Relationship between school furniture design and musculoskeletal problems in children: an ergonomic approach

Abstract

Introduction: Ergonomics of school furniture is a priority issue, since mismatches between desks and children's anthropometric diversity generate forced postures, discomfort and musculoskeletal problems that affect health and performance. In Peru, where obsolete furniture persists, the situation exposes to preventable risks and requires rethinking educational design from an ergonomic approach.
Objective: to describe the relationship between school furniture design and musculoskeletal problems in primary school children, from an ergonomic approach, with special reference to the context of Banda de Shilcayo, Peru.
Method: This literature review was developed using a qualitative approach of documentary analysis, compiling studies and official documents on school furniture, ergonomics and children's musculoskeletal problems, based on searches in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO and Google Scholar.
Development: School furniture has moved from rigid and collective benches to designs that incorporate ergonomic criteria and international standards. However, mismatches persist between the dimensions of the furniture and children's anthropometry, which generates problems with progressive consequences: in the short term they cause discomfort and distraction, in the medium term they generate chronic postural alterations, and in the long term they predispose to lumbago, hernias and scoliosis. Studies in several countries report high rates of mismatch and its association with back pain and risk of spinal deformities. 
Conclusions: Incorrectly designed dimensions of school furniture have significant effects on the musculoskeletal health of schoolchildren; they generate immediate discomfort, postural alterations and health risks if not corrected.