A Strength and Anthropometric Comparison of Young Men and Women

Abstract

The need for strength and anthropometric data for women is becoming increasingly important. The purpose of the research reported here was to explore basic strength and anthropometric differences between young women and men, and make application of these differences to work station design. Data were collected on 87 men and 115 women. The variables obtained on each subject included strength and anthropometric measures. Percent fat was calculated and used to transform the subject's body weight into lean and fat weight. The results indicated that fat weight, lean body weight, and leg strength each could significantly differentiate between men and women when other characteristics were controlled. These findings indicate that the magnitude of the differences between young men and women lies in body composition and strength, whereas the impact of anthropometric variables such as shoulder and hip diameter are not as great as one might suspect. Further research is suggested and applications to work station design offered.