Variability in body size and shape of UK offshore workers: a cluster analysis approach.

Stewart, Arthur; Ledingham, Robert; Williams, Hector

Abstract

Male UK offshore workers have enlarged dimensions compared with UK norms and knowledge of specific sizes and shapes typifying their physiques will assist a range of functions related to health and ergonomics. A representative sample of the UK offshore workforce (n=588) underwent 3D photonic scanning, from which 19 extracted dimensional measures were used in k-means cluster analysis to characterise physique groups. Of the 11 resulting clusters four somatotype groups were expressed: one cluster was muscular and lean, four had greater muscularity than adiposity, three had equal adiposity and muscularity and three had greater adiposity than muscularity. Some clusters appeared constitutionally similar to others, differing only in absolute size. These cluster centroids represent an evidence-base for future designs in apparel and other applications where body size and proportions affect functional performance. They also constitute phenotypic evidence providing insight into the ‘offshore culture’ which may underpin the enlarged dimensions of offshore workers.

Citation

STEWART, A., LEDINGHAM, R. and WILLIAMS, H. 2017. Variability in body size and shape of UK offshore workers: a cluster analysis approach. Applied ergonomics [online], 58, pages 265-272. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2016.07.001

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 5, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Jul 17, 2016
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Aug 22, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 18, 2017
• Journal: Applied Ergonomics
• Print ISSN: 0003-6870
• Electronic ISSN: 1872-9126
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 58
• Pages: 265-272
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2016.07.001
• Keywords: Offshore workers; Body size; Body shape; 3D scanning; Cluster analysis
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/1591