Classroom furniture and anthropometric measurements: An evaluation of fit

When the design of classroom chairs and many desks are not based on properly selected anthropometric ergonomic data then, evidence suggests that greater muscular force will be needed to maintain postural stability and balance. The greater force results in greater fatigue and discomfort and creates the basis for poor postural habits as well as neck and/or back problems.;The results indicate substantial variability of student dimensions and that a large majority of students measured are sitting in chairs with seats that are too high and too deep and at desks that are too high.;Five body dimensions pertinent to appropriately sized chairs and desks were measured on students between the ages of 11 and 13 years to determine what percentage of students are using furniture that is improperly sized for them, and what student characteristics most likely predict a poor fit.