Ergonomics and Education

Nowadays, ergonomics is one of the most critical factors when it comes to selecting a school desk.  

The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics as the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system.  In simple terms, ergonomics is concerned with the ‘fit’ between people and their technological tools and environments.  It takes account of the user's capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each user.

In recent years, the number of cases of adolescents developing musculoskeletal symptoms has been increasing since children are expending prolonged times sitting in static posture.

There have been a number of university studies examining this problem but no definitive conclusions have been reached.  There is a need for further research in order to achieve a better understanding of the risk factors present in a school environment and to address ways to reduce the currently recognized perceived problem of back pain among school children.

A study by The University of Hong Kong, Department of Industrial Engineering found that “55% of students from age 12 to 16 suffered from pain and discomfort” and the study concluded that this was due to “a mismatch between thigh length and seat depth and a mismatch between seat elbow height and desk height”.

Another study reported a substantial mismatch between students’ body dimensions and classroom furniture.  This study found that only 20% of eighth grade students could find a suitable table and chair for their needs.

It seems very likely that students who are distracted or uncomfortable will tend to let their minds wander and not concentrate on the lessons being taught.  A new product out on the market aims to eliminate the age-old distraction many children have in the classroom: the uncomfortable desk.  The Durable Desk as it is called was designed with durability and ergonomics in mind.  The desk was carefully designed and constructed to conform to the ergonomic principles highlighted in a 2009 University of Florida study under the tutelage of Dr. Christian Cardenas-Lailhacar, Professor of the Dept. of Industrial and System Engineering.

Is it possible that ergonomic features of the student desks might even help to reduce the risk of children developing body injuries in the future?  Recent studies concerning ergonomics desk fittings for children emphasize that the fundamental ergonomic measurements to consider when designing school desks are: seat surface height, depth and angle, back support angle, and desk surface height and angle.  Those measurements are the ones that have a major impact on children’s sitting posture.  Most studies agree that an ergonomic desk design should follow the range of dimensions outlined in the University of Florida study.

Children spend a large part of their school days in the classroom, and yet the effect of the design of school furniture on their behavior and health has received comparatively little attention in the past.  A recent study in Germany concluded that 8-year-old children spend 97% of their lesson time in the classroom sitting statically and one third of that time they were leaning forward at more than a 45 degree angle.  

The School of Education at the University of Birmingham, UK found in a recent study “that children showed a modest but significant improvement in on-task behavior and a marked change in sitting positions following the introduction of ergonomically designed furniture.”  It should also be mentioned that in addition to increased attention levels, incidences of back pain were also reduced in these children.

Technology is bringing more avenues to the student desk furniture industry.  With the advent of ergonomics and hi-tech manufacturing processes, like rotomolding, desks like the Durable Desk are able to be produced with 100% recyclable polyethylene and stands up exceptionally to wear and tear.   Not only can this reduce the carbon footprint on the environment up to as much as 70%, but t creates a useful school product where the educational experience for children is greatly improved.   

About the Durable Desk:

The Durable Desk is an affordably-priced, durable and functional elementary-school desk that is also ergonomic and recyclable.  Its award-winning design gives the school classrooms the fun look that children love while providing unmatched comfort and ergonomic advantage for children at a very low cost.

The Durable Desk is brought to you by, QProducts, LLC, a multinational organization dedicated to design, manufacture and commercialization of unique rotomolding products.   QProducts has the mission of taking ordinary products and improve them by applying the QProducts Innovation Method™ to create new functional and attractive products with 100% recyclable materials.

For more information about the Durable Desk, visit http://www.durabledesk.com/