Redesign and Development of a Student’s Chair Parameter at Lecture Hall for Malaysian University

Abstract

This paper discussed on redesign and development of the existing student’s chair at lecture hall in Malaysian University, The main objectives of this study were to identify the current problems of existing student’s chair in lecture hall, observed and analyzed the existing design to find the critical parameter that effect their perceived level of body discomfort, and propose appropriate measures of new seat parameters according to the ergonomic requirements associated with the student’s population using standard Anthropometry’s data of Malaysian students and literature guidelines. Methods: Ninety students were participated in this cross-sectional study. The data was collected through the observation, distributing the questionnaire, and also interviews. Results: The results from questionnaire were analyzed with regard to the sitting posture in the lecture hall, student age, seat parameter and their weight and their correlation with the back pain. The prevalence of back pain among students was 76.67%. It was found that there are a few problems face by students while they were sitting on the chair. The most critical parameter were observed from simulation analysis, where the seating height is too high and also the seat back angle that is not suitable which may caused discomfort and back pain. The MannequinPRO software was used to analyse the current posture of students while sitting and comparison has been made for current and new seat parameters using RULA analysis. This study indicated that using the new seat parameters, the score for RULA analysis is reduce from four/five to two/two. Conclusion: Therefore, some recommendation for the new seat parameters according to guidelines suggested in literature associated with Malaysian Anthropometry for seat design was made such as adjustability of seat height, footrest and armrest in order to reduce the fatigue and backpain among Malaysian University students.