Match between dimensions of classroom desk and chair and anthropometric data of primary school students: A case study of a school in Songkhla

摘要

The aim of this study was to compare percent match of furniture sizes with the anthropometric characteristicsof primary students. The sample consisted of 360 students (175 male, 185 female). The anthropometriccharacteristics of students were measured with a portable anthropometer. Eight anthropometric measures andsix dimensions of desks and chairs were measured. The anthropometric measures of the students and thefurniture dimensions were compared by considering the ergonomic principles in order to identify anyincompatibility between them. According to the evaluation, it can be concluded that seat height (SH), seat todesk height (SDH), seat depth (SD), upper edge of backrest (UEB), seat to desk clearance (SDC), and seatwidth (SW) of the classroom furniture matched to the student’s anthropometric characteristics with 3.61% 5.57%15.56% 36.72% 81.02% and 98.08%, respectively. The furniture dimensions were recommended ergonomicallyin order to increase percentage match. With new proposed dimensions, it resulted in increasing of percentagematch of SH, SDH, SD, UEB, SDC and SW to 66.48% 65.64% 62.68% 100% 98.52% ??? 99.52%, respectively.The results of this study highlight the fact that the dimensions of existing classroom furniture should be redesignedbased on ergonomics concern in order to decrease a level of mismatch which may result in anatomical problemof students in future.