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The purpose of this study was to establish a static anthropometric data bank for Chinese civilians in Taiwan using a computer-analyzed photographic method. Stratified random sampling was applied to decide the sampling site; sample size was established by considering standard errors in a pilot study. Then a photographic method was employed in addition to direct measurement of selected body dimensions. In all, 933 subjects were measured. The data were entered via a digitizer into a microcomputer for processing. The resulting anthropometric data bank was organized by age, sex, and occupational groupings. Comparisons with data from previous studies were made, and recommendations for further research presented.

Objectives This research aims to determine the need and extent for a national anthropometry survey of law enforcement officers (LEOs) via an exploratory investigation of anthropometric changes of LEOs in four decades and comparisons of the LEO data with three existing military and civilian anthropometry sources. Background The best available anthropometric dataset of LEOs is 45 years old and has largely become outdated due to demographic changes. Assessing the extent of anthropometric changes of LEOs through a sample and evaluating the differences of the sample against existing anthropometric datasets is a step toward ascertaining the necessity for a national LEO anthropometry study. Method Thirty-two body dimensions of 67 regional male LEOs and seven female LEOs were measured, and the data of males were compared with the best available LEO anthropometry data from 1975 and three recent non-LEO anthropometry databases. Results Anthropometric dimensions were significantly different between this LEO study and existing data sources, especially in chest circumference and body weight. Most of the significant differences are important differences for LEO protective gear and vehicle design. Conclusion The study confirmed that the existing 45-year-old LEO dataset and recent Army and civilian datasets would not be suitable for armor and equipment design for the current LEO population. Application The study results are useful in supporting the decision of investing in a national LEO anthropometry survey and for equipment manufacturers to recognize the distinctiveness of LEO anthropometry from other populations and the magnitude of anthropometry changes of LEOs over the past 45 years.

A large amount of information on the body size of United States Army personnel, both men and women, has been collected during several anthropometric surveys carried out between 1946 and 1977. Changes in the body site of Army men between 1946 and 1966 and of Army women between 1946 and 1977 may be examined in an analysis of these anthropometric data. The data also may be utilized to define the contrasts in body size between Army men and women for application in the design and sizing of clothing and in the human engineering of equipment and materiel intended for use by both Army men and women.

Initial physical anthropology studies into ethnic diversity were largely dependent on comparative whole body and craniometric measurements, and through time assessments of ethnic diversity based on these measures exhibited increasing statistical sophistication. Since the 1990s, in Asia as elsewhere in the world, human diversity studies have increasingly utilized DNA-based analyses, with Y-chromosome and mtDNA markers providing complementary perspectives on the origins and gene pool structures of different ethnic groups. This approach is illustrated in a study of population genetic structure in PR China, in which DNA samples from the Han majority and eight ethnic minorities were analyzed. The Y-chromosome and mtDNA data showed multiple paternal geographical and ethnic origins but restricted maternal ancestries. However, interpretive problems were apparent in the definition of a number of the ethnic study populations, which appear to reflect political as well as genetic influences. In all anthropological studies, whether based on anthropometry or genomic analysis, unambiguous and appropriate community identification is a prerequisite.

BackgroundStructured exercise has shown to improve parameters of functional fitness in adults with Down syndrome (DS). However, few, if any, continue to exercise after exercise intervention studies. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of detraining on anthropometry, aerobic capacity and functional ability of adults with DS.MethodsIn a previous study, forty‐two participants either performed 12 weeks of interval training, continuous aerobic training or no training (CON). After 3 months of detraining, the same participants were tested again for anthropometry, aerobic capacity, leg strength and functional ability.ResultsSignificant reductions in maximal aerobic capacity, time to exhaustion and both functional test items were reported for both exercise groups compared to CON (p < .05). No significant differences were reported between the exercise groups concerning aerobic and functional capacity reductions.ConclusionDetraining occurred significantly in both exercise groups regarding parameters associated with aerobic and functional capacity.

Introduction Although it is well documented in the literature that individuals with visual impairments have low physical activity levels and impaired body compositions and postural controls compared with peers without vision loss, the relation between these parameters in athletes with visual impairments is unknown. Research Question Here, we (i) evaluated the physical activity levels, balance measures, and anthropometry parameters in athletes with visual impairments and peers without vision loss controls and (ii) compared these variables between the two groups. Methods We designed a retrospective observational study with parallel groups conducted on 33 athletes with visual impairments and 33 sighted controls matched for age and sex. We also utilized a questionnaire about physical activity levels and assessed static balance for 4 conditions (eyes-open firm surface, eyes-closed firm surface, eyes-open foam surface, and eyes-closed foam surface) and anthropometry. Results In athletes with visual impairments, body composition, body mass index (BMI), physical activity level, and static balance parameters revealed no significant relationship ( p > .05), whereas eyes-open and -closed firm and foam surface conditions were positively related with physical activity at a moderate level ( r = 0.39, r = 0.38, p < .05, respectively). Moderate-intensity and high-intensity physical activity was positively associated with fat-free mass ( r = 0.82, r = 0.68, p < .01, respectively) and negatively related with body mass, fat %, and fat mass ( r = −0.67, r = −0.52, r = −0.72, r = −0.66, r = −0.50, r = −0.50, p < .01, respectively). Athletes with visual impairments presented lower static balance than the sighted controls for three conditions, while eyes-closed foam surface scores were similar in both groups. The physical activity levels were higher for athletes with visual impairments ( p < .05). However, we found no difference in the body composition and BMI between two groups ( p > .05). Discussion Sports participation from individuals with visual impairments is related to higher physical activity levels, resulting in better anthropometric profile. The balance control was not related to physical activity levels in athletes with visual impairments.

An anthropometric description was developed for the fetal region of women at three, six, and nine months of pregnancy. This involved superimposing a fetal ellipse on abdominal and pelvic ellipses of seated women from a previous study. The data were developed for women of 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile size. The ellipses identify body contact zones on the side and front which would interact with the fetal region in a crash. The new information provides spatial characteristics of pregnant women for the development of test dummies, accommodating restraints, and friendly interiors and for enhancing crash protection. This research addresses the 342 deaths of pregnant women estimated to occur annually in motor vehicle crashes.