Study of Anthropometry, Range of Motion, and Muscle Strength of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury or Amputation for the Design of a Driver’s Seat in Large Agricultural Equipment

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316025 · Published: November 30, 2022

Occupational Health Assistive Technology

Simple Explanation

This study focuses on the body measurements, range of motion, and muscle strength of individuals with spinal cord injuries or amputations. The goal is to gather data to design better driver's seats in large farming machines, making them more accessible and usable for people with these disabilities. The researchers compared measurements between people with spinal cord injuries and amputations, looking at differences between men and women in each group.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

78 people with spinal cord injury and 46 people with amputation

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Male participants generally had higher measurements than female participants in both the spinal cord injury and amputation groups.
2
Individuals with amputations often had higher measurements than those with spinal cord injuries, particularly in elbow height and thigh clearance.
3
There were statistically significant differences in measurements like torso flexion and extension based on disability type and gender.

Research Summary

This study investigates the anthropometric data of individuals with spinal cord injury or amputation to inform the design of driver's seats in large farming vehicles. The researchers collected and analyzed 24 measurement items related to body dimensions, range of motion, and muscle strength. The findings reveal significant differences in measurements based on disability type and gender, highlighting the need for customized or universal designs.

Practical Implications

Customized Designs

Farming vehicle seat designs should consider the specific anthropometric differences between individuals with spinal cord injuries and amputations, as well as gender differences.

Ergonomic Improvements

Focus on improving the ergonomic design of driver's seats by incorporating range of motion and muscle strength data to enhance comfort and usability for operators with disabilities.

Universal Design

Explore universal design principles to create farming equipment that accommodates a wide range of body types and disabilities, ensuring accessibility for all operators.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits the generalizability of the measurements to all people with physical disabilities.
2
The study only focused on individuals with spinal cord injuries and amputations, not other types of physical disabilities.
3
Environmental factors such as mobility and accessibility during farming activities were not considered in this study.

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