055 Citation: Fidelis OP, Ogunlade B, Adelakun SA (2019) Anthropometric measures of young Nigerians for ergonomic furniture design. J Biol Med 3(1): 055-061. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17352/jbm.000017 https://dx.doi.org/10.17352/jbm DOI: MEDICAL GROUP Abstract Background: Ergonomic furniture design which is based on the application of the anthropometric measurements of the intended users does not only reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders such as low back pain, but also improves work performance. Aim: The main aim of this study was to survey and describe Nigerian University students based on important anthropometric measures relevant to ergonomic classroom furniture design. Method: A total of five hundred and ninety (undergraduate and graduate) students where surveyed using the traditional methods of data capture. The measurement considered were the most important anthropometric features relevant to ergonomic furniture design. Result: The result of the survey was stratified according to gender and age. Across all age groups, males had higher mean values for anthropometric measurement except for the hip width which was found to be higher in females than in males. When the participants were considered broadly as just males and females without consideration for their age groups, sexual dimorphism was seen to still exist. The males had higher mean values for all the anthropometric measurement except for hip width (males = 30.7±2.7cm; females = 33.9±3.7cm). Dimensions for ergonomic furniture design for the study population was also determined and presented. Conclusion: The study anthropometrically describes young Nigerians and therefore provides data which can be deployed by furniture designers for ergonomic product manufacture. Research Article Anthropometric measures of young Nigerians for ergonomic furniture design Fidelis OP 1 *, Ogunlade B 2 and Adelakun SA 2 1 Department of Biomedical Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria 2 Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria Received: 06 June, 2019 Accepted: 19 September, 2019 Published: 20 September, 2019 *Corresponding author: Fidelis OP, Department of Biomedical Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria, Tel: +234-80- 381-937-99; E-mail: Keywords: Anthropometric measures; Furniture design; Musculoskeletal disorder; Sexual dimorphism https://www.peertechz.com Abbreviations SHH: Shoulder Height; EH: Elbow Height; KH: Knee Height; PH: Popliteal Height; BPL: Buttock-Popliteal Length; HW: Hip Width; TT: Thigh Thickness; STA: Stature; BW: Body Weight Introduction The science of ergonomics is aimed at fitting work and environment to the end user such that the ease of use, safety and effectiveness of the user is improved [1]. Anthropometry, one of the oldest tools of ergonomics, is defined as the science which deals with body shapes, sizes, strength and working capacity [2], for the purpose of design [3]. Anthropometric measurements when considered in design, improves usability, creates feeling of comfort and reduces the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders arising from the use of such designs [4-6]. Sitting is an important part of human daily activity and the use of ill-fitted furniture can mar this experience as well as diminish performance and productivity in those activities that may be carried out in a sitting position [7,8]. Mismatch between students’ anthropometric measures and furniture dimensions can affect classroom activities such as writing, reading and typing; causing pain in the back, shoulders, neck, legs and eyes [9-11]. It is for these reasons that classroom furniture should be designed using anthropometric data of the intended users [12]. The need for ergonomic classroom furniture is not only applicable to children alone but in a University environment as well, because repetitive strain injuries which may occur from poor sitting postures not only affect primary school children and teenagers but are also noticeable in college students [13]. Ergonomic designs which suit users and reduce discomfort resulting from use rely on a number of tools one of which is the anthropometric measures of the end-user [1]. Sadly, there is a dearth of information on the ergonomic suitability of educational furniture for students, especially in the higher institutions of learning in Nigeria [14], resulting in a large number of mismatch between anthropometric measures of users and furniture dimensions [15]. The design of