Anthropometry-based approach for side-mounted desktop chairs design evaluation for university students in Ecuador

It is quite common to find side-mounted desktop chairs as main classroom furniture in Ecuadorian universities. However, there is no evidence this furniture is designed to fit the anthropometric characteristics of the students who use it. In this context, this research aims to find the ideal design parameters dimensions for mounted desktop chairs for university students in Ecuador based on relevant anthropometric information and considering the biomechanics of students in sitting position. A sample of 15 mounted desktop chair models used in 10 Ecuadorian universities was evaluated. As a result, every furniture presented mismatch in seat height, desktop height and under desktop height, as well as in the width and depth of the tablet. Students who use this furniture could be at risk to develop health issues because of their daily exposure to poor postures as a result of inadequate furniture design.