Abstract
This study aims to compare and analyze somatotype characteristics in clothing ergonomics as well as Sasang (Oriental physical constitution type classification into 4 kinds: taeyang, taeeum, soyang, soeum) medicine. The subjects were women collegians in their 20s. As a result, a new approach was made in somatotype classification. The following are conclusions: 1. The results of body measurement of the subjects belonged to 1 in most items when they were compared with the average records of female adults in their 20s in the national standard physique report. Thus, the subjects belonged to the average somatotype. 2. According to Sasang physical constitution classification, no subjects belonged to taeyang-type. Taeeum type (28.4%), had lower-body development greatest height and even development in width, thickness and girth. Soeum-type(37.8%) had the smallest physique. Soyang-type(33.8%) showed small values in height but great values in width, thickness and girth. 3. The factor analysis revealed 5 factors of somatotype characteristics: lower body factors including body weight, upper body factors, height factors including stature, belly width factors including waist and belly, and other factors comprising ankle and head size. 4. A cluster analysis by way of factor scores resulted in 3 types: cluster 1 44.6%, biggest values, largest somatotypes; cluster 2 17.6%, average somatotypes; cluster 3 tiniest somatotypes in most items. 5. In the crosstabs analysis, taeeum-type (57.6%) appeared a lot in cluster 1, soyang-type (76.9%) appeared most in cluster 2, and soeum-type (69.9%) was mostly seen in cluster 3. To sum up, the somatotype analysis of clothing ergonomics had something to do with constitution classification suggested in Sasang medicine. For clear justification, more systematic and scientific research should be followed with even more diverse subjects in sex and age.