Affiliations: Department of Design and Environmental Analysis,
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA | Faculty of Occupational Safety, University of Nis,
Nis, Serbia
Note: [] Corresponding author: David J. Feathers, Ph.D., 2421 MVR Hall,
Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, College of Human Ecology,
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Tel.: +1 607 255 7138; Fax: +1 607
255 0305; E-mail: djf222@cornell.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Assessing physical ergonomic factors within the
classroom environment creates new opportunities to support designs that promote
student well-being. Student-aged anthropometric data helps guide proper desk
fit assessment, therefore facilitating scholastic performance through the
reduction of distractions such as physical discomfort. OBJECTIVE: This study reports dimensions of fit between student
anthropometry and the desk environment (classroom seating conditions), for
grade-school aged children in Serbia. Measurements of the children and their
desks are compared to subjective reports of discomfort. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-seven elementary school students, grade 2 (ages
7–8; n=29) and grade 4 (ages 9–10; n=28), were enrolled in this
study. All participants were from the same elementary school in the city of
Nis, Serbia. METHODS: Seventeen anthropometric measurements of students were
collected using standard anthropometric instruments. Eight measurements of
student work desks and chairs were also collected. Students were evaluated by a
physiatrist to assess health issues and completed a novel questionnaire about
musculoskeletal discomfort for different body parts. Student fit to the
classroom seat and desk was assessed structurally and subjectively. Data
analysis included descriptive anthropometric measurements and inferential
statistics including Chi square analysis. RESULTS: Results indicated age-related differences in body part
discomfort for grade 2 and grade 4 students, arm discomfort reported over 50%
of second grade students, and neck/upper back discomfort was reported as the
highest of all body parts (32%) for students in the fourth grade. CONCLUSION: Anthropometric variables and preliminary analysis of fit
as it relates to reported discomfort are discussed, as are external factors of
backpack use and seated video/computer-game use. International comparisons of
anthropometric data are discussed and serve to inform new considerations of
ergonomics research for school children.
Keywords: Primary school children, anthropometry, discomfort, musculoskeletal disorders
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121488
Journal: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 73-81, 2013
