Furniture Dimensions 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.

Ergonomic compatibility between sewing workstation and Bangladeshi apparel workers.

Prolonged sitting with awkward posture during sewing results in musculoskeletal disorders among sewing operators. This study aimed to identify the compatibility of the sewing furniture with operators' anthropometry. Therefore, 13 anthropometric measurements of 368 sewing operators were collected and compared with sewing furniture dimensions. The results showed that all anthropometric measurements other than hip breadth were larger for male participants. In addition, statistical analysis performed on the collected data showed significant variation compared to the existing dimensions of sewing machines. Results also indicated a high mismatch for different dimensions of the sewing table and chair, such as seat height, seat width, seat depth, table depth, etc. For this reason, sewing operators often experience musculoskeletal disorders. Finally, this study recommends some guidelines for designing the sewing workstation, which might act as a basis for manufacturers or importers to set provisions for sewing machines.

Proposal for a new statistical procedure for the ergonomic design of furniture: implications of a protocol developed from measurements of a young population

The current approach to the ergonomic design of furniture often relies on a gender-based segmentation, assuming that it yields homogeneous groups. However, this assumption has proved to be inconsistent in various contexts, particularly in regions characterized by ethnic diversity and economic inequalities, leading to diverse anthropometric characteristics. Considering gender alone fails to encompass this heterogeneity. The proposed approach introduces an ‘anthropometric segmentation’ methodology in which the population is clustered based on a wide range of anthropometric dimensions. Additionally, kernel density estimation is used when normality is not fulfilled. This step is critical, as it informs furniture dimensions by using selected percentiles from these density functions. The proposed approach is applied to a dataset of university students in Peru, a country marked by significant heterogeneity within its male and female populations. Ultimately, our methodology promises to improve the ergonomic design of furniture by accounting for a broader spectrum of anthropometric diversity.

Ergonomic design of computer laboratory furniture: Mismatch analysis utilizing anthropometric data of university students

Many studies have shown that ergonomically designed furniture improves productivity and well-being. As computers have become a part of students' academic lives, they will continue to grow in the future. We propose anthropometric-based furniture dimensions that are suitable for university students to improve computer laboratory ergonomics. We collected data from 380 participants and analyzed 11 anthropometric measurements, correlating them with 11 furniture dimensions. Two types of furniture were found and studied in different university computer laboratories: (1) a non-adjustable chair with a non-adjustable table and (2) an adjustable chair with a non-adjustable table. The mismatch calculation showed a significant difference between existing furniture dimensions and anthropometric measurements, indicating that 7 of the 11 existing furniture dimensions need improvement. The one-way ANOVA test with a significance level of 5% also showed a significant difference between the anthropometric data and existing furniture dimensions. All 11 dimensions were determined to match students' anthropometric data. The proposed dimensions were found to be more compatible and showed reduced mismatch percentages for nine furniture dimensions and nearly zero mismatches for seat width, backrest height, and under the hood for both males and females compared to the existing furniture dimensions. The proposed dimensions of the furniture set with adjustable seat height showed slightly improved match results for seat height and seat-to-table clearance, which showed zero mismatches compared with the non-adjustable furniture set. The table width and table depth dimensions were suggested according to Barnes and Squires' ergonomic work envelope model, considering hand reach. The positions of the keyboard and mouse are also suggested according to the work envelope. The monitor position and viewing angle were proposed according to OSHA guidelines. This study suggests that the proposed dimensions can improve comfort levels, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among students. Further studies on the implementation and long-term effects of the proposed dimensions in real-world computer laboratory settings are recommended.

SilenceTop: An Interactive Microarchitecture Responding Socially to Nonsocial Silences

Abstract SilenceTop is an interactive microarchitecture that reinterprets the traditional Korean soban table. This project aims to create a new form of interaction through silence by emphasizing nonlinguistic cues for interaction. SilenceTop challenges established notions of solitude and awkward conversational gaps while reshaping the domestic landscape. By harmonizing architectural and furniture dimensions, SilenceTop fosters interactivity among objects, spaces, and humans. The design offers easy assembly, adapting seamlessly to domestic settings with diverse spatial functions. Each seating side is positioned 75 cm apart, striking a balance for interaction in relationships both intimate and formal. The project focuses on silence, redefines object-space-human interactivity, and enriches the experience of person-environment engagement.

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.

Insights into consumer preferences and purchasing behaviour for wooden bed furniture in Slovakia

Currently, all furniture including beds and mattresses, need to reflect the changing anthropometric parameters of the population. These facts must be considered in furniture marketing – when designing new products and preparing marketing strategies for product placement and promotion. The paper focuses on the evaluation of consumer preference data that would reflect the current offer of bedroom furniture on the market. It also evaluates customer preferences from the point of view of the country of origin, the ecological production of furniture, and the sufficiency of the offer on the market considering the anthropometric dimensions of the adult population. Preferences were evaluated based on a questionnaire survey on a sample of 1000 respondents. The selection of respondents was carried out by a renowned agency in a stratified manner at the turn of 2022 and 2023. Results confirms that in overall, consumers are satisfied with the product portfolio of furniture and, specifically, beds and mattresses on offer. Our research has also shown that consumers with above average weight and height require and support changes in the standardised sizes and weight limits of beds. The results of the correlation analysis in show that with the increasing height, the support of two statement increases: 1) The currently standardised furniture dimensions should be changed and 2) The standard bed length of 200 cm should be increased.

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.

Impact of Seat and Back Angle Settings on Seating Furniture Quality: An Experimental Study

Impact of Seat and Back Angle Settings on Seating Furniture Quality: An Experimental Study. The fundamental measure of the quality of seating furniture is seating comfort. Sitting comfort is described in the literature by the discomfort coefficient D, calculated from the pressure values and distribution measured between the human body and a sitting furniture "body support system". The work aims to experimentally verify the influence of selected anthropometric features on sitting comfort. The research was carried out on 12 people using a piezoelectric sensor mat and a model of adjustable sitting furniture. The study investigated how different seat and backrest inclination variants impact pressure distribution. The test results are the values of the contact pressures and discomfort coefficients D for nine combinations of the backrest and seat inclination related to the anthropometric characteristics of the tested group of people. The results indicate that anthropometric factors, such as body mass index (BMI) and user gender, significantly impact objective seating comfort. These findingswill help optimize the seating furniture dimensions at their design stage

Discrepancy between pupils' body and classroom furniture in elementary schools: A case study in the Republic of Kosovo.

Primary school children spend quite a lot of time sitting in classrooms. For this reason, it is necessary to make a scientific analysis of children's body dimensions and compare them with the furniture dimensions where they sit. The main aim of this paper is to present anthropometric data for pupils in primary schools in the Republic of Kosovo and give recommendations for school furniture design. Measurements were made in the public schools of four different regions in the Republic of Kosovo. The study includes 720 children from 12 different elementary schools with first and fifth graders (6-11 years old). Twelve body parts were measured: Stature, sitting height, shoulder height, lower leg length, hip breadth, elbow height, buttock-popliteal length, thigh clearance, eye height, shoulder breadth, and knee height. The descriptive data are calculated in terms of average, standard deviation, and 5th, 50th and 95th percentile. We recommend that the competent authorities in the Republic of Kosovo consider improving the infrastructure of primary schools in terms of furniture size according to the findings presented in this study. The information presented in this paper on pupils' anthropometry and the proposed dimensions for school furniture can be used by various bodies in Kosovo including, but not limited to: Ministry of Education Science and Technology, Ministry of Trade and Industry of Kosovo and furniture manufacturing industries as basic information for suitable furniture design for primary school children, as well as school principals to help in furniture selection.

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.”

Comparison of anthropometric dimensions of preschool children and chairs in kindergartens in North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Croatia

The mismatch the kindergarten furniture dimensions with the children's anthropometric, as well as the design of non-ergonomic kindergarten furniture, potentially affects inappropriate body positions, and thus potential low back pain when sitting in later human development. The aim of this study was to examine the anthropometric measurements of preschool children and compare them with the dimensions of the preschool chairs in kindergartens in North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Croatia, in order to perceive the current situation and suggest improving for kindergarten furniture design. 848 children in 27 kindergartens participated in the research. A total of 36 types of chairs was found and measured. Children's upper leg length, popliteal height and hip width were measured and compared with the three main chair functional dimensions according to the EN 1729–1:2015. The main value of this research is the comparative data obtained, which indicates that there is a significant difference between preschool chairs and children's dimensions in some groups, but that the results cannot be generalized since they refer to a specific kindergarten population. In reality, it will never be possible to satisfy all dimensions of children and furniture, primarily due to the existence of (too) tall and (too) short children in certain groups. A further recommendation is to introduce a systematic measurement of preschool children at the beginning of the new school year and thus harmonize their anthropometric dimensions with the furniture.

Використання апарату термовакуум у фізичній реабілітації при порушеннях постави

The article investigates the problem of posture disorders among children, adolescents and adults. The statistics of children in Ukraine aged 0 to 17 years for 2020, who have a violation of posture, are given. The Sanitary Regulations for educational institutions of 2020 are analyzed. In the course of the study, it was found that posture disorders are associated with an incorrect lifestyle, physical characteristics, and environmental influences. Methods for solving the problem by acquiring the habits of correct posture, physiotherapy exercises, massage and physiotherapy are considered. It has been established that only an integrated approach can give positive results. The use of the Thermovacuum apparatus in physical rehabilitation for posture disorders is proposed. The technique of carrying out the combined massage is shown: hardware and manual. It has been found that posture disorder is the position of the human body, in which the spine has irregular or smoothed curvatures. In the sagittal plane, with an increase in physiological distortions of the spine, a stoop, a round back, and a round-concave back are distinguished. While with a decrease in physiological distortions of the spine, a flat and plano-concave back is distinguished. In the frontal plane, an asymmetric (scoliotic) posture is distinguished. It was revealed that posture disorders are divided into three levels: small changes in posture can be overcome, an increase in the number of symptoms for postural disorders that can be corrected by unloading the spine in a horizontal position and disorders that cannot be corrected by unloading the spine. The article provides a stepby-step description of the combined massage procedure with the Thermovacuum apparatus in combination with manual massage, which the author developed in practice. The thermal vacuum massage apparatus with infrared light, which deeply warms up the tissues of the body, is an effective tool that helps to achieve the desired results much faster than with manual massage. The device helps to relax muscles, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and relieve stress from the shoulder girdle. Exploring the topic of posture disorders, we can state that this issue remains relevant today. To prevent the appearance and development of postural disorders in children of preschool and school age, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine approved a new sanitary regulation dated September 25, 2020, which clearly establishes the dimensions of furniture, recommends exercises and maximum load norms.

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.

Ergonomic evaluation of school furniture in Slovenia: From primary school to university.

BACKGROUND:Adequate school furniture is important to prevent musculoskeletal discomfort among students.OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of school furniture compared to body dimensions of students.METHODS:A cross-sectional study included a total of 442 students from primary school, secondary school, and university. Nine body dimensions along with five furniture dimensions were measured and equations for mismatch criteria were applied.RESULTS:In primary school, differences in body dimensions were more evident among students of different age, while in secondary school and university, differences between male and female students became more apparent. The mismatch for desk height ranged from 100.0% at primary school to 48.0% at university. Similarly, the seat height mismatch was the most evident in primary school (89.7% –94.6%), lower at university (52.0%) and the lowest in secondary school (18.0%). The seat depth mismatch was present among all groups, ranging from 23.1% to 40.4%, and was in general more pronounced in males. Seat to desk clearance mismatch was the most evident among secondary school students. In primary school, seat and desk height were generally too high for most of students.CONCLUSIONS:Specific differences in body dimensions among groups of students of different age and gender were observed and a high student-furniture mismatch was identified in all educational institutions. Implementation of adjustable school furniture, covering at least two size marks, is needed to provide ergonomic and healthy learning conditions and to further enhance the comfort and well-being of students in the classroom.

Anthropometric perspective to classroom furniture ergonomics and the need for standards in Nigerian schools.

Classroom furniture designs have been implicated in musculoskeletal disorders among school age persons due to high level mismatches between the furniture dimensions and users' anthropometrics. The objective of the study was to analyze classroom furniture ergonomics at selected primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria and to understand if there are noticeable patterns in the match/mismatch. Anthropometric measures relevant to furniture design were obtained from primary and secondary school children as well as from university undergraduates. The dimensions of classroom furniture available to the participants were also taken and an assessment of the suitability of the furniture was completed. The ergonomic evaluation of the classroom furniture available to the study participants revealed enormous discrepancies between the furniture dimensions and the anthropometric measures of the users. In addition, a pattern was observed in the way the matches/mismatches occurred. The furniture dimensions that matched majority of the users tend to match across the three categories and those that did not match majority of the students, also followed the same pattern. The study presents remarkably high levels of mismatches between classroom furniture and users' anthropometrics and therefore calls for a review of the policies for classroom furniture design in Nigeria, if at all any policy exists.

The impact of urban design and the built environment on road traffic crashes: A case study of Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Road traffic crashes are one of the biggest causes of unnatural deaths in developing countries. This study identifies urban design factors that can influence road traffic crashes. The factors are categorized under the dimensions of land use, street furniture, buildings, and landscape. Road crashes’ data was collected from 1122 Emergency Services of Punjab, Pakistan, while data regarding built environment factors were collected using field surveys. Kernel density estimation technique was used to identify crash hotspots. Multiple and Tobit regression models were used to determine the impact of these indicators on road traffic crashes. Results have shown that most collisions were along the main highways. Commercial, residential, and recreational land uses positively influenced traffic crashes. Informal stops, traffic sign visibility, road condition, footpath/setback encroachments, and green belt availability also affected accident density. The study highlights the need to consider urban form and design factors for road accident prevention and management.

Critical analysis of ergonomic and materials in interior design for residential projects

As a guide and reference for designing living room furniture, this paper presents a critical analysis of ergonomics and materials in residential building interior design in Amman city, using an anthropometric database for Amman population as a guide and reference on designing living room furniture; this furniture was examined for comfort, as well as for reducing the rate of physical problems among living room users. To estimate the proportions of the utilized spaces, buildings, and any form of material and different riggings made for the users, anthropometric measurements were taken. First and foremost, while designing a system from an ergonomic aspect, one must consider the dimensions of the person who will be utilizing and participating in the system. As a result, anthropometric measurements are the most important ergonomic data to collect during the redesigning process. The outcomes of a study done on the data gathering by a 19-part body are also given in this study, which is based on anthropometric data and is based on anthropometric data. Various measurements of furniture used by Amman inhabitants in their living rooms were taken at the same time to compare them to existing furniture dimensions and materials to identify the ideal furniture dimensions based on anthropometric data, all at the same time. The conclusion of this study is an investigation of the use of ergonomic and materials in interior design for residential projects.

ERGONOMICS AND FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENT IN THE DESIGN OF STUDENTS’ FURNITURE IN MOSHOOD ABIOLA POLYTECHNIC ABEOKUTA NIGERIA

A total of five hundred and fifty students were randomly selected in three schools of engineering; communication; science and technology. The existing furniture dimensions were measured. The maximum and minimum table height was determined. The results showed seat heights as compared with the students body sizes are expected to be in the range of 33.85 cm and 36.54 cm. Table height is expected to be in the range of 61.08 cm and 64.48 cm. The study concluded that data on the anthropometric dimension of students are provided and this could be used as database for the planning of future furniture in the lecture rooms.