (Gupta et al., 2018).
It's important to remember that a person's height must be measured while they're sitting down. This is because the person who makes the aeroplane seat needs to know how tall the person is in order to make a comfortable seat for the pilot (Sharma et al., 2007). The goal of taking anthropometric measurements is to figure out the right distance between the pilot and the plane's instruments. To do this, the distance between the hand and important parts of the cockpit needs to be looked at. The pilot's height will give the designer an idea of how tall the cockpit will be, and once they have the measurements for the cockpit, they will also be able to figure out how big the plane's head is. Because the plane will be stopped by the foot, its length is an important thing to think about. Also, the pilot uses his or her feet to move the plane's tail, which lets him or her turn the plane (Sharma et al., 2007).
These are some of the things that will be taken into account when making a cockpit for a commercial plane. However, it is possible that there are many more pieces of information needed to design an aircraft cockpit (Lusted et al., 1994). Once you know how big the fuselage needs to be, how big the wings should be, and how big the tail needs to be, you can design the plane based on what it will be used for. This is done once the required tail size measurements have been taken (Lusted et al., 1994).
Anthropometry in cosmetology
The development of robust statistical methods based on models that are used to examine the shape variation of all configurations that correspond to morphologic landmark locations is one of the primary benefits of geometric morphometrics over conventional approaches. It is true that registering landmarks is the most effective approach to assess the shapes of entire biological organs or creatures in many biological or biomedical research. Examination of the geometrical qualities of an organ or organism is fundamental to many medical investigations. Quantitative or qualitative qualities are measured in these analyses; for instance, the outward appearance of an organ or organism has lately been used as the input data for the advancement of imaging techniques. Measuring values are a common component of quantitative and qualitative data sets in statistical analysis. Recent advances in imaging technology have led to the utilisation of an organ's or organism's outward appearance as the basis for input data (Koç et al., 2020). In the realm of cosmetic dermatology, the degree to which wrinkles improve following a rejuvenating treatment is increasingly often used as a proxy for therapy efficacy. Many quantitative methods have been developed as a result of wrinkle analysis. By comparing and contrasting modern scales with three-dimensional photos of wrinkled faces, we can gain a better understanding of these facial features and perhaps gain insight into the relationship between clinical assessment and assessment based on biophysical measurement techniques. Clinical ratings were compared to 3D fringe projections in a study done by Luebberding et al., (2014). With the help of this technology, we can learn more about the effects of wrinkle-reduction surgeries and over-the-counter creams.
Another area of medicine that frequently uses imaging is breast cosmetics. In spite of this, the entire idea of breast size remains a controversial one. Differentiating between breast volume and breast density is crucial, but it is unclear which methods of measurement—subjective reporting, cup size, mammographic evaluation, or three-dimensional imaging—are the most reliable (Al-Qattan et al., 2019). Ultrasound and mammography, among other imaging techniques, can aid in the diagnosis of symptomatic reconstructions of the breast. Another crucial diagnostic approach that can aid in the treatment of breast cancer is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast. The effectiveness of this method can be measured in a number of settings, including illness staging and the development of a treatment strategy.
Anthropometry in architecture
Anthropometry is fundamental to the development of architectural codes. These norms give a standardised set of requirements as well as acceptable solutions for a wide range of possible design arrangements. It is an essential aspect of the procedure of optimising the design of buildings and has an impact on a wide range of businesses, processes, services, and products. Human dimensions and capacities should be taken into account when making decisions about the proportions and overall design of a structure. Anthropometrics are frequently used in building design to ensure that occupants suffer minimal discomfort. Thus, it follows that the space must be of a suitable size, with high ceilings, wide doorways and hallways, and similar characteristics. Despite the fact that anthropometrics is the scientific study of human anatomy through the measurement of measurable traits like height, weight, shape, arm length, and so on. Using anthropometric information in ergonomic design helps improve how people interact with products, services, and environments.
Space requirements for furniture and fixtures can be estimated using anthropometry. When designing a building, such as a home, an architect must consider how people will move around the space, how they will feel, and how the space will function, all while keeping in mind the aesthetics of the finished product. For instance, a bathroom must be large enough to allow a bathtub and sink, a bedroom must be large enough to accept a standard bed, and an office building must be large enough to accommodate workstations, air conditioning units, common areas, meeting rooms, and so on. A kitchen needs adequate space for people to walk around freely and for people to open and close the many drawers, cupboards, and doors that house the many appliances that people use on a regular basis. The kitchen work triangle is an ergonomic improvement for kitchen layouts that ensures the kitchen's three main working functions—the refrigerator, sink, and stove—are close enough to each other to facilitate efficient work, but far enough apart to prevent the cook from feeling trapped and uncomfortable. The American Society of Ergonomics (ASE) is responsible for this breakthrough. Ergonomics, the study of how a person feels when using office equipment including a desk, chair, keyboard, and computer screen, has gained prominence in recent years. This is especially true now, when more and more people are opting to work remotely or in hybrid settings.
References
Aarås, A., Westgaard, R. H., & Stranden, E. (1988). Postural angles as an indicator of postural load and muscular injury in occupational work situations. Ergonomics, 31(6), 915–933. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140138808966731
Al-Qattan, M. M., Aldakhil, S. S., Al-Hassan, T. S., & Al-Qahtani, A. (2019). Anthropometric Breast Measurement: Analysis of the Average Breast in Young Nulliparous Saudi Female Population. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 7(8), e2326. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002326
Bhatnager, V., Drury, C. G., & Schiro, S. G. (1985). Posture, postural discomfort, and performance. Human factors, 27(2), 189–199. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872088502700206
Corlett, E. N., & Bishop, R. P. (1976). A technique for assessing postural discomfort. Ergonomics, 19(2), 175–182. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140137608931530
Corlett, E. N., & Bishop, R. P. (1976). A technique for assessing postural discomfort. Ergonomics, 19(2), 175–182. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140137608931530
De Kok, J., Vroonhof, P., Snijders, J., Roullis, G., Clarke, M., Peereboom, K., van Dorst, P., Isusi, I. (2019). Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Prevalence, Costs and Demographics in the EU. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Publications Office of the European Union; Luxembourg.
Drury, C. G., & Coury, B. G. (1982). A methodology for chair evaluation. Applied ergonomics, 13(3), 195–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-6870(82)90006-0
Floyd, W.F., Ward, M.J. (1967). Posture in Industry. Int. J. Prod. Res. 5:213–224. doi: 10.1080/00207546708929753.
Gómez-Galán, M., Callejón-Ferre, Á. J., Pérez-Alonso, J., Díaz-Pérez, M., & Carrillo-Castrillo, J. A. (2020). Musculoskeletal Risks: RULA Bibliometric Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(12), 4354. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124354
Gómez-Galán, M., Pérez-Alonso, J., Callejón-Ferre, Á. J., & López-Martínez, J. (2017). Musculoskeletal disorders: OWAS review. Industrial health, 55(4), 314–337. https://doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.2016-0191
Gómez-Galán, M., Pérez-Alonso, J., Callejón-Ferre, Á.-J., Sánchez-Hermosilla-López, J. (2018). Assessment of Postural Load during Melon Cultivation in Mediterranean Greenhouses. Sustainability. 10:2729.
Grobelny, J., & Michalski, R. (2020). Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Manufacturing by Digital Human Modeling. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(22), 8676. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228676
Gupta, I., Kalra, P., Chawla, P., Singh, J. (2018). Evaluation of Pilot’s Seat Design of Civil Aircraft for Indian Anthropometric Data by using Delmia Human Software. Procedia Manufacturing, 26, 70-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2018.07.009
Hignett, S., & McAtamney, L. (2000). Rapid entire body assessment (REBA). Applied ergonomics, 31(2), 201–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0003-6870(99)00039-3
Hinrichsen, S., Riediger, D., Unrau, A. (2016). Assistance Systems in Manual Assembly. Proceedings of the Production Engineering and Management; Bandung, Indonesia. 21–23.
Hita-Gutiérrez, M., Gómez-Galán, M., Díaz-Pérez, M., & Callejón-Ferre, Á. J. (2020). An Overview of REBA Method Applications in the World. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(8), 2635. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082635
Kee D. (2002). A method for analytically generating three-dimensional isocomfort workspace based on perceived discomfort. Applied ergonomics, 33(1), 51–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0003-6870(01)00047-3
Koç, U., Ercan, I., Özdemir, S., Bolu, S., Yabaci, A., & Taydaş, O. (2020). Statistical shape analysis of hand and wrist in paediatric population on radiographs. Turkish journal of medical sciences, 50(5), 1288–1297. https://doi.org/10.3906/sag-2002-176
Luebberding, S., Krueger, N. and Kerscher, M. (2014), Comparison of Validated Assessment Scales and 3D digital fringe projection method to assess lifetime development of wrinkles in men. Skin Res Technol, 20: 30-36. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.12079
Lusted, M., Healey, S., & Mandryk, J. A. (1994). Evaluation of the seating of Qantas flight deck crew. Applied ergonomics, 25(5), 275–282. https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-6870(94)90041-8
Saha, A., Harowicz, M. R., & Mazurowski, M. A. (2018). Breast cancer MRI radiomics: An overview of algorithmic features and impact of inter-reader variability in annotating tumors. Medical physics, 45(7), 3076–3085. https://doi.org/10.1002/mp.12925
Sharma, S., Raju, K.S., Agarwal, A. (2007). Static anthropometry: Current practice to determine aircrew aircraft compatibility. Indian Journal of Aerospace Medicine 51 (2), 40-47.
1- Write an essay on the importance of anthropometry and
how anthropometric data can be used in the design of
workplaces to protect the workers from work-related
musculoskeletal disorders.