Facial anthropometric measurements in Iranian male workers using Digimizer version 4.1.1.0 image analysis software: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective. Craniometry is a subset of anthropometry, which measures the anatomical sizes of the head and face (craniofacial indicators). These dimensions are used in designing devices applied in the facial area, including respirators. This study was conducted to measure craniofacial dimensions of Iranian male workers required for face protective equipment design. Methods. In this study, facial anthropometric dimensions of 50 randomly selected Iranian male workers were measured by photographic method and Digimizer version 4.1.1.0. Ten facial dimensions were extracted from photographs and measured by Digimizer version 4.1.1.0. Mean, standard deviation and 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles for each dimension were determined and the relevant data bank was established. Results. The anthropometric data bank for the 10 dimensions required for respirator design was provided for the target group with photo-anthropometric methods. The results showed that Iranian face dimensions were different from those of other nations and ethnicities. Conclusions. In this pilot study, anthropometric dimensions required for half-mask respirator design for Iranian male workers were measured by Digimizer version 4.1.1.0. The obtained anthropometric tables could be useful for the design of personal face protective equipment.

Keywords:

• craniometry
• design
• facial anthropometry
• half-face mask

Acknowledgements

This article was extracted from the thesis written by Ms Elham Salvarzi, MSc student of ergonomics. The authors wish to thank all participants in this study.

ORCID

Alireza Choobineh http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0866-0404

Additional information

Funding

This article was financially supported by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences [grant no. 93-7257].