Ergonomic Chair Design as a Solution to Musculoskeletal Disorders among Traditional Cobblers: An Anthropometric Study

Abstract

This study was undertaken with the aim of engineering an ergonomic chair tailored specifically for cobblers in the Malang Regency, taking into account anthropometric measurements, the Nordic body map, and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method. Musculoskeletal disorders, often resulting from prolonged sitting and incorrect posture, represent significant occupational hazards for them. To mitigate these health risks, the study employed the analysis of Nordic body maps to quantify complaints based on body points, and determined anthropometric dimensions to guide the design of ergonomically correct chairs. The aspiration is that the findings of this study will diminish the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, while enhancing the productivity and work quality of cobblers. Cobblers are particularly susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders in the waist and left calf areas, along with the back, hips, right thigh, right calf, left foot, and right foot. Insights gleaned from the Nordic body maps analysis and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method demonstrated the need for modifications to the traditional cobbler chair to reduce these risks. Consequently, an innovative ergonomic chair was designed, incorporating anthropometric dimensions and several distinctive features, including an adjustable tilt angle on the backrest, a height-adjustable seat base, and a seat base that conforms to the load conditions of the buttocks and thighs.

Improving Classroom Chairs for Student Comfort and Health: An Ergonomic Approach

“…To acquire more lucid data for this study, the researcher opted for survey (23,24). The study population included undergraduate students in east coast university in Malaysia.…”