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Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): Volume 6, Issue 2, Year 2026

Articles

Longitudinal Study: Furniture Mismatch and Student Health in Ghana

  • Adu Sylvia,
  • Adu George,
  • Asante Boadi Alfred
Adu Sylvia
Department of Forest Resources Technology, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana.
Adu George
Department of Interior Design and Materials Technology, Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi-Ghana.
Asante Boadi Alfred
Department of Building Technology and Quantity Survey, Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi-Ghana.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.34256/ijk2627

Published 21-08-2026

Keywords

  • Academic Engagement,
  • Anthropometric Mismatch,
  • Ghana,
  • Longitudinal Study,
  • Musculoskeletal Health,
  • University Students
    • ...More
    Less

How to Cite

Sylvia, A., George, A., & Alfred, A. B. (2026). Longitudinal Study: Furniture Mismatch and Student Health in Ghana. International Journal of Kinanthropometry, 6(2), 77–87. https://doi.org/10.34256/ijk2627

Copyright (c) 2026 Adu Sylvia, Adu George, Asante Boadi Alfred

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Introduction: Mismatch between lecture theatre table and chair and the students’ anthropometry have been identified as a major cause of musculoskeletal health issues and academic performance among students. This study tracks students over time by avoiding the cross-sectional measurement of the mismatch. Present study was aimed at investigating the mismatch between students’ anthropometry and lecture theatre furniture dimensions on musculoskeletal well-being and academic engagement in a Ghanaian University. Methods: With the use of standard equations, matched and mismatched associations experienced by students were confirmed through calculations on the data. Standardised musculoskeletal health issues and academic performance results were recorded with the administration of questionnaires that were carried out at different periods (beginning of semester, mid-semester, and before end of semester examination) in one academic year due to the contribution of cumulative effects of poorly designed furniture. Results: Total mismatches recorded 100 % seat-to-table height and table length in both genders, 53.1% (females) and 38.6% (males) in seat height, 92.9 % (females) and 86.3 % (males) in poor backrest. Males’ neck pain rises from 42.1 % to 62.9 % at the start to the end of semester, respectively. Pain significantly reduces students' academic engagement at the shoulders (2.97 – 2.27), lower back (2.96 – 2.26), and thigh (3.04 – 2.28). Conclusion: The fixed "one-size-fits-all" furniture in Ghanaian university lecture halls causes chronic physical discomfort that leads to increased musculoskeletal pain and a drop in academic performance for students throughout the semester.

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