A comparison of methods used for measuring popliteal height

Abstract

Popliteal height is the main anthropometric dimension used in school chair design and specification to determine appropriate seat height. Three methods of measuring popliteal height — anatomical, table (weight-bearing) and knee-crease methods were investigated in a sample of 10 university students measured twice by each of two observers. Inter- and intra-observer repeatability for each method was good with the exception of inter-observer repeatability for the knee-crease method which was poor. The knee-crease method was not considered repeatable enough for it to be of practical use. Popliteal height measurement obtained using the table method was significantly greater than the other two methods by between 63 and 89 mm (3.7% – 5.3%) of stature). In this small sample no variation was detected in the difference between the methods in relation to the size of the individual. Implications for specification of school chairs are discussed.