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School furniture in relation to the issue of poor posture of pupils in 1st and 2nd school classes in České Budějovice
SEDLÁČKOVÁ, Pavlína
School furniture is one of the risk factors contributing to the formation and development of poor posture. I paid attention to pupils of the first and second years of primary school, because they present a high-risk group due to the sudden passage from a spontaneous physical activity to a long-term static strain at school. The aim of the study was to map the suitability of ergonomic parameters of school furniture for pupils of the first and second years of primary school and to assess its influence on the development of poor posture. I focused on the chair height, the seat depth, the backrest and the worktop height and angle. I also wanted to examine teachers' awareness on the issue of school furniture, the proper seating posture and possibilities to compensate the static strain of children. The research group consisted of 146 pupils of the first and second years of randomly selected primary schools in České Budějovice. The theoretical part was elaborated by the document content analysis, the research was done in three steps. First, the quantitative interview method through questionnaires distributed to the parents of respondents was used. This was followed by investigations in classes and the last step was to answer additional questions to teachers and the school management. The results show that 88% of respondents use ergonomically unsuitable furniture, there is a greater incidence of negative findings in the furniture of the first year pupils in all investigated parameters, except low chairs and worktops, but these are only present in inconsiderable numbers. A significant association was found between sub-standard school furniture and pains in the back, head, arms and legs, leading to the formation and development of poor posture. Teachers´ awareness of this issue is good, but in my opinion it is inadequate in terms prevention. Early preventive measures can affect the condition of the movement apparatus in adulthood. Family and school should be the first involved. But an equally important role should be played by pediatricians and professionals in the public health protection, who should act not only as an inspection, but mainly as an advisory body. Therefore, it is important to increase the awareness of the general public and teachers on work chair and desk ergonomics, the proper seating posture and possibilities for a long-term static strain compensation.
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