Match between classroom dimensions and students' anthropometry: re-equipment according to European educational...

The aim of this study was to investigate mismatch between students and classroom furniture dimensions and evaluate the improvement in implementing the European furniture standard.

In Portugal, school furniture does not meet any national ergonomic criteria, so it cannot fit students' anthropometric measures.

A total of 893 students belonging to third (7th through 9th grades) and secondary (10th through 12th grades) cycles participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements of the students were gathered in several physical education classes. The furniture dimensions were measured for two models of tables and seats. Several two-way equations for match criteria based on published studies were applied to data.

The percentage of students who match with classroom furniture dimensions is low (24% and 44% between table and students, 4% and 9% between seat and students at 7th and 12th grades, respectively). Table is high for the third cycle, seat is high for both cycles, and seat depth fits well to students. No significant relationship was found between ergonomic mismatch and prevalence of pain.

For each cycle, at least two different sizes indicated in the European standard should be available to students, considering the large variability in body dimensions within each cycle. The match criteria used gives a large percentage of students without pain in a mismatch situation.

Future measures applying to secondary schools should revise the decision of selecting a single size of classroom furniture and improve the implementation of the European standard. New criteria for ergonomic mismatch are needed that more closely model the responses about discomfort/pain.