Accuracy, precision and reliability in anthropometric surveys for ergonomics purposes in adult working populations: A literature review

Abstract

Anthropometric surveys are the most common method of gathering human morphometric data, used to design clothing, products and workspaces. The aim of this paper was to assess how current peer reviewed literature addresses the accuracy, reliability and precision regarding manual anthropometric surveys applied to adult working populations in the field of ergonomics. A literature review was performed in two electronic databases for finding relevant papers. A total of 312 papers were reviewed, of which 79 met the inclusion criteria. The results shown that the subjects of these publications are poorly addressed, so that only 27 studies mentioned at least one of the terms and none of the studies evaluated all of the terms. Only one paper mentioned and assessed precision and reliability of the measurement procedure. Furthermore, none of the publications evaluated accuracy. Moreover, the reviewed papers presented large differences in the factors that affect precision, reliability and accuracy. This was particularly clear in the measurer technique/training, measurement tools, subject posture and clothing. Researchers in this area should take more rigorous approaches and explicit indicators with their results should be presented in any report. Relevance for industry: It is important that scientific literature related to manual anthropometric measurements uses methods for assessing measurement error, since these data are often used to design clothing and workspaces as well as to calibrate non manual methods such as 3D scanners.

Anthropometric Data of Chilean Male Workers

“…Additionally, the 1995 study only used two observers that inter-changed functions between them, which could have induced error. The lack of a third observer could have made it more difficult to address any postural deviations of the participants while being measured [29].…”

Postural assessment, Part Two: Deviation for sense of, and actual alignment

“…The implementation of correct postural alignment in activities of daily life relies largely on accurate sensing of postural alignment and the subsequent repositioning [26][27][28][29] of postural alignment. Literature reports on numerous disciplines' interest in the field of accuracy studies 34 , and results influencing practices and development of professions such as human factors in aviation 35 , sport performance ergonomics and management 36 .…”

A review of the methodology and applications of anthropometry in ergonomics and product design

“…This may be due to the fact that anthropometric protocols are generally defined in broad terms, which may lead to misinterpretation of fine measurement technique. Results of a recent review indicated that the accuracy, reliability and precision issues regarding manual anthropometric surveys are poorly addressed in the ergonomics literature (Viviani et al, 2018). It was shown that only 27 of the 79 reviewed papers mentioned at least one of the terms and none of the papers evaluated all of the terms.…”

“…Only one paper mentioned and assessed precision and reliability of the measurement procedure, while none of the publications evaluated accuracy. It seems that the most difficult part of the issue is to establish the 'true value' of measurements (Viviani et al 2018). In this regard, the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) (http:// www.isak.global/) is an example which not only defines protocols precisely, but also conducts practical courses that quantify intra-and inter-measurer errors and offer 4 levels of measurement certificates.…”