THE EFFECTS OF ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED SCHOOL FURNITURE ON PUPILS ATTITUDES, SYMPTOMS AND BEHAVIOR

We tested the effects of implementing ergonomically designed school fu rniture on measures of comfort, sitting posture and symptoms. Three cl asses of fourth graders (10 years old) were randomly assigned either t o a control group using traditional furniture or to an experimental gr oup which received the ergonomically designed furniture. In both group s questionnaires were completed and sitting behaviour was observed twi ce before and after the intervention as well as at a five-month follow -up period. Although the experimental groups rated their furniture as being significantly more comfortable, differences in actual sitting be haviour were small. The experimental class experienced a reduction in musculoskeletal symptoms relative to the control group after implement ing the ergonomically designed furniture. Since pupils did not automat ically sit 'properly' in the ergonomic furniture, these results demons trate the need for proper instructions and adjustment. Increased comfo rt and decreased symptoms may be used to motivate pupils to sit correc tly. Our results suggest that furniture design is one aspect of a mult idimensional problem.