Comparison Considerations Toward Investigating the Factors of Load and Age Group on the Maximum Reach Envelope

OBJECTIVE: The objectives were to compare cylindrical and spherical coordinate representations of the maximum reach envelope (MRE) and apply these to a comparison of age and load on the MRE. BACKGROUND: The MRE is a useful measurement in the design of workstations and quantifying functional capability of the upper body. As a dynamic measure, there are human factors that impact the size, shape, and boundaries of the MRE. METHOD: Three-dimensional reach measures were recorded using a computerized potentiometric system for anthropometric measures (CPSAM) on two adult groups (aged 18-25 years and 35-70 years). Reach trials were performed holding .0, .5, and 1 kg. RESULTS: Three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates were transformed into cylindrical (r, θ, Z) and spherical (r, θ, ϕ) coordinates. Median reach distance vectors were calculated for 54 panels within the MRE as created by incremented banding of the respective coordinate systems. Reach distance and reach area were compared between the two groups and the loaded conditions using a spherical coordinate system. Both younger adults and unloaded condition produced greater reach distances and reach areas. CONCLUSIONS: Where a cylindrical coordinate system may reflect absolute reference for design, a normalized spherical coordinate system may better reflect functional range of motion and better compare individual and group differences. Age and load are both factors that impact the MRE. APPLICATION: These findings present measurement considerations for use in human reach investigation and design.