Philippine Journal of Science
150 (5): 1061-1067, October 2021
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 15 Feb 2021

Physiological Aspects of Cordillera Weaving in the Philippines

Jennifer G. Inovero¹*, Analyn Salvador-Amores², and Jeffrey C. Pagaduan³

¹Human Kinetics Program
²Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Psychology
University of the Philippines Baguio, Benguet 2600 Philippines
³College of Health and Medicine, School of Health and Sciences
University of Tasmania, Australia

*Corresponding author: jginovero@up.edu.ph

ABSTRACT

This novel study examined the physiological aspects of weaving among 20 female weavers from the Cordillera Region of Northern Luzon, Philippines. Demographic profile and anthropometric measures were gathered, heart rate (HR) and posture were continuously monitored while the weavers performed a 30-min weaving task. Data were analyzed using mean ± standard deviation and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to identify any relationship. Analysis was conducted using a commercial statistical package (SPSS version 25, IBM, Chicago, IL) with alpha set at 0.05 level. Data revealed that the weavers’ blood pressure is at the prehypertension stage, body fat percentage relative to age is average, BMI value is classified as overweight, and WHR value showed that they are at risk from metabolic disorders. Results also showed that the occupational demands of weaving presented low cardiovascular workload and increased task difficulty resulted to more forward lean among weavers. Additionally, there was a linear relationship between HR and posture. These findings suggest the potential for increased risk for musculoskeletal injuries with weaving.