Effects of two different sets of furniture on the physical workload of students – an ezperimental study
The Ergonomic furniture may decrease musculoskeletal strain and prevent the onset of musculoskeletal diseases both at workplaces and in schools. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two sets (old and new) of furniture (desk and chair) on the physical workload of students during reading and writing tasks. Ten eighth-grade students (14 years old) participated in the study. The OWAS (Ovako Working-Posture Analysis System) method, electromyography, and a visual analogue scale were used in laboratory to assess work postures, muscle activity, and perceived physical workload, respectively. Back posture was straighter when the students used the newer furniture during both reading and writing tasks. The neck was bent downward more frequently during reading, whereas, during writing, the neck was more frequently bent towards the side or a twisted posture was used. During the writing task, use of the new furniture caused less EMG activity in the muscles of the shoulders and upper limbs of the students than use of the old furniture. During reading, there was little difference in the EMG activity with respect to the old and new furniture. The students were of the opinion that the workload on their hands, feet, and lower back was greater during the use of the new furniture than during the use of the old furniture. At group level, the differences between the two types of furniture with respect to EMG activity, work posture, and perceived workload were small, but the individual variation was great. In order to receive the greatest benefit from the use of new furniture in the classroom, the students should be provided ergonomic guidance in its use, and regular follow-up measurements should be made.
desk chair muscle activity work posture
Nyberg Mika Clas-H(a)kan Nyg(a)rd Kaukiainen Anneli Saarni Lea Sillanp(a)(a) Jarmo Arja Rimpel(a)
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Tampere, Finland Tampere School of Public Health, University of Tampere
国际会议
17th World Congress on Ergonomics(第十七届国际人类工效学大会)
北京
英文
1-4
2009-08-09（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）