Affiliations: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti
Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia | Department of Industrial and Production Engineering,
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Note: [] Corresponding author: Ademola James Adeyemi, Department of
Post-graduate Studies, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia, Skudai, 81310 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Tel.: +60 137732400; E-mail:
folashademola@gmail.com
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The unavailability of anthropometric data especially in
developing countries has remained a limiting factor towards the design of
learning facilities with sufficient ergonomic consideration. Attempts to use
anthropometric data from developed countries have led to provision of school
facilities unfit for the users. The purpose of this paper is to use factor
analysis to investigate the suitability of the collected anthropometric data as
a database for school design in Nigerian tertiary institutions. PARTICIPANTS: Anthropometric data were collected from 288 male students in a
Federal Polytechnic in North-West of Nigeria. Their age is between
18–25 years. METHODS: Nine vertical anthropometric dimensions related to
heights were collected using the conventional traditional equipment.
Exploratory factor analysis was used to categorize the variables into a model
consisting of two factors. Thereafter, confirmatory factor analysis was used to
investigate the fit of the data to the proposed model. RESULTS: A just identified model, made of two factors, each with three variables was developed.
The variables within the model accounted for 81% of the total variation of
the entire data. The model was found to demonstrate adequate validity and
reliability. Various measuring indices were used to verify that the model fits
the data properly. The final model reveals that stature height and eye height
sitting were the most stable variables for designs that have to do with
standing and sitting construct. CONCLUSION: The study has shown the
application of factor analysis in anthropometric data analysis. The study
highlighted the relevance of these statistical tools to investigate variability
among anthropometric data involving diverse population, which has not been
widely used for analyzing previous anthropometric data. The collected data is
therefore suitable for use while designing for Nigerian students.
Keywords: Exploratory factor analysis, measurement model, school ergonomics
