The Prototype Anthropometric Database Project

Principal Investigators: Rory A. Cooper, PhD; Alicia Koontz, PhD, RET

Co-Investigator: Annmarie Kelleher, MS, OTR/L, ATP

Funding Source: US Access Board

2005-2007

This study is a combination of an observational and survey-based study. Anthropometry is the study of human body dimension (structural and functional). The purpose of this study is to collect reliable and precise anthropometric data of wheeled mobility device users in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas to add to the IDEA Center’s national database. This project uses a protocol developed by researchers at the IDEA Center at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Data collected by the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) will be added to the existing database located at the University at Buffalo. The database will be used by standards committees, government officials and designers to help improve accessibility by wheeled mobility users to the built environment.

The procedures for the Prototype Anthropometric Database Project fall under three categories: survey, structural and functional assessments. The survey instrument asks the participant questions on their wheelchair use, functional mobility and general demographic questions. The structural assessment asks that the participant remain in a comfortable posture within his or her wheeled mobility device. Specific data points on the body and the wheeled mobility device are landmarked and then digitized by an electromechanical device. The functional assessment has three parts: grip and pinch strength, functional reach and maneuverability tasks. Approximately 70 subjects were tested in 2007. The remaining subjects (n=30) will be tested in early 2008.