How to choose the right chair for a student
Competent organization of the working area is not only a guarantee of successful training, but also a strong physical condition of a growing organism. An improperly equipped training place for a child will cause problems with the spine.
To prevent negative consequences, it is necessary to choose the right comfortable chair for the student.
Varieties of chairs
Furniture manufacturers offer a wide range of products. Each model is endowed with individual characteristics and capabilities. Orthopedists recommend purchasing a classic chair with a simple design. It is better for primary school students not to buy office-type swivel chairs.
A restless student will sit on it incorrectly, roll and spin, distracting from lessons.
Note! It is better to go shopping with the child, so that he himself appreciates the convenience of the seat. And the parents were able to visually select a model depending on the height and physique of the student.
Normal
A standard writing chair of a simple shape with a steel, wood or plastic frame, wood trim. It does not have an attractive appearance, but it is the most affordable option.
Additional adjustment functions are not provided in this model, therefore the size of the piece of furniture should be selected in accordance with the individual parameters of the student.
"Growing chair"
This model allows you to adjust the height of the product in accordance with the height. May have a metal frame with a wooden or plastic seat. Looks like a computer chair with seat height adjustment. Due to the transformation, this option will last more than one year.
The height of the seat should be adjusted as the size of the child changes. This model has:
- lifting mechanism;
- possible addition in the form of a footrest;
- hinges.
Orthopedic Chair Classification
This type of ergonomic product is indispensable for children who spend most of their time at the desk. The anatomical curvature of the back supports the correct position, relieves stress. The seat has special recesses that distribute the load.
The footrest guarantees the correct position of the feet and ensures a correct seating position at the table. Such constructions are used to prevent diseases of the spine, correct damaged posture, and help with pathological disorders of the musculoskeletal function. The main disadvantage of such models is the high price.
Classic
It resembles an office chair in appearance, but has advantages. The curvature of the backrest transforms to the shape of the spine, providing comfort and a correct fit.Some models of orthopedic products are equipped with fasteners to fix the child in the correct position.
But these chairs are not recommended for long term use. They are used when there are problems with the spine. Another type of classic chair is a model with a backrest divided into two parts. The horizontal split into two halves provides lumbar support and shoulder blade fixation.
The vertical placement of the two pieces wraps around the back, creating a corset fit. Their positions are adjustable, which allows you to set the most secure and comfortable position.
Movable (balancing)
The seat of the movable chair is fixed at just one point of support. It can tilt slightly to either side. Sitting on this chair, you need to establish balance by tensing different muscles of the body.
Promotes the development of the vestibular apparatus and joints. This type of construction strengthens the back muscles, improves movement coordination and concentration.
A balance chair disciplines the student, increases concentration on an important lesson.
With support on your knees
An unusual design chair designed by an orthopedist. Many children, after sitting on a chair for a long time, go down to the edge to lean on their knees. This design shifts the center of gravity forward. Adjusts for height, knees and proper fit.
The model assumes both the presence of a backrest and its absence. The product allows you to sit without bending the spine. The load on the back is reduced by moving to the buttocks and knees through the support platform. The highchair is recommended for hyperactive children with scattered concentration.
This position improves the hip blood circulation, prevents the displacement of internal organs. Before buying such a design, you should consult your doctor. In some diseases, it is contraindicated.
With backrest and armrest adjustment
Some models have a backrest and armrest adjustment function. The ability to adjust the degree of inclination of the backrest allows you to adjust the seat to the physiological characteristics of the child, to reduce the tension of the spine and lumbar spine.
The height-adjustable orthopedic chair for schoolchildren allows you to set the desired distance from the seat to the floor and the position of the back, so that there is no need to lean towards the table. The armrests are designed for convenience when doing non-manual activities (reading, watching videos).
For a primary school student, it is not recommended to purchase a model with armrests. If the child begins to lean on the armrests, relaxing the muscles, the back will be left without proper support and will take on a curved shape. This model is suitable for teenagers, especially if they work at a computer desk.
Note! A correct seating position when working at a table means placing your hands on the table top and the absence of additional points of support in the form of armrests.
Orthopedic Chair Functions
The category of chairs recommended for the prevention of diseases of the spine and is intended for schoolchildren with impaired functions of the bones of the skeleton. It is designed to target specific muscle groups during use.
Such a chair keeps the direction and angle of the back in a position that is as safe as possible for posture. The main task of the seat is to ensure that a healthy posture is adopted.A properly selected orthopedic chair performs the following functions:
- relieves muscle tension, making the child less tired;
- maintains posture, preventing the development of pathological changes in the skeleton;
- strengthens muscle and connective tissue;
- improves blood microcirculation;
- increases concentration of attention, efficiency, perseverance;
- reduces body fatigue;
- keep the eyes at the right distance from notebooks, reducing the risk of visual impairment.
How to determine the correct position of the body on the chair
Correct placement of the student at the study table reduces the load on the spinal column and makes the learning process comfortable and effective. Basic rules for the position of a seated child in relation to the table and the floor:
- the legs at the knees should be bent at a right angle, and the feet should be completely on the floor;
- the edges of the seat should not touch the inside of the bend of the leg at the knee joint;
- the top of the back of the chair should be at the level of the middle of the shoulder blades;
- the back should be flat, without bending forward or backward;
- the bend of the arms at the elbows should be 90 °;
- the optimal distance between the edge of the tabletop and the chest is 8 - 10 cm.
Tips for choosing based on the age of the child
The human skeleton is formed before the age of 16-18. Until this time, fragile bones grow and are easily deformed. You cannot buy a chair to grow. A seat that is too large in size and a high backrest will not be able to support a fragile spine. The student should sit comfortably at the table here and now.
Orthopedists advise against purchasing a swivel chair with casters or armrests for children under the age of 14. Such designs are suitable for teenagers working at a computer.
The height of the chair should be adjusted according to the height. For a schoolchild with a height of 110-120 cm, you should choose a product of 30-32 cm (from floor to seat). For a teenager 160-162 cm, a 40-42 cm chair is suitable. The legs of the sitting person are bent at the knees at right angles.
Additional Information! If the child in the "sitting" position does not reach the floor with his feet, then it is necessary to purchase a special support for the legs. Some models are equipped with a built-in foot platform.
Strength
The chair must have a sturdy structure. Frames made of metal tubes or profiles are considered the most durable. If the piece of furniture is on castors, then you should choose the option with 5 supports. It is the most stable.
Security
In order to avoid falls and injuries, the structure of the product must be strong so that over time the chair does not wobble or lead to a fall. The upholstery should be chosen from hypoallergenic materials (viscose, natural cotton). At the same time, it must be breathable and capable of absorbing moisture.
Leather chairs are not comfortable for daily use. They cause excessive sweating in the summer. If there are wooden elements of the product, they must be properly processed, without delamination and cracks.
A chair on wheels must necessarily have locks so that it does not roll away during classes. There are 2 types of stopper:
- automatic triggers independently with a load weighing more than 30 kg;
- mechanical - if necessary, the parents fix the chair themselves.
Important! When choosing a seat for a student of elementary grades, one should give preference to a model with rounded borders of elements so that the vessels on the legs are not pinched.
Practicality
It is better to choose the upholstery of armchairs and chairs from non-marking natural fabrics that are easy to clean.Furniture options with removable covers are welcome. They should be made of durable and high quality fabric that can withstand many wash cycles.
Comfort
A curved position of the spine will lead to incorrect posture formation, and as a result to circulatory disorders, back pain and the musculoskeletal system as a whole. The child should be comfortable to sit. You should not buy a product for growth, it is better to purchase a model that is adjustable in height.
The seat should not be too soft or it will fall through. A chair for a student must be chosen from certified manufacturers; it must be not only comfortable, but also made of high-quality and safe materials.
The rich assortment allows you to choose a model with which the child will feel as comfortable as possible, instinctively prompting him to take the desired position while sitting. Correctly selected furniture for classes will not only provide comfortable and productive learning, but also preserve health and correct posture.
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