Abstract
In this chapter, 168 anthropometric dimensions and the back-leg-chest (BLC) strength as the muscle strength of 113 male farmers and 31 female farmers of Odisha are statistically analyzed. Factor analysis is done to identify the most significant anthropometric dimensions. Then correlation coefficient and regression analysis are done considering the anthropometric dimensions and BLC strength. Further, an attempt is made by using ANFIS tool to predict the BLC strength of both male and female farmers. It is found that ANFIS could better predict the muscle strength of farmers.
TopBackground
Many literatures are found discusing agricultural sectors of India, their problems, but less have focused on anthropometric and muscle strength of farmers. Chakrabarti (1997) has compiled Indian anthropometric dimensions data for males and females. Victor et al. (2002) have collected and compared anthropometric data of 5 males chosen randomly in Chattisgarh and compared with other regions in the world. It was found that except popliteal height in sitting and buttock popliteal length which are higher, other dimensions are lower than western population like American, Sweden and German. Kar et al. (2003) have found a significant difference in hand dimensions of both right and left hand of male and female farmers of West Bengal with other regions in India and the world. Dewangan et al. (2008) have considered only female farmers of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram for anthropometric study. Koley and Melton (2010) have collected height, weight and body mass index (BMI) for both males and females of Amritsar in India. Higher mean values for all measurements were found for males. The study concluded with a regular increase of hand grip strength for both males and females. Yadav et al. (2010) have studied 14 strength parameters of both male and female farmers of Saurashtra, Gujarat and found the average push/pull strength of hands and legs, in standing/sitting posture. Sengupta and Sahoo (2012) have considered male tea garden workers of Cooch Behar District in West Bengal and found variations in measurement. Singh et al. (2013) have collected anthropometric data of 150 female farmers of 3 villages of North Gujarat in India and revealed some considerable changes in the body composition characteristics with the increment of age of female farmers. Dixit et al. (2014) have carried out an anthropometric survey of both male and female agricultural farmers of Ladakh region in India and reported a significant variation in the body dimensions when compared with other parts in the country and in other countries i.e. Egyptian, Japanese, British, Thailand, Mexican and Chinese. Premkumari et al. (2016) have studied the anthropometric data of female farmers of Hyderabad Karnataka region in India and recommended to use these data in the design of farm equipments or to improve farm tools ergonomically. Mishra et al. (2018) have considered 10 farm women of Odisha in India and analyzed them while using plain and serrated sickles for cutting crops, and then an improved serrated sickle was recommended based on their anthropometric dimensions which reduced the drudgery level as compared to the plain and serrated sickle.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Muscular Strength: It is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to exert maximum force against resistance.
Back Strength: It refers to the condition of the muscles to better support the spine and withstand stresses that can lead to back and neck pains.
Strength: It is the capacity of any object or substance to withstand great forces or pressures.
Farmer: A person who is engaged in agriculture, raising living organisms for food or raw materials.
Anthropometry: It is the scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body.
Farming: Farming is a part of agriculture. It is the growing of crops or keeping animals by people for food and raw materials.