Hand Shape Modeling for the Mexican Population

Abstract

Anthropometric characteristics should be considered in the hand tools, workstations, and product design to diminish the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Even though univariate approaches disadvantages when used in multivariate analysis, most designs are based on the traditional percentile anthropometric data. This study obtained hand models through the univariate percentile values (1–99%) and two multivariate approaches: Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Archetypal Analysis (AA) based on four hand dimensions. Fourteen hand models were obtained by the PCA, while three, five, and nine archetypal analysis k-value were selected after a root sum of squares analysis for k = 1,…, 12 archetypes. Results suggest that AA models could provide higher accommodation levels, followed by PCA models and percentile values.