Body dimensions of Indian housewives.

Anthropometric dimensions of Indian housewives have been measured from the viewpoint of architectural and product design ergonomics. Altogether, 79 different body dimensions were measured on 147 urban housewives of age range varying between 21 to 56 years. The average stature and weight of Indian housewives as observed in this study were 153.2 cm (SD +/- 5.7) and 55.1 kg (SD +/- 9.7), respectively. Average values along with 5th and 95th percentile values for all measurements have been determined. Values were compared with other Indian studies. A correlation between the body height, weight, and other measurements were obtained with the help of a PDP 11/23 microcomputer. Based on the existing data ratio scale relationships between the body height and other measurements of Indian women were determined. An anthropometric data, pack is presently lacking; therefore, the findings herein can be used while determining household workplace layouts, evaluating area specifications, determining work-surface heights, clearances, reach, etc. A similar study on a larger population size for Indian women has been suggested for establishing national standards.