Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Development of Body Dimensions of Nigerian Polytechnic Students: Applications and Implications in Machinery Design
by Onuoha S.N; Oboh A.A and Ahanmisi, E.

Abstract:
This study was undertaken to develop anthropometric body dimensions among students of four Nigeria polytechnics, i.e., Auchi, Ogwashiukwu, Ozoro, and Bori in Edo, Delta, and Rivers states respectively which could be applied to machinery design. To achieve these objectives, 600(300 male and 300 female) students within the age of 18 � 30 years were randomly selected and enrolled to 18 standard anthropometric measurements that were considered as the design requirement of this study. The data generated were analyzed using SPSS to determine the descriptive statistics. A further statistical simple T-test comparison between the mean dimensions of the students were performed to determine their differences at (P<0.05) significant. A simple comparison of the dimensions of present study with other four ethnic populations of the world was also performed to determine their differences. The results of the T- test showed significant differences (P<0.05) in hip breath (sitting), elbow to elbow breath and waist breath between the subjects. The results of comparison between the dimensions of the present study and other four ethnic populations indicated similarities in mean values of stature and eye height standing with differences in other sitting postures among other populations for both genders. To obtain maximum human comfort and high work output in machine designs, differences in the mean body dimensions must be considered.

Keywords: anthropometric dimensions, equipment, male and female, polytechnic students, ethnic population

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