Introduction

FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)
Lesson 5:Anthropometrics for People With Special Needs

Introduction

Anthropometrics is concerned with providing normative data on limb sizes, body weight and height, measurement of muscle strain (to assess length of time on a particular job), and posture during particular tasks (to facilitate redesign of equipment such as chair characteristics and the size of a computer screen).

Anthropometrics also includes consideration of physical, behavioral, cognitive, and social issues when designing an artifact or system. Many problems are generated if users' physical characteristics are not considered during design. Providing knobs and controls of a size that can be manipulated by users is important.

Anthropometry is the study of the dimensions and abilities of the human body. Wheeled mobility devices are used by people with mobility impairments to support their mobility in buildings and in the community, e.g. manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs and scooters. Static anthropometry is the measurement of body sizes at rest and functional anthropometry is the measurement of abilities related to completing tasks. In the case of wheeled mobility, static anthropometry includes measurement of people and their devices. Functional anthropometry includes measurement of reaching abilities, maneuvering and other aspects of space and equipment use from a wheeled mobility device.

There is a very important criteria while planning interiors for special needs. Compared to able bodied persons, the Anthropometries vary with persons with different handicapped. The reaching heights and distances also vary with the types degree of handicap and mobility. Perhaps the most difficult problem presented by this population is its diversity. Disabilities may be caused by a wide variety of diseases and injuries as well as genetic and congenital conditions.

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Last modified: Wednesday, 19 October 2011, 10:06 AM