Ergonomic study of classroom chair and table for Indian girl students of different height categories

Present study was undertaken with an objective to know commonly used heights of classroom furniture, and to gather relevant anthropometric data for the purpose of designing and evaluating suitable height of table and chair for girl students. Nine different combinations of table top height and chair seat height were experimented on 15 short (143151 cms), medium (151159 cms) and tall (159167 cms) stature girl students (5 from each category). These combinations were used to record physiological parameters of selected subjects viz heart rate, respiration frequency and grip strength of working hand while they performed the task of doing written assignment for 30 minutes. At the end of each experiment, subjective responses were also taken. Findings of the study revealed that for short stature students, combination of 43.5 cms seat height of chair and 68.5 cms high table top is least stressful to body; whereas for medium height students, 71 cms high table top with same chair is most comfortable and least fatiguing set and for tall students ideal combination worked out was 46 cms high seat of the chair and 73.5 cms table top. It is thus recommended that while designing classroom furniture for educational institutions for girls; first two rows of table chair sets should be specifically designed to suit short height girls and in the similar pattern last two rows should have dimensions of table and chair providing comfort to tall students so that prolonged study hours (approximately 8 hours) become less tiring for them; thus increasing their study output.