This study aims to check and compare the anthropometry, range of motion, and upper limb muscle strength of individuals with spinal cord injury or amputation in order to design a driver’s seat in a large farming machine for them to operate. We analyzed previous studies and derived 24 measurement items essential for designing the driver’s seat. For data collection, we recruited 78 people with spinal cord injury and 46 people with amputation. The collected data were classified into 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentile groups by disability type and gender, before conducting a comparative analysis. For an in-depth analysis, we performed an independent t-test on the samples to compare the individuals with spinal cord injury and the individuals with amputation in terms of disability type and gender. The results showed statistical differences as follows. In the same disability category, male subjects surpassed female subjects. In the same gender category, individuals with amputation surpassed individuals with spinal cord injury. Based on this study’s data and analysis, large farming machines can be designed by reflecting the characteristics of a wide variety of disability types.

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The purpose of this study is to derive and analyze the static, dynamic, and muscle strength measurement items of amputees in Korea for the design of large-scale agricultural work equipment considering their altered physical characteristics and functions. A total of 46 amputees participated in the study, with 34 males and 12 females in the age ranging between 30 and 60 years. Thirty items were derived for the measurement items considering the designing of the large-scale agricultural work equipment. The measurement results were presented as 5%tiles, 50%tiles, and 95%tiles values by item and gender, and t-test verification was performed on gender basis. There was a statistically significant difference between the men and women in most of the measurement items. Our results indicate that the male data should be used for the spatial design of equipment with static measurement items and the design of the controllers with dynamic measurement items, whereas the female data should be applied in the designing of parts that require muscle strength, such as accelerators. The results of this study can provide a basic data for developing the design of large-scale agricultural work equipment and machines that are usable and convenient for amputees in Korea, and in exploring the anthropometric measurements of the subtypes of people with physical disabilities.

The purpose of the study was to measure anthropometry, range of motion, and muscle strength of Koreans with paraplegia, using wheelchairs. The total number of people with disabilities in Korea was 2,618,918, of which 1,223,135 (46.7%) people were with physical disabilities in 2019. For the research, people with paraplegia living in Chungcheongnam-do, Korea were recommended through the disability-related organizations. Totally 77 Koreans with paraplegia participated, out of which 57 participants were men and 20 participants were women in the age group of 30–69 years. There were 82 measurement items categorized into 39 static measurement items, 31 range of motion items, and 12 muscle strength of hand/finger items. The results were presented and analyzed with values in the 5, 25, 50, 75, and 95 percentiles by each item and gender. In the category of basic anthropometric measurements, the horizontal size items of the participants with paraplegia were reported to be larger than those of people without disabilities due to the development of the upper body resulting from wheelchair propulsion movements with some exceptions related to their overall body physiques. In sitting posture, there would be various factors affecting the anterior and lateral maximum/minimum reach measurements such as differences in neurological symptoms according to the spinal cord injury level and daily movement level. The data showed a meaningful difference between men and women in height and flexibility in sitting posture. An independent sample [Formula: see text]-test was also performed between male and female groups. There were differences in the anthropometric values, range of motion, pinch force, and grip force between men and women with paraplegia. The measurement results of anthropometry of hand/foot and muscle strength of hands and fingers of Koreans with paraplegia would be used for designing products for their hands and feet such as hair dryers and tumblers. The results of range of motion measurements would be used as important data for the design and development of wheelchairs for people with spinal cord injury. The measurement results of Koreans with paraplegia would be used as basic data for designing and developing assistive technology and universal products for wheelchair users who work and perform daily activities. The anthropometric measurements of individuals with other subclassifications of disabilities will be necessary in the future study for more detailed implication and application in this field.