Home

Ergometrics / Anthropometric Information....
This page provides links to sites providing data on human measurements and interfaces. I have also provided some human strength data

Relevant Sites

1) A site providing notes on ergometric design... Ergometric Notes

2) The popular ergometric reference site.... ErgoWeb

3) Many interesting examples of bad ergometric designs...Bad Designs

4) Site includes downloadable document including a massive amount of relevant Info...NAS Human Factors Design Guide

Safety Note

The following data is for guidance and is not for detailed design. In designing any equipment requiring manual handling one is advised to refer the the relevant regulations.Ref. HSE Info

Table of human strength information

The strength of males increases steadily until approx 30yr. old. This increase is most rapid beween the ages of 12 and 19. Similarly womens strength peaks at 30. However the strength of women increases more uniformly between the ages of 9 and 19yrs

Women are approx. 30% weaker than men

The left hand and arm are generaly 10% weaker than the right hand and arm

Strength means a momentary , single task maximum exertion, or a sustained effort. Endurance refers to a sustained effort. Findings show that endurance is enhanced by exercise, rest, food,and increased atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, fatigue, hunger, low atmospheric pressure, high temperature accompanied by high humidity and tobacco reduce endurance. Musular power is also reduced by excitement and mental work. Males have greater endurance than females >

Recovery Rate after a standard excercise has been found to be 40% after 1 mins rest, 65% after 2 mins rest, 85% after 4 mins rest and 96% after 8 mins rest

Gripping Strength of a man;
Right Hand.. Range 450 N to 800 N.. Average 610 N...Design 480 N.
Left Hand..Range 400 N. to 750 N... Average 570 N... Design 450 N

Leg Strength.
Use of pedal controls ins often encouraged when the operators hands are overburdened.
Studies of leg strength have been conducted with leg strength being measured whilst the subjects were seated and wearing a safety belt. Results indicate that it is a good idea to use pedal controls where large control forces must be exerted.
Right Leg (Average) = 2600 N....Left Leg (Average) = 2750 N
Right leg (Design) = 1500 N....Left Leg (Design) = 1700 N.

Lifting Height
With ample work space 95% of young fit men can lift these weights to the heights indicated.
180 N to a lifted height = 1.5m... 280 N. to a lifted height of 0.9m... 590 N to a lifted heigh of 0.6m... 680N to a lifted height of 0.3m.

Back and Leg Lifts
Weight values are given for a maximum momentary physical exertion and should not be used to specify weights which are to be manipulated in any manner. These values are to be used for control forces requiring a large actuating force for a very brief time. The values are based on tests with young men in prime condition. The lifts are made with the loads supported by the hands
Vertical Back Lift:.. Range 150N to 360N, Median 240 N, Design Value 170 N.
Vertical Leg Lift:... Range 320N to 1150N, Median 670 N, Design Value 430 N.

Arm Strength
Tests results below based on young men (17 to 25 yr old) sat down with arms outstretched forward.
Push:.. Right Arm | Range 150 N.- 980 N.| Average 630 N |Design Value 230 N
Push:.. Left Arm | Range 120 N.- 980 N.| Average 580 N |Design Value 190 N
Pull:..Right Arm | Range 120 N.- 840 N.| Average 545 N |Design Value 240 N
Pull:.. Left Arm | Range 140 N.- 830 N.| Average 530 N |Design Value 230 N
Side In..Right Arm | Range 75 N.- 595 N.| Average 230 N |Design Value 90 N
Side In..Left Arm | Range 45 N.- 540 N.| Average 195 N |Design Value 60 N
Side Out..Right Arm | Range 45 N.- 720 N.| Average 160 N |Design Value 65 N
Side Out..Left Arm | Range 23 N.- 500 N.| Average 135 N |Design Value 35 N
Up..Right Arm | Range 41 N.- 460 N.| Average 195 N |Design Value 65 N
Up..Left Arm | Range 18 N.- 480 N.| Average 190 N |Design Value 41 N
Down..Right Arm | Range 60 N.- 530 N.| Average 185 N |Design Value 80 N
Down..Left Arm | Range 45 N.- 400 N.| Average 160 N |Design Value 60 N

Home

Send Comments to RoyBeardmore@ic24.net

Last Updated 29/10/2000