Development of Malaysian Primary School Children Anthropometrics Data for Designing School Furniture Parameters

Abstract

This paper explains the measurement of anthropometricdimensions ofprimary school children and investigation ofrisk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among primary school children. A total of 266 students within three different schools were participated in anthropometric data measurements and questionnaire survey of the MSDs prevelance complain among them. Ten anthropometric measurements (Stature, Sitting height, Sitting shoulder height, Popliteal height, Hip breadth, Elbow seat height, Buttock-popliteal length, Buttock-knee length, Thigh clearance and Weight) were used. Martin type anthropometer set, height scale and weighing scale were used as a direct measurement method for the data collection on this study. Musculoskeletal symptoms were recorded using Modified Nordic Body Map Questionnaires. In addition Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to assess the awkward posture of the school children for both designs. The results of the proposed furniture shows a better RULA final score for each group of muscles which give a score ranging from only 1 to 2 (Acceptable Posture) compared to the existing furniture that need further investigation. This anthropometrics data is very useful to the furniture manufacturer in designing school furniture in order to reduce the mismatch between furniture designed and Malaysian primary school children.