Ergonomic mismatch between students anthropometry and university classroom furniture

Abstract

University students spend most of their time in classrooms, mostly in a sitting position. Prolonged sitting on ill-fitted furniture and the resulting bad posture is making students suffer from different musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study evaluates the potential mismatch between furniture dimensions and anthropometric measurements. To determine potential mismatch, 13 anthropometric measurements of 550 students and 11 dimensions of two types of classroom furniture (mounted-desktop and chair-with-table) were measured and then compared. Additionally, chi-square test was performed to compare the relation between anthropometry and relevant furniture dimensions. Results showed that a significant number of mismatches emerged between anthropometric measurements and furniture dimensions. For both types of furniture, seat height was too high and seat depth was too deep. Moreover, for mounted desktop, desk height is almost appropriate for all students whereas for chair and table, it was too high for the males. These circumstances may lead to increase discomfort and increase MSDs problems among all students. It can be concluded that the dimensions of both types of classroom furniture were not appropriate for users according to anthropometric measurements. This analysis recommends the measurements of furniture dimensions based on participants’ anthropometric measurements to avoid or minimise discomfort and MSDs problems.

Keywords:

• Anthropometric measurement
• classroom furniture
• mismatch
• musculoskeletal disorders
• furniture dimension

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M. S. Parvez

Md. Shohel Parvez (M.S. Parvez) obtained his BSc degree in Industrial and Production Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology. His research interests include Human factor Engineering, Product design and development, Customer-led design, Supply chain management, and Operations management. He is an assistant professor of Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh.

A. Rahman

Dr Azizur Rahman (A. Rahman) obtained his PhD degree from Swinburne University of Technology. His research interests include Human Factor Engineering, Design Engineering, Productivity Imorvement and Ergonomics. He is an associate professor of Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh.

N. Tasnim

Nishat Tasnim (N. Tasnim) studying B.Sc. in Building Engineering and Construction Management at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology. Her research interests include Conceptual Design, Optimization, Aesthetic and Interior Design.