Ergonomic Chair Research Articles

Mismatch between classroom furniture and anthropometric measures in children aged 3 to 6 years: Case study of the south-west region of Kosovo

Appropriate seating environments and comfort during educational activities at worktables are prerequisites for educational institutions in general. In this regard, special attention should be given to children enrolling in early childhood and kindergarten education within the pertinent institutions. Many researchers have concluded that a bad posture among children can be indicative of health problems and stagnation in the education process. The main purpose of this study is to determine whether the chairs and tables are suitable ergonomically for children aged 3 to 6. Also, in the study, the dimensions of children were analyzed and calculated to design ergonomic chairs and tables for this age group. The research was carried out within early childhood and kindergarten institutions in the southwest region of the Republic of Kosovo. Measurements were taken of 210 children in public and private institutions. According to (ISO 7250-1: 2017), field measurements include 12 body parts needed to determine furniture dimensions. The study’s findings indicate a significant mismatch between anthropometric measurements and the dimensions of furniture across all the institutions examined.

Improving Classroom Chairs for Student Comfort and Health: An Ergonomic Approach

This research addresses the critical issue of discomfort and health challenges experienced by students due to non-ergonomic chairs in university classrooms. Students spend a significant portion of their day in classrooms, leading to discomfort and potential health issues stemming from improper chair design. This study identifies problems with existing tablet armchairs. By analysing data from 64 university students and conducting RULA assessments, discomfort areas and posture issues were identified. Anthropometric measurements from the students aided in developing a more ergonomic chair design. The study's methodology involves subjective evaluations, interviews, RULA assessments, and anthropometric measurements. It concludes in designing and developing an improved tablet armchair, addressing the identified issues. The newly designed chair dimensions align with anthropometric measurements to enhance student comfort and well-being. The study underscores the significance of ergonomics in product design, specifically in educational settings, to minimize musculoskeletal risks and enhance user comfort. This research presents a foundational step towards implementing ergonomic solutions in educational environments for better student well-being and comfort.

Analisis Risiko Gangguan Otot Rangka pada Pekerja Pengelolahan Tembakau X di Jawa Timur

Skeletal muscle disorders are discomfort that arises due to injuries to muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, and soft tissues during work. This research method uses a cross-sectional study design. Data collection was conducted from January to July 2023 in the sector of tobacco processing in East Java. Workers in tobacco processing sector X, while performing their tasks using plastic chairs without proper ergonomic support, can lead to complaints of skeletal muscle disorders. The aim of this research is to analyze the risk of complaints of skeletal muscle disorders in the work of tobacco processing X. The sampling technique used random sampling with a sample size of 9 respondents. Measurement of skeletal muscle disorder complaints used a questionnaire based on SNI 9011:2021. Data analysis was done using the Chi-square test. The test results show that physical fatigue, job tasks, and age are related to complaints of skeletal muscle disorders. Efforts to reduce the risk of skeletal muscle disorders at workers in tobacco processing X in East Java are recommended to use ergonomic chairs, take breaks, and perform relaxation movements.

Design of ergonomic chair for the embroidering processes of the bag making (case study: CV. Pinus Bag’s Specialist)

Physical activities related to work activities in production operators are jobs that need attention—operator activity on a CV. Pinus Bag’s Specialist engaged in convection, especially in the embroidery process, is done using a machine; the design will be sent from the computer to the embroidery machine monitor. The operator on duty would set the fabric to be embroidered, thread the needle, frequently change the thread, and correct the twisted thread. Meanwhile, the risk level of the embroidery workers has not been evaluated, and no unique chairs have been designed for it. Then, this study will assess the risk level of employees working in the embroidery department and create ergonomic chairs that are comfortable, durable, and robust. The risk level of workers is assessed using REBA. It uses anthropometric data from 2 workers who work in the embroidery section at CV. Pinus Bag’s Specialist, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The anthropometric data come from buttocks-popliteal length (seat length), popliteal height (chair height), hip width in the sitting position (chair base width), and side shoulder width (chair back width). And shoulder height in the sitting position (backrest height). After that, the chair is designed with the help of the application. The study indicates that most of the work activities in the embroidery process require corrective action. In addition, the chair design used for the embroidery process is adjustable, comfortable, durable, and strong. The seat height is adjustable with an operator and an embroidery table. Ultimately, the embroidered chair reduced work risk from medium to work postures with low work risk.

Analisis Efektivitas Mesin Packer BG-04 dengan Metode Overall Equipment Effectiveness di Industri Pengolahan Tepung Terigu

The wheat flour processing industry is a food industry in the form of production of wheat flour needs which has the main raw material in the form of wheat. The increasing demand and increasing competition in the wheat flour industry require the company to maintain its effectiveness level, one of which is machine effectiveness. One example of a machine at a wheat flour processing industry is the BG-04 packer machine. This study aims to analyze the causes of the non-achievement of the effectiveness of the BG-04 Packer machine which is indicated by the Overall Equipment Effectiveness value standard of 85% and the calculation of its constituent elements, namely Availability, Performance, and Quality. The results showed that the Overall Equipment Effectiveness value of the BG-04 Packer Machine was 60%, meaning that it is still far from effective. From the results of the analysis of six big losses and pareto diagrams show the cause of the low ineffectiveness iddling and minor stopages losses caused by machine stops in a short duration but often occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to make improvements through the results of the 5W+1H analysis, namely conducting training on understanding the machine and how to fix it, making the ergonomic chair of the packer operator, making a rubber backer replacement schedule outside production hours, making and applying SOP, processing distribution scheduling with the most optimal method of cleaning the machine before use.

The Effect of Ergonomic Batik Chairs on Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Traditional Batik Makers

In the traditional batik industry, batik makers typically use a small chair known as a "dingklik," which is not ergonomically designed. This often leads to poor posture and discomfort during work. The objective of this study was to develop a chair specifically tailored to the anthropometric measurements of batik makers, ensuring an ergonomic working position. The benefits of this ergonomic chair were assessed by evaluating musculoskeletal disorder scores. This research is categorized as quasi-experimental and involves 60 participants, comprising 30 individuals in the experimental group (using the newly designed chairs) and 30 in the control group (using traditional chairs). Statistical analyses included Paired Samples T-Test, Independent Samples T-Test, and Analysis of Covariance, with a significance level of (?) = 0.05. There were significant differences in musculoskeletal disorders before and after using the customized chair design (p = 0.000). Confounding variables such as age (p = 0.689), years of service (p = 0.407), and body mass index (p = 0.187) did not significantly impact the observed differences in musculoskeletal disorders. In conclusion, ergonomic chairs prove beneficial in reducing musculoskeletal disorders among traditional batik industry workers.

Ergonomic Chair Design as a Solution to Musculoskeletal Disorders among Traditional Cobblers: An Anthropometric Study

Ergonomic Chair Design as a Solution to Musculoskeletal Disorders among Traditional Cobblers: An Anthropometric Study

DEALING WITH EXTREME REQUIREMENT VALUES: WHAT METHODS TO DESIGN SCHOOL CHAIRS AND OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES HAVE IN COMMON

AbstractMany designs are “driven” by requirements that describe maximum or minimum values of high- variability variables that must be considered. In ergonomics, minima and maxima of anthropometric variables like body height shape the design of a product. Similarly, in structural design, the highest environmental loads that can be expected during the lifetime of a product drive the design. Consequently, a wide range of methods that help designers deal with extreme requirement values has been developed. In this paper, we review these methods and propose a model for the process of dealing with extreme requirement values. The model comprises two broad stages. In the first stage, requirement values are statistically defined and in the second stage, a design is synthesized and evaluated against the requirement values. Throughout the paper, we use two examples: the design of an ergonomic chair and of an offshore wind turbine. We focus on how requirement values are defined for these two products and how they are used throughout the design process. Although these products are vastly different, both are designed by statistically deriving requirement values and then systematically designing against these values.

Physical Supporting Devices as Interventions to Reduce Muscular Load of Surgeons in the Operating Room.

Heavy muscle load during operations, caused by static and awkward postures, contributes to the discomfort of surgeons, and imperils surgical quality. We reviewed the supporting devices available to assist surgeons in the operating room and anticipated that physical support devices would help reduce occupational injuries among surgeons and improve surgical performance. A systematic literature review was completed. Papers on supporting devices for intraoperative stress reduction were included. Supported body parts and the impact of these devices on the surgeons' performance were extracted from the 21 selected papers. Among the 21 devices introduced, eleven targeted on the upper extremities, 5 targeted on the lower extremities, and 5 were ergonomic chairs. Nine devices were tested in the operating room, 10 in a lab setting with simulated tasks, and 2 were still in development. The data from 7 studies did not show a significant improvement in stress reduction or surgical quality. With 2 devices still in the development phase, the remaining 12 papers showed promising results. Although some of the devices were still in testing, most of the research teams believed that physical supporting devices can be useful in reducing muscle load, relieving discomfort, and improving surgical performance intraoperatively.

The Interaction of Ergonomic and Anthropometric Factors in Occasional Chair Design for Elderly Malaysians

This research focuses on furniture ergonomics, specifically the occasional chair for elderly Malaysian. An ergonomics study in furniture design is essential to ensure its full functionality meets user satisfaction. The design must comfort the end user and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, different ergonomic requirements must be considered depending on the age and environment of the user. As a result, to avoid injury and provide comfort to users, this study prioritises ergonomics chair design for a group of users in Malaysia, the elderly aged 60 and above. This study proposes a new design to meet the ergonomics requirements of elderly users. The vital need to meet comfort and reduce injuries for the elderly can be met through the study of ergonomics for the elderly, which can be applied to products in the future. The researcher has set the design parameter according to the anthropometric data from the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) standards. The assessment outcomes determine the ergonomic dimension requirements to provide comfort and safety. The suggested dimensions when through the simulation ergonomics analysis. The result shows that the new recommended dimensions comply with the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). In conclusion, ergonomic design needs for the elderly due to lacking physical and mental strength.

EVALUASI POSTUR KERJA OPERATOR PACKING BERBASIS PENDEKATAN RAPID ENTIRE BODY ASSESMENT DI UD. XEVIPRODUCTION

UD. XeviProduction is a home industry in snacks that has a high dependence on human labor activities. The pressing process results in excessive fatigue so that the performance on the job is not optimal. This fatigue condition causes musculoskeletal muscle disorders in pressing operators. This study aims to evaluate work postures that affect operators and recommendations for work aids to minimize complaints due to improper work postures on press sealer machine operators. Nordic Body Map (NBM), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and Anthropometry are ergonomic approaches used in research. NBM is used to distinguish pain from the neck to the feet. The REBA method is used to analyze body posture. The anthropometric method is used to make a product whose size is adjusted by human body posture. The results of the NBM identification revealed that the neck pain, the back was very sore, the waist was very sore, the hip hurt, the left thigh hurt, and the right thigh hurt. Posture analysis of UD pressing workers. In addition, based on the REBA calculation result, distinguish a risk score of 8, which is high. The tool designed is an ergonomic chair. After the tool has been made, the risk of workers decreases to a score of 2, which is low

Assessing the ergonomic status of commonly used chairs in Iran's universities based on combinational equations and anthropometric indices.

Inappropriate design of chairs and disproportion with students' body dimensions can influence their physical and mental health as well as their educational efficiency and concentration. The aim of this study was to examine the ergonomic status of commonly used chairs in Iran's universities using combinational equations and anthropometric indices. Participants in this cross-sectional study were 166 students in Iran. Eleven anthropometric parameters of the students and nine dimensions in seven types of commonly used chairs in Iran's universities were measured. Combinational equations were used to determine the fitness of the chairs. There was a major mismatch between most students' anthropometric measurements and the dimensions of the chairs. Backrest height and seat height were the best and the worst features, respectively, according to ergonomic recommendations for chairs. The recommended measurements of seat height, seat depth, seat width, desk height, desk width, desk length, backrest width, backrest height, and desk distance were 332, 420, 436, 245, 95, 511, 426, 550, and 281 mm, respectively. None of the commonly used chairs in Iran's universities were found to be a good fit to the students' anthropometric dimensions. Therefore, in order to prevent inappropriate body postures, chair designs have to reviewed, and made to fit with Iranian students' anthropometric data. The recommended measurements obtained in this study can be used to design a suitable ergonomic chair to match with a high percentage of Iranian students.

Determining the musculoskeletal problems of academicians who transitioned to distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant public health issue that negatively affects individuals and society both socially and economically, and increases the cost of care and cure. This study aimed to determine the musculoskeletal problems and risk factors of academicians who transitioned to provide distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The population of this descriptive cross-sectional study included academicians who worked in two public universities in Turkey. Ethical committee approval and institutional permissions were obtained between 1 and 28 February 2021. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Work Environment Evaluation Questionnaire, and the Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity Assessment Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the number, percentage, independent group t-test, ANOVA test, and linear regression analysis (forward method). The analysis was interpreted at the 95% confidence level and 0.05 error margin. Of the academicians, 78% were women, 54.6% were married, 80.6% did not regularly exercise, and 73.5% had more workload during the distance education period. Academicians mostly experienced discomfort about their eyes, necks, and waists, and an increase at a significant level was detected in their musculoskeletal system problems during the distance education period. Increasing workload, duration of mobile phone use, active time, having an ergonomic chair, and gender predicted the musculoskeletal system pain intensity by 20%. Musculoskeletal system problems are a significant public health issue. Academicians should be informed and consulted for the protection of musculoskeletal system health during the distance education period.

Musculoskeletal system problems in office workers: relationship of physical activity levels and quality of life

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the relationship between musculoskeletal problems in office workers and their physical activity levels and quality of life. Methods. A questionnaire form, the quality of life scale (SF-36) and the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) were used. Group differences were compared post hoc (Bonferroni) and non-parametrically (Mann–Whitney U test, etc.). Results. Among the participants, 81.7% experienced pain in at least one body area. Back pain was experienced most frequently at a rate of 54.8%, followed by neck and shoulder pain, respectively. According to the participants’ physical activity levels, 58.5% (n = 141) were active, 37.3% (n = 90) were less active and 4.1% (n = 10) were very active. There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the participants and the participants’ age, educational status, income status, regular exercise status, duration of computer use, eye complaints, complaints in the wrists and ergonomic chair use. Conclusion. The prevalence of MSDs was determined to be high in the office workers, while their levels of physical activity were found low. Training and exercises are needed to prevent MSDs in office workers and improve their levels of physical activity and quality of life.

GAMBARAN KELUHAN MUSKULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDS) PADA PEKERJA UD.X TAHUN 2021

UD. X is an industry engaged in the convection of making wallets manually with a total of 7 workers. After direct observation, there are potential hazards that cause the risk of occupational diseases (PAK), namely musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are complaints of pain in certain body parts experienced by workers. The purpose of this study is to find out the description of the complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) suffered by the workers. This study uses an analytical method using a Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaire. The results showed that 5 workers experienced moderate levels of complaints and 2 workers experienced high levels of complaints. In addition, the body parts that often experience pain/pain are the upper neck, back, waist, buttocks and right calf. Complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have occurred in all workers at PT. X with a complaint rate of almost 71.4% being. Suggestions that can be given are redesigning the workplace that is adjusted to the worker's height when sitting or standing, replacing existing chairs with more ergonomic chairs, requiring workers to stretch before work and providing supporting facilities such as PPE (earplugs) and first aid kits.

Chair Development on the Basis of Body Pressure Distribution—A Research Effort*

Abstract Surveys and studies show that more and more employees perform high- or low-skilled white-collar work predominantly in sitting postures. Therefore, comfortable sitting plays an important role in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other harmful effects. Research efforts focus on reducing these risks by designing ergonomic chairs with multiple adjustment possibilities, allowing the chair to fit to the user's body shape or assuring a dynamic seating where the user's lower body is in continuous movement. This article summarizes the results of a research effort that evaluated the effect of several factors on sitting comfort based on body pressure distribution. The effects of foam elasticity, foam layer arrangement order, and seat support elasticity were investigated as well as the chair seat type (kneeling chair, saddle chair). Results were used to determine the optimal chair cushion including the layered foam system and seat support type. On the basis of our findings a new ergonomic chair was developed combining the advantages of static and dynamic sitting.

TELEWORKING AS A BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY AND CONTINUITY STRATEGY: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ZIMBABWEAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR UNDER COVID-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen unprecedented changes to the way people conduct business and work whilst striving to reduce downtime and maintain or even increase productivity (Belzunegui- Eraso and Erro-Garcés, 2020). Long lockdown periods and the need to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations for social distancing have necessitated that organisations instruct their employees to telecommute or work remotely from home in an effort to maintain business sustainability and continuity (OECD, 2020). This research explored how Zimbabwean telecommunications companies implemented teleworking as a business sustainability and continuity strategy in the Covid-19 pandemic environment. This study was qualitative in nature, employing a phenomenology philosophy. Thirty knowledgeable telecommunications managers and business leaders were invited to complete a detailed online questionnaire that helped draw conclusions to the objectives. Based on these questionnaires and some secondary data review, this study determined that teleworking was widely adopted by 97% of the telecommunications sector during the Covid-19 pandemic era. The implementation of telework and BCM processes was the required antidote to the decrease in productivity and threats to job security and business continuity presented by lockdowns. Teleworking guaranteed retention of employees, real estate and administrative cost savings, continued business operations and service delivery. In addition, telework helped curb the potential spread of the virus amongst employees and customers who would have congregated at the work place. Inconsistent supply of electricity, inadequate communication and collaboration tools and platforms as well as lack of ergonomic chairs and desks were the major factors indicated to be deterring effective and productive telework. The study also revealed that there was an increased demand for telecommunications products and services during the pandemic particularly on lock down periods. This was confirmed by POTRAZ (2021) in their first quarter abridged postal and telecommunications sector performance report. Customers had a new need for reliable internet connections to use when working from home, learning online and for entertainment. The businesses made efforts to ensure that their services were adhering to availability, reliability and dependability standards. There is a great need for the establishment of standards and policies to govern telework and BCM process and policy implementation in telecommunications companies for successful business continuity and sustainability.

Perancangan Kursi Ergonomi Pada Pekerja Bagian Finishing CV Abadi

Design and redesign are some of the fields of study in ergonomics. The purpose ofthe design and redesign is to achieve comfort and increase productivity. Ergonomics is a science that integrates workers with the environment around them at work. So it is hoped that integration can be applied to all organizations. CV Abadi Jaya Presisi is a company engaged in the production of plastic, where workers carry out finishing stages without fulfilling ergonomic aspects. Namely, the use of a worker's chair made of plastic is not following the dimensions of the worker. The method used in this study is quantitative with anthropometric data as primary data. First, the anthropometric data of finished workers were used in this study. Then the data is tested for normality, uniformity test, and data adequacy test. After testing the data, the next step is to calculate the percentile value used to determine the size of the ergonomic chair to be designed. According to the findings of this study, the width of the chair is 42.1 cm, the height of the chair is 30.3 cm, the length of the chair is 43.2 cm, the length of the back of the chair is 49.9 cm, and the height of the seat elbow is21.6 cm.

Work from home and musculoskeletal pain in telecommunications workers during COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study.

One of the side-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is a global change in work ergonomic patterns as millions of people replaced their usual work environment with home to limit the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection. The aim of our cross-sectional pilot study was to identify musculoskeletal pain that may have resulted from this change and included 232 telecommunications company workers of both genders [121 (52.2 %) men aged 23–62 (median 41; interquartile range 33–46 yrs.) and 111 (47.8 %) women aged 23–53 (median 40; interquartile range 33–44)] who had been working from home for eight months (from 16 March to 4 December 2020) before they joined the study. The participants were asked to fill in our web-based questionnaire by self-assessing their experience of hand, lower back, and upper back/neck pain while working at home and by describing their work setting and physical activity. Compared to previous work at the office, 90 (39.1 %) participants reported stronger pain in the lower back, 105 (45.7 %) in the upper back/neck, and 63 (27.2 %) in their hands. Only one third did not report any musculoskeletal problems related to work from home. Significantly fewer men than women reported hand, lower back, and upper back/ neck pain (p=0.033, p=0.001 and p=0.013, respectively). Sixty-nine workers (29.9 %) reported to work in a separate room, 75 (32.4 %) worked in a separate section of a room with other household members, whereas 87 (37.7 %) had no separate work space, 30 of whom most often worked in the dining room. Ninety-five participants (40.9 %) had no office desk to work at, and only 75 (32.3 %) used an ergonomic chair. Of those who shared their household with others (N=164), 116 (70.7 %) complained about constant or occasional disturbances. Over a half of all participants (52 %) said that they worked longer hours from home than at work, predominantly women (p=0.05). Only 69 participants (29.9 %) were taking frequent breaks, predominantly older ones (p=0.006). Our findings clearly point to a need to inform home workers how to make more ergonomic use of non-ergonomic equipment, use breaks, and exercise and to inform employers how to better organise working hours to meet the needs of work from home.

Prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among office workers in Kano city, Nigeria

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Many studies across the globe have reported the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among office workers. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of LBP and associated factors among office workers in Kano city, Nigeria.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional type of study was conducted among the office workers in Kano metropolitan from September to December 2019. A total of 300 office workers were selected using a convenience sampling technique. The data was collected from the respondents by face-to-face interview technique using a semi-structured questionnaire and all the data collected were analyzed using statistical software (SPSS version 22.0).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In this study, the mean age of the respondents was 38.6±9.6 years and 72.7% of them were male. More than half (54.7%) of the respondents had a bachelor's degree and above. About 71.3% of the respondents had a familial history of LBP. About 68.0% of the respondents had suffered musculoskeletal disorder in the past and the majority (54.4%) mentioned they suffered hip pain. Only 33.7% of the respondents were maintaining the proper posture and 37.7% of the respondents were using an ergonomic chair.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The findings of this study found a 65.3% prevalence of low back pain among the office workers in Kano metropolitan. Office workers should be encouraged to maintain proper postures at work and there is a need for more educational programs regarding the prevention measures of low back pain.</p>