Ergonomics became a mainstream concern in the early 1980s, when desktop computers began appearing on households across the nation and coincided with Australia’s “epidemic of claims for repetitive strain injury”.
Today, corporate spaces are more mindfully designed, with ergonomic chairs to promote long-term back and neck health, as well as sit/stand desk set-ups to improve circulation, energy levels and posture.
But when it comes to ergonomics, it’s not one-size-fits all. Different work spaces require different considerations of ergonomics, and something all educational institutions need to consider is: what’s the best way to incorporate ergonomic design in the classroom?
Back-ing student wellbeing
A 2018 study by the University of Sydney found that, contrary to popular belief, backpacks are not the number one cause of student back pain. The study indicated that 18 to 24 percent of children report at least monthly back pain issues, which increases in teenage years. Associate Professor Steven Kamper, an expert on paediatric pain from the University’s School of Public Health, says “the findings are telling us that there is likely no link between back pain and schoolbag characteristics like weight, type and the way kids are carrying them”.
Our limited understanding of childhood pain at this time means that further explanation doesn’t really go beyond calling out general adolescent, or ‘growing’, pains. While the cause remains uncertain, there is still a way to manage the impact. It stands to reason that ergonomic furniture in the classroom could play a significant part in shifting these student back pain figures.
Focus areas for ergonomic furniture in the classroom
The Australian government recommends the following safe work practices for employees “having to sit for prolonged periods” in the workplace:
- use an ergonomic work position
- change between sitting, standing and walking on a regular basis
- place regularly used items within close proximity to avoid overreaching or having to stand to access objects that aren’t within easy reach
- do stretches and work exercises on a regular basis
- take regular postural breaks, for example, after every 20-30 minutes of sitting, then complete another task that requires you to walk or stand for two-three minutes
As well as footrests, height-adjustable desks and/or chairs, a range of computer and accessory requirements, including document holders and other desk-based equipment, can also help make a positive difference
Translating this to the classroom means prioritising the protection of backs, necks and wrists, especially when using technology. For this, students need to be able to comfortably move between sitting and standing, reduce reaching, twisting and bending throughout the school day, and correctly position their wrists while typing.
“Something as simple as using a sit-stand desk has been shown to increase productivity by 46 per cent, allowing you to effortlessly change your work posture as often as you like, without interrupting your flow,” says Dr Daniel Grynberg, a practising chiropractor and owner of Active Health Online.
He regularly works with educational institutions and notes that, “proper ergonomic furniture in classrooms has a significant effect on improving the health and wellbeing of students. Access to sit-stand desks, ergonomic equipment like chairs, laptop holders and sit-stand stools can help to reduce the onset of injuries and back pain, as well as increasing student productivity and happiness levels”.
Standards Australia’s AS/NZS 4610:2020 standards series addresses the strength, durability and stability requirements for school tables, chairs and storage furniture. With so many Australians reporting monthly back pain there is renewed impetus to “consider the importance of what desks and chairs children are learning on five days a week, six hours a day”, a spokesperson for Standards Australia said.
“It is important we promote appropriately designed and durable furniture for schools and their pupils,” adds General Manager of Australasian Furnishing Research and Development Institute (AFRDI) Ian Burton.
The benefits of ergonomic furniture in the classroom
Appropriate design evolves in line with teaching methods. For today’s students and their educators, this means out with the furniture that worked for the tradition of seated students facing a static teacher, and in with thoughtfully designed chairs, desks, and creative learning areas.
- Adjustable seats can fit students of all shapes and sizes, catering to the diversity of the modern student population. Plus, because height changes rapidly for school kids, the height of their furniture should too.
- Better results at school, combined with less back pain, injuries and ailments, are a recipe for improved attendance in the short-term.
- Good posture as a student in the classroom should naturally lead to great posture as a professional in the workplace.
- The comfort provided by ergonomic furniture makes it easier for students to focus, eliminating distractions and fidgeting, and boosting productivity.
- Ideal positioning aids better circulation, which means improved blood flow and delivery of oxygen throughout the body for optimum brain function and heart health.
- Better posture prevents injuries by correctly distributing the pressure and stress put on the spine, neck, hips, muscles and joints. Factors that make ergonomic furniture non-negotiable for sports schools, in particular.
Modern ergonomically designed classroom furniture helps to educate schools and their cohorts on the importance of being body-aware for peak self-care.
“By helping students develop better habits with correct ergonomics and educating them on the health benefits of being more active, we will ultimately create a happier and healthier adult population,” says Dr. Grynberg.
The goal is neutral neck positioning, with both feet on the floor to reduce unnecessary movement, reaching, stretching, straining and awkward positioning – benefits that are even more relevant for teenagers experiencing increased back pain and physical stressors as they mature. Helping preserve students’ energy is another bonus.
He concludes that, “parents should also be aware that good ergonomics does not stop in the classroom. Having the correct ergonomic desks, chairs and accessories, are equally important at home where students spend hours doing homework and assignments”.
With the help of scientifically researched design and high-tech materials, it is entirely possible to enhance the student experience while supporting wellbeing – and to nurture developing bodies at the same time as nurturing developing minds.
