School Furniture Dimensions Research Articles

Prevalence of Postural Deformities Among School Going Children in Rural Areas Due To School Furniture: A Cross-Sectional Study

Posture is an upright position that is generally kept against gravity. Body posture is influenced by many factors including general health, musculoskeletal alignment, body endurance, muscle strength, weight, height, fatigue, state of mind, and age etc. The perfect collaboration between segments of the body is called good posture. The imperfect collaboration between segments of the body is called bad posture. Abnormal body posture can cause various musculoskeletal disorders along with headache, fatigue, cervical and lumber pain. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in school going children can be reduced by macro and micro ergonomic approach such as postural awareness, furniture design and bag pack loads carriage. School pupils sit for many of their classroom lessons and adopt different postures. An inappropriate body posture can destroy a student’s interest, even during the most stimulating lecture. School children attend schools for a considerable amount of time, 6 h a day on average. They spend the largest part of their time at school performing different related activities, which lead them to be seated on their seats constantly for a long time. Classroom furniture is usually not designed to accommodate the dimensions of the individual user. Considering that school is an ideal setting for the acquisition of healthy habits that can continue into adulthood, it is necessary to implement actions to identify ideal school furniture dimensions.

Computer-aided ergonomic analysis of primary school furniture dimensions

The objective of this study was to determine the match level of school furniture with student dimensions and conduct a pilot study to examine practicality of a computer-aided ergonomic analysis software with a Motion Capture System (MoCap) for the purpose of improving school furniture design process in terms of determining optimum dimensions. The research involved measuring the anthropometric data of 218 voluntary primary school students in Mugla, Turkiye and the dimensions of the existing school desks they use. The compatibility between the students’ anthropometry and the existing school desks were analysed by using reference equations. Computer-aided ergonomic analysis performed only for seat and desk height. Four virtual human model and ten different school desks in various dimensions were created and evaluated according to joint reaction forces and muscle activations in three different postures by using Anybody Modelling System (AMS). The results of compatibility level showed that there were significant incompatibilities between the students’ anthropometry and the existing school desks, with 80% of seat heights and 96% of desk heights being too high. Overall, in order to assess the optimal school desk dimensions, ergonomic analyses provided data indicating reduced joint reaction forces and muscle activations within the musculoskeletal system for the seat and desk height dimensions determined using reference equations. Also, the findings from the ergonomic analysis revealed valuable information on how even minor dimensional modifications to school desks can affect the musculoskeletal system. Practitioner summary: The study examined the impact of simulating student-school desk matching in various sizes and postures within a virtual environment using computer-aided ergonomic analysis software. The analysis focused on specific local areas of the musculoskeletal system to determine optimum school desk dimensions. The results indicated that the software has a potential in facilitating school furniture design based on user’s anthropometric measurements. However, a multidisciplinary team is required to make more detailed analysis.

Mismatch between school furniture dimensions and anthropometric parameters is a risk for spinal deformities in secondary school students in Lagos, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundA mismatch between school furniture dimensions and anthropometric parameters has been well documented in adolescents, but there is a paucity of data on the impact of these mismatches on the students’ spinal health in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the relationship of spinal deformities with selected anthropometric parameters and furniture dimensions of adolescents in secondary schools.MethodsThis study involved 540 apparently healthy students between the ages of 10 and 19 years from 9 public and private secondary schools in Lagos state, Nigeria. The furniture dimensions, anthropometric parameters, and spinal curvature disorders were evaluated using standard protocol. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 with a level of significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsTwo hundred two (37%) of the participants had abnormal spinal curvatures in varying types and degrees. There was a significant association at p ≤ 0.05 between the presence of spinal deformities and popliteal height to seat height mismatch (X2 = 175.67, p = 0.001), hip breadth to seat width mismatch (X2 = 293.14, p = 0.00), and shoulder height to backrest height mismatch (X2 = 788.16, p = 0.001).ConclusionAnthropometric parameters to furniture dimensions mismatch are significantly associated with the presence of spinal deformities among the students. The main cause of mismatch is using a homogeneous size of furniture for all students in addition to non-consideration of the students’ dimensions during furniture manufacturing.

Introduction to the Special Issue, Anthropometry in Design

Welcome to the special issue on anthropometry! This discussion will cover a range of differently sized topics to fit your interests. De Bruin and Castelluci discuss the problems of designing school furniture that fits students, noting that “Regarding School furniture dimensions, students are usually exposed to furniture with fixed dimensions, which makes it almost impossible to adjust to the ‘growing’ anthropometrics along their school life and neither does it accommodate multidimensional fit very well.” Griffin et al. discuss developing an “understanding [of] body dimensions in relation to how a body functions, moves, and changes” that “is fundamental to creating compatible wearable products” for aging women. Alemany et al. discuss 4D scanning, observing that “This technology is able to capture the human body surface in motion at high frequency with a high resolution” and offers “an enormous potential to advance in ergonomic design and biomechanics.” Bradtmiller describes the “nearly infinite combination of head/facial characteristics” and that “This combination of traits allows us to recognize unique individuals but increases the challenge of designing head and face products that fit a wide variety of individuals with a relatively small number of sizes.”

Mismatch between classroom furniture dimensions and anthropometric measures of public primary school children in Ibadan, Nigeria

This study explored the compatibility of classroom furniture with the anthropometric parameters of public primary school children in Ibadan. The study involved 900 primary school children (aged 5 – 13 years) randomly selected from one school. The students’ anthropometric parameters and the school furniture dimensions were measured using Cescorf Sliding Broad-blade Caliper and metallic tape respectively. Frequency tables were used to summarise mismatches and compatibility. All participants in the 5 – 7-year-old group had mismatches between popliteal height/seat height, buttock to popliteal length/seat depth, and sitting elbow height/seat to desk height. Percentage mismatches among 8 – 10-year-old participants were popliteal height/seat height (91.6%), buttock to popliteal length/seat depth (70.67%), and sitting elbow height/seat to desk height (90%). Percentage mismatches among 11 – 13-year-old participants were popliteal height/seat height (73%), buttock to popliteal length/seat depth (51.33%), and sitting elbow height/seat to desk height (74.33%). There was a considerable mismatch between the students’ anthropometric dimensions and the dimensions of the school furniture. Such mismatches may promote improper sitting posture among children which may increase their probability of developing back pain and affect their learning capabilities.

Degree of mismatch between anthropometric characteristics and school furniture in a sample of Spanish students aged 6-12 years old: A pilot study.

School furniture affects the sitting position of students in the classroom, as well as their health and learning. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the existence of a potential mismatch between school furniture dimensions and students' anthropometric characteristics, as well as to propose dimensions based on classroom actuality and the regulations in place in both Galicia and the European Union. An evaluator with experience in anthropometry measured weight, height, popliteal height, sitting shoulder height, and sitting elbow height using an anthropometer and then compared values with the chairs and desks currently used. Analysis techniques were descriptive (measures of central tendency), single-factor analysis of variance, t test, χ² test (using the SPSS® software), and effect size (Cohen's d test). The significance level was established at p ≤ 0.05. The sample was made up of 108 Spanish children in primary school (aged 6-12 years). Of them, 91.7 % and 97.2 % use, respectively, a chair and a desk that do not adjust to their anthropometric characteristics and use furniture that is larger than what they need. The regulations for furniture dimensions currently in place for the studied population are not adequate because the chairs and desks included are not adequate for the first grades of primary school. There is a high mismatch level between school furniture and students' anthropometric characteristics. We propose the use of the European regulations for furniture dimensions, with varying heights per grade or adjustable furniture that can be adapted to the anthropometric characteristics of all students.

Investigating the match between anthropometric measures and the classroom furniture dimensions in Iranian students with health approach: A systematic review.

Ergonomics of schools and school furniture is one of the main issues in students' education. The proportion of school furniture to the anthropometric dimensions of students is one of the main ergonomic challenges in schools that affect students' health. This systematic review study aimed to examine the match between anthropometric measures and school furniture dimensions among Iranian students. A systematic review was carried out using databases to Google Scholar, SID, IRANDOC, PubMed, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect and specific keywords to find papers published before March 2020. The references of seminal studies were also used to extend the search scope. Totally, 11 studies entered the review. The results showed that there was no proportion between classroom furniture and students in schools under study. This lack of proportion was evident at different grades in both boys' and girls' schools. The results showed a lack of proportion between classroom furniture and Iranian students. There is a need to design and procure furniture based on the anthropometric dimensions of the society that will help to health promotion of students. An updated national anthropometric databank of Iranian students can be a step to solve the problem.

Developing a Multi-Criteria Decision Making approach to compare types of classroom furniture considering mismatches for anthropometric measures of university students.

The mismatch between students' anthropometric measures and school furniture dimensions have been investigated in many countries. In Iran, collegians spend at least a quarter of the day hours at university in the sitting position, so it is essential to evaluate furniture mismatch among university students. In Iranian universities, the use of chairs with an attached table is widespread, while the study of mismatches in these chairs among the collegian community is rare. This study was aimed to compare and rank different classroom furniture types based on the mismatch between collegians' anthropometric measures and the dimensions of classroom furniture among Industrial Engineering students by developing a Multi-Criteria Decision Making approach in an integrated Methodology. The sample consisted of 111 participants (71 males, 40 females). Ten anthropometric measures were gathered, together with eight furniture dimensions for four types of chairs. Mismatch analyses were carried out using mismatch equations, and the Simple Additive Weighting method was used as a base method to solve the decision-making problem. The results indicated that Underneath Desk Height and Seat to Desk Clearance showed the highest levels of the match, while Seat Width presents the highest levels of low mismatch. According to the results, Type 1 and Type 3 were the best current classroom furniture. The Sensitivity Analysis was performed in two ways: changing the weights of criteria in nine scenarios and comparing the results with five other MCDM methods. The proposed MCDM approach can be used widely in furniture procurement processes and educational environments.

Mismatch between classroom furniture and anthropometric measures of university students

The appropriate design of tools, equipment and accessories for human body sizes, while meeting the social, cultural, economic and psychological needs of people, provides maximum benefit. This is crucial for students who spend most of their time using school furniture. The aim of the study is to investigate the mismatch between school furniture dimensions and students’ anthropometric measures. Nine anthropometric measures were taken of 225 students (68 female and 157 male) from nine departments of an engineering faculty using a specially designed measurement tool. The mismatch percentages between the existing classroom furniture dimensions and the anthropometric measures were determined using some well-known criterion equations. The results indicated a considerable mismatch: 44.45% for seat height, 100% for seat depth, and 21.28% for desk height. Two types of proposed classroom furniture achieved much higher percentage matches. The match percentages were above 70% for four dimensions for type A and above 95%, except for seat height and width of backrest, for all of the dimensions for both types. Relevance to industryThis study helps in establishing and motivating necessary further studies in classroom ergonomics in university settings.

Evaluation of the Indonesian National Standard for elementary school furniture based on children's anthropometry

In Indonesia, National Standardization Agency of Indonesia issued the Indonesian National Standard SNI 12-1015-1989 and SNI 12-1016-1989 to define the type of furniture dimensions that should be used by children in the elementary school level. This study aims to examine whether the current national standards for elementary school furniture dimensions issued by National Standardization Agency of Indonesia match the up-to-date Indonesian children's anthropometry. Two types of school furniture, small type (Type I, for grade 1–3) and large type (Type II, for grade 4–6), were evaluated in terms of seat height, seat depth, seat width and backrest height of a chair as well as the height and underneath height of a desk. 1146 students aged between 6 and 12 years old participated in the study. Seven anthropometric measurements were taken including stature, sitting shoulder height, sitting elbow height, popliteal height, buttock-popliteal length, knee height and hip breadth. Based on the standard school furniture dimensions and students' body dimensions, numbers of matches and mismatches between them were computed. Results indicated a substantial degree of mismatch between children's anthropometry and the standard dimensions of school furniture. The standard seat height was not appropriate for students among different grades with the mismatch percentage ranging from 63.4% to 96.7% for Type I and 72.7% to 99.0% for Type II. For desk height, the standard dimensions were not appropriate for students among different grades with the mismatch percentage ranging from 32.3% to 88.9% for Type I and 67.7% to 99.0% for Type II. Apparently, the current standards are out of date and need to be updated. Four different sizes of school furniture were hence proposed to accommodate the variation in students' anthropometry from Grade 1 to Grade 6. The proposed standard dimensions (PrS) of school furniture cover a slightly broader range of age and present a higher cumulative fit than the current standard dimensions (CrS). In addition, a better strategy for sizing can be also developed to fit chairs and desks to a larger number of students.

The influence of school furniture on students’ performance and physical responses: results of a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to determine, using a systematic review, whether the design and/or dimensions of school furniture affect the students’ physical responses and/or their performance. Of the review studies, 64% presented positive results, i.e. proven effects; 24% presented negative effects or no change/effect; and the remaining 12% showed an unclear effect. The compatibility between school furniture dimensions and students’ anthropometric characteristics was identified as a key factor for improving some students’ physical responses. Design characteristics such as high furniture, sit-stand furniture, and tilt tables and seats also present positive effects. Finally, we concluded that further research should be conducted exploring various aspects of those variables, particularly focusing on more objective measures complemented by controlled and prospective design.Practitioner Summary: A systematic review of the literature presents a clearly positive effect of school furniture dimensions on students’ performance and physical responses. Similar results appeared when school furniture design was tested. However, studying the effects of design and dimensions together produced an unclear positive effect.

Evaluation of the match between anthropometric measures and school furniture dimensions in Chile.

Students are exposed to the first systematic tasks or activities that a human being carries out in his/her life while at school. In this workplace situation, school furniture is a key factor for the adoption of proper body posture. The aim of this paper was to observe and determine the potential mismatch between school furniture dimensions and anthropometric characteristics of the students from the Valparaíso region of Chile. The sample consisted of 3,078 volunteer participants from 18 schools (public, semi-public, private). Eight anthropometric measures were gathered, together with six furniture dimensions. Mismatch analyses were carried out by using pre-defined mismatch criteria. Many different types of school furniture were presented at the schools. Also, a high level of mismatch was registered for seat height, desk height and seat-to-desk clearance. Finally, the analysis of all considered dimensions together showed that there was a high level of cumulative mismatch. It can be concluded that there were high levels of mismatch between the school furniture and student anthropometric characteristics and that this mismatch varied within the difference types of schools. This situation may have occurred because furniture acquisition was made without considering any ergonomic criteria.

Anthropometry of Iranian Guidance School Students with Different Ethnicities: A Comparative Study

Objective. We measured some anthropometric dimensions of Iranian guidance school students selected from different ethnicities. Background. Anthropometric dimensions are used for design of equipment, furniture, and clothing. Furniture with inappropriate design not fulfilling the users' anthropometric dimensions may have a negative effect on health. Method. A total of 7400 Iranian guidance school students aged 12–14 years entered the study and their static anthropometric dimensions were measured. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and key percentiles were calculated. All dimensions were compared among different ethnicities and different genders. Results. This study showed significant differences in a set of 22 anthropometric dimensions regarding gender, age, and ethnicity. Conclusion. According to the results of this study, difference between genders and among different ethnicities should be taken into account by designers and manufacturers of guidance school furniture. Application. This study has prepared a data bank of anthropometric dimensions of 12–14-year-old students which can be used as basic information to find appropriate dimensions of school furniture.

The effect of secular trends in the classroom furniture mismatch: support for continuous update of school furniture standards

In order to create safer schools, the Chilean authorities published a Standard regarding school furniture dimensions. The aims of this study are twofold: to verify the existence of positive secular trend within the Chilean student population and to evaluate the potential mismatch between the anthropometric characteristics and the school furniture dimensions defined by the mentioned standard. The sample consists of 3078 subjects. Eight anthropometric measures were gathered, together with six furniture dimensions from the mentioned standard. There is an average increase for some dimensions within the Chilean student population over the past two decades. Accordingly, almost 18% of the students will find the seat height to be too high. Seat depth will be considered as being too shallow for 42.8% of the students. It can be concluded that the Chilean student population has increased in stature, which supports the need to revise and update the data from the mentioned Standard.

Ergonomic assessment of primary school furniture in United Arab Emirates

Background: In many developing countries, anthropometric measures are rarely available and dimensions of school furniture are either based on anthropometric measures from developed countries or are arbitrarily determined. Objective: The purpose of this study was to ergonomically assess classroom furniture dimensions in United Arab Emirates as compared to students' anthropometric measures. Methods: Relevant anthropometric dimensions of a sample of 200 grade 6 students were measured in two large schools in Dubai and Sharjah. Dimensions of furniture used by these students were also measured and compared to their anthropometric measures. Results: Results show that there was a major mismatch between many anthropometric measures and classroom furniture dimensions. Conclusions: There is a great discrepancy between furniture dimensions and anthropometrics measures of students. To ensure postural comfort. a new set of furniture dimensions for grade 6 classrooms in is suggested based on anthropometric dimensions of students.

School furniture match to students' anthropometry in the Gaza Strip

This study aimed at comparing primary school students' anthropometry to the dimensions of school furniture and determining whether the furniture used matches the students' anthropometry. A sample of 600 male students, whose ages were between 6 and 11 years, from five primary schools in the Gaza Strip governorates participated in the study. Several students' body dimensions were measured. The dimensions measured included elbow–seat height, shoulder height, knee height, popliteal height and buttock–popliteal length. Measurements of the dimensions of the classroom furniture indicated that there was a considerable mismatch between the students' body dimensions and the classroom furniture. The mismatches in seat height, seat depth and desk height occurred for 99% of the students, while the mismatch for the back rest height was only 35%. Two design specifications were proposed in order to decrease the mismatch percentage based on the data obtained. The two proposed designs showed a considerable improvement in the match percentages as compared to the existing design. Statement of Relevance: Having identified mismatches between the dimensions of the school furniture used in primary schools in the Gaza Strip, two new design specifications are proposed and shown to improve match with the students' anthropometric dimensions. The findings of the study are also an important addition to local knowledge on school children's anthropometry.

Complaints arising from a mismatch between school furniture and anthropometric measurements of rural secondary school children during classwork

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the extent of mismatch between different dimensions of school furniture and the respective anthropometric measures of school children. Assessment of health problems as well as postural pattern among the school children while attending their classes in relation to the classroom furniture was the other aim of this study. For this purpose, 621 male school children (age range 10-15 years) were selected at random from rural secondary schools (n = 20) in nine districts in the state of West Bengal, India. The subjective evaluation of health problems of the school children was made by questionnaire technique. Postural analysis of the children during classwork was made by video-photographic method as well as direct observation method. Anthropometric measures of the school children were taken by an anthropometer. School children suffered from various discomforts/problems during classwork because of the school furniture. Anthropometric dimensions of the school children were found to increase with age, but most of the dimensions of the school furniture in different grades (V to X) remained more or less the same. The school children were found to change postures frequently while using such classroom furniture. Mismatches between the dimensions of school furniture and body dimensions might be the reason for the occurrence of discomfort/problems in various parts of school children's bodies. It can be concluded that an ergonomic intervention is required to redesign the classroom furniture for school children of different age groups in order to reduce furniture-related health complaints.

Definition of sizes for the design of school furniture for Bogotá schools based on anthropometric criteria

The current paper deals with the definition of sizes for the design of school furniture for schools in Bogotá, Colombia, based on an analysis of available anthropometric data on Latin American children. State-of-the-art anthropometric, national and international standards were considered, in order to define the anthropometric variables that were to be used for defining the furniture. Matrices relating age and specific anthropometric dimensions were constructed, as a visualization method for establishing the dimensional differences between children of the same age and the ranges that should be covered by the items of furniture. Dimensional data were grouped by establishing the minimum sizes and general dimensions of furniture needed to cover the 5–95th percentile of school children between the ages of 5 and 18 years. The distribution of the furniture in the different school grades was also indicated. Apart from the need for an adequate match between child anthropometry and school furniture dimensions, this study shows the importance of a proper distribution of furniture sizes in the different school grades, as a complementary and decisive aspect to be considered in order to meet the heterogenic, anthropometrical requirements of children of the same age and school grade.

Match between school furniture dimensions and children's anthropometry

The purpose of the study was to examine whether school furniture dimensions match children's anthropometry. Children aged 6–18 years ( n = 2 7 4 ), divided into 3 groups on the basis of the used furniture size, were subjected into anthropometric measurements (shoulder, elbow, knee and popliteal height, buttock-popliteal length and hip breadth). Combinational equations defined the acceptable furniture dimensions according to anthropometry and match percentages were computed, according to either the existing situation—where children use the size assigned for their grade—or assuming that they could use the most appropriate of the sizes available. Desk and seat height were bigger than the accepted limits for most children (81.8% and 71.5%, respectively), while seat depth was appropriate for only 38.7% of children. In conclusion, the assumption that children could use the most appropriate yet available size significantly improved the match, indicating that the limited provision of one size per cluster of grades does not accommodate the variability of anthropometry even among children of the same age.

Revision of the design of a standard for the dimensions of school furniture

In this study an anthropometric design process was followed. The aim was to improve the fit of school furniture sizes for European children. It was demonstrated statistically that the draft of a European standard does not cover the target population. No literature on design criteria for sizes exists, and in practice it is common to calculate the fit for only the mean values (P50). The calculations reported here used body dimensions of Dutch children, measured by the authors' Department, and used data from German and British national standards. A design process was followed that contains several steps, including: Target group, Anthropometric model and Percentage exclusion. The criteria developed in this study are (1) a fit on the basis of 1% exclusion (P1 or P99), and (2) a prescription based on popliteal height. Based on this new approach it was concluded that prescription of a set size should be based on popliteal height rather than body height. The drafted standard, Pren 1729, can be improved with this approach. A European standard for school furniture should include the exception that for Dutch children an extra large size is required.