Running head: ARTICLE SUMMARY

Impact of work performance on body proportions in Blacksmiths: A

somatometric analysis
Introduction
Habitual physical behavior affects body morphology (the form and
structure of the body). Occupational processes and procedures have
changed and developed as technology has changed the way many jobs
are performed. Changes in job procedure have influenced modern body
morphology, including physical efficiency, movement and performance.
Observation of body morphology may indicate habitual physical activity,
physical efficiency, movement and performance and vice versa.
Researchers chose the topic of the impact of work proportions on body
proportions to determine the effects of traditional occupation, an
occupation passed from generation to generation within a family, on body
morphology. Traditional occupation may influence body morphology may
be influenced by traditional occupation. This influence may, in turn,
impact physical efficiency, body movement, and performance. Research
was conducted to assess the effects of traditional occupation on body
morphology. Information detailing the body morphology of 200 adult male
blacksmiths from the Punjab Province, India was gathered over the course
of several years.
The value of this topic is a result of providing further understanding of
habitual physical activity and traditional occupation on body morphology.
This information will further understanding of how technological changes

ARTICLE SUMMARY

may impact the future of body morphology, physical movement, and

efficiency by influencing habitual physical activity. The researchers
intended to highlight the impact of physical work performance on the
body proportions with special reference to find out the level and range of
bilateral asymmetry in the body morphology of blacksmiths (Singh, Singh
& Sakhon, 2012).
Materials and Methods
From April 2002 to January 2004, researchers traveled throughout
multiple districts of the Punjab province, collecting measurements for 200
adult males between the ages of 30-40. Weight, height, circumference of
chest, waist, hip, thigh, and forearm were among the 30 body
measurements taken adhering to techniques provided by Lohman et al
(1988). Anthropometric, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist Hip Ratio
(WHR) measurements were gathered during breaks at work and used to
assess body proportionality and asymmetry. Equations provided by Ross
and Wilson were used to assess body proportionality (1974).
Results
Results demonstrated that skinfold thickness was developed most in
biceps and least in thighs. Proportional circumference development was
highest in the waist and lowest in the thighs. Proportional segmental
development was highest in forearm and chest depth and lowest in hand
length and femur-bicondylar breadth. The highest bilateral difference in
skinfold thickness was found in the triceps. The relative index of

ARTICLE SUMMARY

asymmetry (RIA) was highest in the biceps and lowest in suprailiac

skinfold thickness.
The results of the research conducted corresponded with the expected
findings. Researchers found, however, that 42.5% of the blacksmiths
measured had BMI ratings above normal (23.00 and greater), but only 7 %
of blacksmiths observed had a WHR rating greater than 1.

Discussion
Results of the analysis indicate that the Impact of physical activity
shows good relationship with proportional development of various
parameters in Blacksmiths (Singh, Singh & Sakhon, 2012). Information
gathered and results of observations support the researchers hypothesis
that body morphology is influenced by traditional occupation. The data
gathered was sufficient to link the traditional occupation of the Punjab
blacksmiths to effects on their body morphology. Further experiments
could be conducted to observe similar results for different traditional
occupations and to compare physically demanding occupations with
sedentary occupations.

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References
Singh, A., Singh S.P., and Sekhon J. (2012)
Impact of work performance on body proportions in Blacksmiths: A
somatometric analysis
Human Biology Review
Lohman T.G., Roche A.F. and Marforell E.R. (1988)
Anthropometric Standardization Reference Manual.
Human Kinetics: Campaign, IL.
Ross W.D. and Wilson N.C. (1974)
A stratagem for proportional growth assessment.
Children in exercise. Belg.