Mismatch between workstation and body dimensions among computer users in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated user-furniture (chairs and tables) compatibility among computer users in Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants were 95 male and 105 female computer users. Participants’ anthropometric variables and their workstation furniture were measured using a broad blade anthropometer and a metallic tape respectively. Male participants had significantly higher (p < 0.05) popliteal height, knee height, buttock popliteal length and eye height than the females. User-furniture mismatches in sitting elbow height/table top height (male: 100%, female: 100%), popliteal height/seat height (male: 68.75%, female: 86.54%), buttockpopliteal length/seat length (male: 53.13%, female: 50%) and knee height/table bottom height (male: 9.38%, female: 5.77%) relationships were observed among the participants. Popliteal height/seat height mismatch was significantly associated (p=0.002) with gender. Computer users’ workstation furniture may be designed with adjustable heights using different percentiles of users’ anthropometric dimensions to minimize the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among computer users.