ApPLICATION OF KINANTHROPOMETRY AND SOMATOTYPING TO THE STUDY OF THE PHYSIQUE OF HONG KONG-CHINESE DISCIPLINED PERSONNEL

Abstract

The application of kinanthropometry has been widely used in predicting the secular trend in increased body size of and among different ethnic groups world-wide. The criteria developed for this research can be used as standards for physical recruitment in the disciplined forces, as well as for streamlining and improving the basic measurement scale for the manufacture of uniforms.

Kinanthropometry is defined as “ the study of human size, shape, proportion, composition, maturation, and gross function, in order to understand growth, exercise, performance, and nutrition” (Day, A.P. 1984). It is similar to the mechanistic approach to human motion, i.e. anthropometry. However, the study of anthropometry is confined to width, length and girth measurements, rather than changes that occur in the human physique as a result of physical training. Somatotyping provides classification of the human body into three basic types: ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph (Sheldon, W.H. 1940). Therefore, through the application of kinanthropometry together with somatotyping in the study of the human physique, the clothing industry can improve traditional sizing systems by means of reference to the structure and function ofthe human body.

This paper is mainly an introduction of the concept and methodology for a future survey. It consists of three parts. The first part is an introduction of the basic concepts, the second part is the description of the application of the somatotyping method, and the last part is the conclusion of this paper.

Citation

B., T., K., C. and G., T. (1997), "ApPLICATION OF KINANTHROPOMETRY AND SOMATOTYPING TO THE STUDY OF THE PHYSIQUE OF HONG KONG-CHINESE DISCIPLINED PERSONNEL", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 149-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-01-01-1997-B017