Ergonomic assessment of primary school furniture in United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background: In many developing countries, anthropometric measures are rarely available and dimensions of school furniture are either based on anthropometric measures from developed countries or are arbitrarily determined. Objective: The purpose of this study was to ergonomically assess classroom furniture dimensions in United Arab Emirates as compared to students' anthropometric measures. Methods: Relevant anthropometric dimensions of a sample of 200 grade 6 students were measured in two large schools in Dubai and Sharjah. Dimensions of furniture used by these students were also measured and compared to their anthropometric measures. Results: Results show that there was a major mismatch between many anthropometric measures and classroom furniture dimensions. Conclusions: There is a great discrepancy between furniture dimensions and anthropometrics measures of students. To ensure postural comfort. a new set of furniture dimensions for grade 6 classrooms in is suggested based on anthropometric dimensions of students.