Author : S.N. Onuoha; M.C. Okafor and O. Oduma

Human body compositions change with age and other related factors, and as such the anthropometric dimensions developed from one region may not be appropriate to be used when designing machines and fittings for people living in another region. This study presents the anthropometric data of Nigerian polytechnic students, which helps to develop and modify foot and head protective and wears suitable for the people of the region. Seven anthropometric data useful for the design of foot and head protective were selected and measured from 800(400 male and 400 female) subjects within the age of 18-30 years. Data obtained was analyzed using independent samples t-test by SPSS (version 18.0).The measurements were compared between two genders and among other ethnic populations of the world. The results showed that male were larger in all the mean dimensions and significant difference was only noticed on foot length dimension for both genders at (p<0.05). The results also indicate differences among various foot and head dimensions while comparing with other ethnic populations of the world. It is recommended that the study should be extended to different tertiary institutions in our country in order to generate design database for efficient production of foot and head facilities and fittings for Nigerian polytechnic students.

Keywords: Foot and head; protective wears; male and female; polytechnic students; anthropometric dimension.

Article published in International Journal of Current  Engineering  and Technology, Vol.3,No.2 (June- 2013)