Anthropometry and Strength Characteristics of Low Coal Miners with Respect to Sex and Age
A battery of general anthropometric measures and selected isometric strength measures have been made on a sample of male and female low coal miners in the United States (low coal refers to coal mines in which the coal seam and, thus, tunnel heights are less than 48 inches). In comparison to selected military and civilian anthropometric surveys, both the male and female low coal miners showed significantly greater body circumferences on similar measures. Analysis of the isometric strength data showed both the male and female low coal miners to have significantly lower back strengths than a reference industrial population. Male miners had significantly greater standing leg strengths than the reference population. These differences can be attributed to the occupational and postural demands present in low coal mining.