Ergonomic Optimization of School Chairs: A Biomechanics-Based Approach to Reducing Back Strain in Students

Back pain and discomfort among students are increasingly common due to prolonged sitting in poorly designed school furniture. This study applies biomechanical principles to improve the ergonomics of standard school chairs, aiming to reduce spinal strain. An experimental design involving 20 students aged 16–17 years was conducted. Measurements of sitting posture, lumbar support angle, and self-reported discomfort levels were recorded before and after minor chair modifications, which included adding lumbar cushioning, adjusting seat height, and increasing backrest tilt. The results showed a 35% reduction in discomfort scores and an improvement in posture alignment angles by an average of 12°. These findings suggest that low-cost ergonomic interventions can significantly improve student comfort and may help prevent long-term musculoskeletal problems.