Perspectives Charter School participated
in a pilot study with VS Furniture
to test the hypothesis that "ergodynamic"
desks and chairs would provide better
conditions for individual rhythmic
movements, and thus a better learning
environment, than static furniture.
Three groups of students from grades 6 to 12 were equipped with different furniture. Students in group one sat in traditional static and non-adjustable furniture. Those in group two were furnished with a mix of traditional and ergonomic furniture: non-adjustable chair-desk combinations, free-swinging chairs, and non-inclinable tabletops. Group three's students were given ideal ergonomic standards: continuously height-adjustable chair-desk combinations, inclinable tabletops, and rolling/swivel chairs with rocking mechanisms.
The more adjustable the furniture was, the more frequently students varied their postural behaviors. The results further showed [in "attention endurance" tests designed to record the students' attentiveness and ability to concentrate] that giving students increased opportunity to move while seated-rocking, swiveling, and rolling-triggered far-above-average levels of concentration during test taking.
Adapted from Case Study: Perspectives Charter School, Chicago, Illinois
