Evaluación antropométrica del mobiliario escolar para estudiantes universitarios en Ecuador

Abstract

Traditionally, universities in Ecuador have purchased their school furniture from the highest bidder, perhaps using the price as the only valuation criterion. But will this furniture be appropriate to the anthropometric characteristics of young Ecuadorian university students? Is there a risk that these furniture will generate musculoskeletal disorders in the students? This research sought answers to these questions. Ten standards for university school furniture design parameters were calculated based on anthropometric information of the mestizo adult population of Ecuador, considering the biomechanics of the student in a sitting position. A sample of nine models of furniture used in five universities in the city of Guayaquil was evaluated, and as a result, all presented incompatibilities in at least five parameters. Students who used this furniture during the last year had a high prevalence of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, back, hips and thighs.