Sizing up Australia: The Next Step - Summary

Abstract

This paper describes the development of the methods and scientific parameters for a proposed Australian Body Sizing Survey. It builds on a previous research that established the need for such a survey. The aim of this research was to learn from others' experience and establish methods for planning and conducting a robust national sizing survey that would meet the needs of a broad range of anticipated stakeholders. Two further stages are needed before an Australian Body Sizing Survey can be realised: 1) to identify stakeholders, test the survey design against their needs and finalise the method and scientific parameters and 2) to conduct the Australian Body Sizing Survey by collecting raw data according to the agreed method and scientific parameters. In this research we sought answers to basic questions, such as: What should an anthropometric survey deliver? What components make it useful? Will it work? Will it be fit for purpose? The research established the characteristics of a good measurement with examples of the technologies that can produce the necessary quality, while being open to technologies that are under development and might be suitable in the future. We describe a process for sampling that is based upon error estimates from past studies and includes methods for estimating sample size and recruitment strategy. Accuracy, validity and cost-effectiveness are all important considerations and we propose methods that take into account time per subject, size and skill of the data collection team, and the number and type of measurements and demographic variables needed to meet stakeholder requirements.

Archetypoids: A new approach to define representative archetypal data

“…Note that only live models can accurately represent postures, tissue deformation, painful pressures or forces, fatigue, and strength in marginal reach zones. An additional possibility for using archetypoids is explained in Veitch et al (2013). It consists of obtaining boundary cases (archetypoids) for designing a single cockpit.…”