International Journal of Agricultural

Science and Research (IJASR)

ISSN (P): 2250-0057; ISSN (E): 2321-0087
Vol. 6, Issue 3, Jun 2016, 359-364
TJPRC Pvt. Ltd

STUDY ON ANTHROPOMETRIC DIMENSIONS OF WOMEN

AGRICULTURAL WORKERS OF HYDERABAD KARNATAKA REGION
PREMKUMARI1, RAVINDRA YARANAL2, SUNIL SHIRWAL3,
M.VEERANGOUDA4 & DEVANAND MASKI5
1

MTech Scholar, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering,

University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka India

2,3,5

Assistant Professor, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering,

University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur Karnataka India

Professor and University Head, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering,
University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka India

ABSTRACT
Anthropometric body dimensions play important role in human-machine interaction. The overall working
efficiency of available farm tools severe impact on body. This study presents the anthropometric data of female

be used in design of farm equipments or to improve farm tools ergonomically. Females workers involved in various
agricultural activities were randomly selected within the age limit of 25 to 45 years from this region. Twenty four
different structural body dimensions and six strength parameters were identified and the measurement was conducted.
The data measured were statistically analyzed for mean, standard deviation, 5th and 95th percentile values which are used
in design. Different body dimension to stature ratio was also calculated and compared with other studies. Results
revealed that the mean, 5th and 95th percentile of stature and weight of present study are 152.675.62, 143.43 and 161.92

Original Article

agricultural workers of Hyderabad Karnataka region in order to obtain information of the body dimensions, which can

cm and 54.84 8.62, 40.67 and 69.01 kg respectively. The mean right and left hand grip strength were 146.19 N and
144.62 N respectively. The 5th percentiles of right and left hand grip strength were 72.05 N and 78.95 N respectively. The
95th percentiles of right and left hand grip strength were 220.32 N and 210.28 N respectively. Measured and calculated
anthropometric data of agricultural women workers could be useful in design and modification of farm implements
which would reduce drudgery and discomfortness of farm women and enhance the efficiency.
KEYWORDS: Anthropometric, Ergonomic, Agricultural Workers, Strength, Women

Received: Apr 02, 2016; Accepted: May 13, 2016; Published: May 23, 2016; Paper Id.: IJASRJUN2016043

INTRODUCTION
Women in India play a major role in shaping the economy of the country. The women work force in
agriculture and allied sectors is estimated to be around 92 million, which amounts to be 40 per cent of the total
rural workers in the country (Joshi and Veerkumar, 2013). Studies have shown that the Indian women work up to
14 hours a day to carry out the most arduous activities on farm and at home.
Anthropometry is the science of measurement and the art of application that establishes the physical
geometry, mass properties and strength capabilities of the human body. Anthropometric and strength data of
agricultural workers is very essential for the safe, user-friendliness and efficient design of farm equipment.

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360

Premkumari, Ravindra Yaranal, Sunil Shirwal, M. Veerangouda & Devanand Maski

Manually operated equipments are extensively used in Indian agriculture for various farm operations starting from seedbed
preparation to post-harvest operations. The present need for the use of agricultural machineries/ equipments for agricultural
mechanization require a good knowledge and proper design of agricultural equipment with special consideration to
efficiency, safety and comfort of people using them.
At present very few studies are available on collection of anthropometrical data on women agricultural workers of
the country. Studies have been reported for collection of anthropometric data on Indian agricultural workers most of them
are confined to male agricultural workers (Gite and Yadav (1989), Gite (1996), Yadav et al., (1997), Dewangan et al.,
(2005). Studies have been reported for collection of anthropometric data on Indian female agricultural workers
(Geetha and Tewari (2000), Yadav et al., (2003), Dewangan et al., (2008). Till now no effort have been made to collect
anthropometric data and strength parameters of female agricultural workers of Hyderabad Karnataka Region. Keeping
these points into consideration, anthropometric and strength data of female agricultural workers were identified, compiled
and analyzed to build the data bank to be used in the design of agricultural implements/machines to match the limitation,
capabilities and power of female farmer and also in work place design.
The study aims at providing an anthropometric data of agricultural workers of Hyderabad Karnataka region as a
reference for the ergonomic design and modifications of agricultural equipment and machineries suitable for female
agricultural workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anthropometric Measurements
To measure anthropometric parameters, an anthropometer was fabricated in the College of Agricultural
Engineering, Raichur. Anthropometer consists of standing platform, measuring scale, sitting chair Figure 1. Twenty four
body dimensions including weight of the subject were identified and selected for the study. Body dimensions were
measured with an anthropometer.

Figure 1: View of Anthropometer

One of the female subjects was asked to stand on electronic weighing balance. Her weight was accurately
recorded. The subject was then asked to stand on standing platform of the anthropometer (standing posture) and her stature,
eye height, elbow height, olecranon height, and knee height and arm reach from wall, shoulder height, elbow height, waist
height, fore arm hand length, span, span akimbo, thumb tip reach, shoulder grip length were measured with scales least
count and the subject was then asked to sit on the chair on platform of anthropometer for measurement in sitting posture. In
this position, observations on sitting height, eye height, popliteal height and elbow rest height with the help of a measuring
scale were measured. Subjects hand length, hand breadth, palm length, fore arm hand length, grip span and maximum grip
Impact Factor (JCC): 4.7987

NAAS Rating: 3.53

Study on Anthropometric Dimensions of Women Agricultural Workers of Hyderabad Karnataka Region

361

length were measured with the help of vernier caliper. Grip diameter (inside) was measured with the help of grip
measuring device and vernier caliper. All this procedure was repeated for all the fifty subjects.
The collected anthropometrical data of 50 female agricultural workers were statistically analyzed. Range, mean,
standard deviation, standard error, coefficient of variation, coefficient of correlation, 5th percentile, 95th percentile and their
difference and stature ratio was found for each body dimension. The 5th and 95th percentile was calculated as follows:
5th Percentile = Mean - K2 SD
95th Percentile = Mean + K2 SD
Where,
SD = Standard Deviation
K2 = 1.645 (Constant for 5th and 95th percentile) (Gite and Chatterjee, 2000)
The percentile values can be used to design new agricultural equipment and modify the existing equipment to suit
female work force and also for work place design.
Measurement of Strength Parameters
One of the subjects was asked to stand erect with her arms hanging downwards. She was asked to hold the grip
dynamometer tightly in her right hand. The maximum force in Newton was recorded. Similar procedure was followed for
left hand. Pull and push force was measured when applied maximum force on dynamometer which is fixed to wall in
standing posture by both hands. One of the subject was asked to stand erect with both her arms to hold grip dynamometer
which was fixed to wall when subject apply maximum pulling force on it that the pulling strength was recorded and in
same way pushing strength was recorded. In same way pulling strength of right hand and left hand were recorded in sitting
posture. The measurements were taken for whole sample size.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Anthropometric Measurements of Female Agricultural Workers
Twenty-four body dimensions of fifty female agricultural workers of age range 25-45 years of measured data are
presented in Table 1. Range, mean, standard deviation, standard error, coefficient of variation, coefficient of correlation,
5th, 95th percentile and difference between 95th and 5th percentile were calculated for measured data. From the table it
appeared that body dimensions measured in standing posture were the mean age, stature and weights of the female
agricultural workers were 35.0, 153.06 cm and 47.13 kg respectively. The 5th and 95th percentile of stature and weight were
144.97 and 161.16 cm and 34.36 and 59.90 kg respectively. The results of sitting posture were the mean sitting height and
sitting eye height of female agricultural worker were 78.11 cm and 67.72 cm respectively. The 5th and 95th percentile of
sitting height and sitting eye height were 72.63 and 83.59 cm and 62.82 and 72.62 cm respectively. The miscellaneous
measurements of body were the mean hand length and hand breadth was 17.0 and 8.5 cm. The 5th and 95th percentiles of
hand length and hand breadth were 15.02 and 19.00 cm and 6.97 and 10.10 cm respectively.
Strength Measurements of Female Agricultural Workers
For six strength parameter range, mean, standard deviation, standard error, coefficient of variation, coefficient of
correlation, 5th, 95th percentile and difference between 95th and 5th percentile were calculated. The consolidated data of
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362

Premkumari, Ravindra Yaranal, Sunil Shirwal, M. Veerangouda & Devanand Maski

strength parameters are presented in Table 2. From the Table it appeared that the mean right and left hand grip strength was
238.35 N and 166.88 N respectively. The 5th and 95th percentiles of right and left hand grip strength were 137.76 N, 338.93
N and 97.31 N, 236.46 N respectively. The mean push and pull strength with both hands in standing posture were 200.52 N
and 176.23 N respectively. The 5th and 95th percentile of push and pull strength with both hands in standing posture were
145.01 N, 256.03 N and 115.16 N, 237.30 N respectively. The mean right and left hand pull strength in sitting posture were
136.42 N and 304 N respectively. The 5th and 95th percentiles of right and left hand pull strength in sitting posture were
72.05 N, 200.80 N and 52.47 N, 203.61 N respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Study was conducted to collect anthropometric and strength data for female agricultural workers. The analysis of
anthropometric data suggests that most of the selected body dimensions were linearly related to her stature. The coefficient
of variation was maximum for weight and maximum grip length (16.47 per cent and 18.20 per cent) as compared to other
body dimensions. No linear relationship was observed for the strength data with stature. The proper matching of machine
requirements with the human capabilities is basically necessary for optimum performance of any manmachine system and
to guarantee safety of workers. For that, anthropometric and strength data have greatest importance in design and
development of farm implements or machinery under ergonomic considerations.
Table 1: Anthropometric Measurements of 50 Female Agricultural Workers of Age Group of 25-45 Years
Sl.
Dimensions
Range
No
A. Measurements in standing posture
1
Stature
143-162
2
Weight (kg)
34.3-69.2
3
Standing eye height
130-152
Standing shoulder
4
116-139
height
5
Oleranon height
90-104
Standing elbow
6
90-106
height
Standing waist
7
89-101
height
8
Knee height
39-49.5
Fore arm hand
9
38-46
length
Shoulder grip
10
56-69
length
11
Thumb tip reach
60-75
Arm reach from the
12
70-96
walls
13
Span
144-168
14
Span akimbo
74-85
B. Measurements in sitting posture
15
Sitting height
71-86
16
Sitting eye height
60-73
17
Elbow rest height
19-25
Sitting popliteal
18
37-43
height
C. Miscellaneous measurements
19
Hand length
15-21.5
20
Hand breadth
6-10
21
Palm length
6.89-11.5
Grip diameter in
22
3.85-5.2
cm
23
Grip span
5.3-8.4
Maximum grip
24
7-15
length

Impact Factor (JCC): 4.7987

5th
Percentile

95th
Percentile

95th -5th
Percentile

0.31
0.93

144.97
34.36
132.82

161.16
59.90
151.14

16.19
25.54
18.32

4.34

0.84

118.76

137.04

18.28

3.59

0.63

90.90

102.30

11.40

2.34

4.16

0.64

90.85

104.19

13.35

2.87

1.66

3.03

0.62

90.12

99.56

9.45

44.86

2.21

1.28

4.94

0.29

41.22

48.51

7.28

42.09

2.07

1.20

4.92

0.27

38.68

45.50

6.82

63.93

2.92

1.68

4.56

0.42

59.13

68.73

9.60

Mean

SD

SE

CV
(Per Cent)

153.06
47.13
141.98

4.92
7.76
5.57

2.84
4.48
3.21

3.22
16.47
3.92

127.90

5.56

3.21

96.60

3.46

2.00

97.52

4.06

94.84

68.37

2.87

1.66

4.20

0.45

63.64

73.10

9.45

80.83

7.01

4.05

8.67

0.53

69.30

92.36

23.07

155.09
80.00

5.22
2.27

3.01
1.31

3.36
2.84

1.01
0.52

146.51
76.26

163.67
83.73

17.16
7.47

78.11
67.72
20.59

3.33
2.98
1.29

1.92
1.72
0.74

4.27
4.40
6.26

0.51
0.44
0.13

72.63
62.82
18.47

83.59
72.62
22.71

10.96
9.79
4.24

41.16

1.29

0.74

3.13

0.27

39.04

43.27

4.24

17.01
8.54
9.56

1.21
0.95
1.03

0.70
0.55
0.60

7.12
11.12
10.82

0.11
0.06
0.06

15.02
6.97
7.86

19.00
10.10
11.26

3.98
3.12
3.40

4.55

0.34

0.20

7.48

0.03

3.99

5.11

1.12

7.06

0.76

0.44

10.74

0.05

5.81

8.31

2.50

11.20

2.04

1.18

18.20

0.07

7.84

14.55

6.71

NAAS Rating: 3.53

Study on Anthropometric Dimensions of Women Agricultural Workers of Hyderabad Karnataka Region

363

Table 2: Strength Measurements of 50 Female Agricultural Workers of Age Groups of 25-45 Years
Sl.
Dimensions
Range
No
D. Strength Measurements
Hand grip
109strength (right)
1
389
(N)
Hand grip
strength
88-300
2
(left) (N)
Push strength
with both hands
99-243
3
in standing
posture(N)
Pull strength
with both hands
87-220
4
in standing
posture(N)
Right hand pull
strength in
65-213
5
sitting posture
(N)
Left hand pull
strength in
6
56-304
sitting posture
(N)

Mean

SD

SE

CV Per
Cent

5th
Percentile

95th
Percentile

95th -5th
Percentile

238.35

61.15

35.30

25.65

1.56

137.76

338.93

201.17

166.88

42.29

24.42

25.34

1.09

97.31

236.46

139.14

200.52

33.74

19.48

16.83

1.31

145.01

256.03

111.01

176.23

37.12

21.43

21.07

1.15

115.16

237.30

122.14

136.42

39.13

22.59

28.69

0.89

72.05

200.80

128.75

304

45.94

26.52

35.88

0.84

52.47

203.61

151.13

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