Physique of Hong Kong-Chinese discipline personnel : application of kinanthropometry to uniform sizing system

Abstract

Kinanthropometry is defined as the study of human size, shape, proportion, composition, maturation and gross function. It is similar to the mechanistic approach to human motion, i.e., anthropometry. The application of somatotyping together with anthropometry to the study of the physique of the disciplined subjects provides a deeper aspects and more thorough insight into the physique of this sample group. The disciplined forces in Hong Kong comprise of a variety of 'streams' and can be classified as a homogeneous group, however, no study nor reference of the general body shape of the disciplined personnel has ever been made. The lack of an accurate category for defining the required body configuration for each of these disciplined forces caused difficulties in setting up a standard scale of body measurements for the manufacturing of suitable fitting uniforms in the past. The prime importance of this research was to study the body configuration of the disciplined personnel, define the relationship of the somatotypes and the anthropometric dimensions of these subjects as well as develop a comparable scale for the disciplined forces. The somatotype data of the subjects were analysed, and streamlined size charts for the manufacture of uniforms were established. The results from the research will help to streamline the existing uniform sizing system for the disciplined forces as well as establish a reference body configuration for the disciplined forces. An anthropometric nomograph was prepared and used as a reference source for the studied population. The physiology and psychology of the disciplined personnel will be, therefore, improved due to the improvement in the fitting of the uniforms as well as the establishment of a defined and unique physique reference scale. This research project covers the implications of applied kinanthropomedy to clothing studies. It relates somatotyping (study of physique) and anthropometry (study of body measurements), and applies to the development of common uniform size charts. The physical configuration of the disciplined subjects ts also clarified and classified.