Ergonomic Design of University Classroom Furniture: Evaluation of Comfortability and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Anthropometric studies are essential in furniture design to ensure comfortability and improved productivity of users.

Equations based on anthropometric principles of Human Factors and Ergonomics were used to assess the match and mismatch between imported plastic and locally made wooden classroom furniture dimensions and student body measurements and their implications on comfortability and musculoskeletal disorders experienced by the students. Additionally, student’s comfortability and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) experienced in using the furniture were confirmed with administration of questionnaires.

Match between student’s anthropometry and classroom furniture, included only underneath table height for the imported plastic furniture and chair seat height, width and underneath table height for the locally manufactured wooden furniture. Observed mismatches resulted in high incidence of MSDs including upper back (71.40%), lower back (58.30%), neck (51.90%), joint (39.10%), shoulder (32%), knee (25.20%) and wrist (22.60%) pains. The mismatches and prevalence of these MSDs were more in the female than male students. The use of the furniture was discomforting for students with only 6.60% being very comfortable using them.

Recommended dimensions for ergonomically-designed furniture has been proposed to reduce MSDs the students suffer, improve student’s health, and promote comfortability to enhance their academic performance