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.
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