ABSTRACT
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 722 School Furniture and Children: Musculoskeletal Symptoms ........................................... 724 Age-Specific Developmental Considerations ................................................................. 725 Fit between Children and Their Classroom Furniture ...................................................... 727 Sitting and Classroom Furniture ...................................................................................... 728 Children and Classroom Furniture: Is there a Match? ..................................................... 730 Classroom Desk: Design Alternatives ............................................................................. 738 “Ergonomic” Classroom Furniture Designs ..................................................................... 742 Computer Furniture Workstations .................................................................................... 745 School Furniture Standards ............................................................................................. 746 Conclusions ..................................................................................................................... 747 Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................... 747 References ...................................................................................................................... 748 Further References .......................................................................................................... 749
INTRODUCTION
Classroom furniture affects children’s postures, comfort, health, and ability to learn. Research indicates that many schoolchildren sit in furniture that does not fit them properly. Further, schoolchildren who sit in awkward postures for long durations are prone to experiencing back and neck discomfort and other musculoskeletal symptoms that may worsen with time and even progress into adulthood.
