As students start classes with distance education, it is important to choose the right desk and chair that students use while studying. Stating that the monitor on the desk should be at eye level and within an arm's reach, the chair should have back support, experts point out that the inward slope of the waist should be supported with lumbar support while sitting.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Physical Therapy Specialist Dr. Nurten Korkmaz stated that the desk and chair used at home by children who start distance education should be chosen correctly and pointed out that inappropriate equipment can invite important health problems.
Stating that it is important to have a gap between the table and leg height when calculating the height of the study tables, Dr. Nurten Korkmaz said, "While the table height in adults is generally around 70 cm, in children this distance should be adjusted according to the height of the child while sitting. When sitting in a chair, it is appropriate for the knees to be slightly below the hip level. When sitting in this way, a distance of about 15 cm between the knees and the bottom surface of the table is appropriate. Feet should be in full contact with the floor and should not be exposed."
The chair should have back support
"There should be an area under the feet that will not hinder movement," said Dr. Nurten Korkmaz, "The chair should be a chair that can rotate in all directions, has armrests and height-adjustable back support. Having at least 3 meters of space behind the table and chair can ensure comfortable movement and protection against erroneous movements."
Table lighting may be required
Noting that the lighting of the study room is also important, Dr. Nurten Korkmaz said, "Ventilation of the room is important. There should be a window or ventilation system that opens to the outside. Air conditioning systems should be placed so that they do not reach the child's neck, shoulders and back. An additional table lighting may be required in addition to the ceiling lighting for reading from the monitor. Proper lighting reduces eye fatigue and related headaches."
Monitor should be at eye level
Dr. Nurten Korkmaz noted that the monitor should be directly in front of the child and an arm's length away if the child is going to work at the computer, and gave the following advice:
"The top level of the screen should be at eye level. It is important to use the keyboard and arm on the table while working. When working with the keyboard in a reclined position, the elbow internal angle should be above 100 degrees. Wrists should also be straight while working and should not be inclined to the left or right. In the sitting position, the angle between the torso and legs should be around 130 degrees and should never fall below 90 degrees. While sitting, the inward slope of the waist should be supported with a lumbar support and the backs of the legs should sit in a supported chair. In cases where the keyboard is used a lot, wrist supports can be used to keep the wrist in a straight position."
Exercise should be done during breaks
Stating that exercises can be done to relax the neck and back between classes, Dr. Nurten Korkmaz said, "It is important to take a break from studying every hour. Breaks should not be less than 10-15 minutes. At least the position should be changed and fixed postures should be avoided. Posture exercises, wrist and hand exercises, stretching exercises on the neck, legs and waist will relax the person."
