The rapid pace of life is quite severe: day after day, the spine is subjected to enormous stress. This is especially true for schoolchildren: from an early age, children are forced to spend a lot of time in a sitting position, which is not a natural posture of the spine. To help the child, parents purchase an orthopedic chair for the student. However, the choice is not so easy, because not every model is suitable for a particular child. Let's figure it out together.
What is it?
An orthopedic chair is a special piece of furniture that vaguely resembles a computer chair, and in some cases a kind of stool. However, if in the office version the emphasis of the design is made on the comfort of the user's location, the orthopedic version does not intend to adapt to the student. You need to get used to this furniture yourself. Outwardly, the device can be different: simple, complex, supplemented with different functionality, however, it is special, its action is aimed at solving some diseases of the student's musculoskeletal system.
This remedy prevention and daily struggle against curvature of posture. It is no secret that modern schools do not have the right furniture: neither tables nor chairs in them are aimed at caring for children's health. Desks often do not have a slope; in chairs, at best, you can raise the seat by setting the bolts to a higher position.
School chairs do not take into account the different ages and builds of children. This is the standard that harms the condition of the spine day after day. Especially scary is the fact that the violation occurs over many years (the entire school period).
Functions
The benefit of the orthopedic chair for the student lies in the directional effect: it forces the child to sit upright, without bending the back. Daily prophylaxis often gives positive dynamics: in addition to teaching the child to the correct posture, some diseases can be gradually cured. However, it is worth making a reservation - this is effective only in an integrated approach. In addition to being in the correct posture every day, it is important to do specific physical exercises. Moreover, the correct position on the chair matters: if you deliberately bend your back or suck in your shoulders, there will be no sense in sitting.
The tasks of the chair are clearly defined, this is a forced measure that provides the child with a sparing mode of prevention and control of ailments. The orthopedic chair contributes to:
- prevention of diseases of all parts of the spine;
- unloading the spine, reducing pressure on the muscles and organs of the small pelvis;
- relieving limb numbness;
- the formation of a beautiful and even posture;
- normalization of blood circulation and oxygen supply;
- ridding the child of constant headache, aching pain in the back, shoulders, lower back;
- the formation of a beautiful and understandable handwriting.
The orthopedic chair is a durable product. He is not pushed into a corner, having learned to sit correctly, he is needed every day to consolidate the orthopedic effect. Otherwise, there will be no sense from it.
Benefits
A children's orthopedic chair is a useful piece of furniture. Its effectiveness has been proven by doctors. This product has a lot of advantages, it is:
- maintains the correct muscle tone of the child's body;
- in most models it is distinguished by its reliability and strength of the structure, does not fall, does not drop the child, does not turn over in case of an accidental impact;
- has precise anatomical support for the back and seat, which is important for a comfortable position of the user;
- it has a rich model range, having a wide variability of size, fixes the child as accurately as possible in the correct position or forces him to take the only correct posture;
- regardless of the model, forms a straight line of the spinal column, excluding sideways distortions or poor posture;
- easy to operate and easy to adjust, adjusts to the characteristics of the complexion of a particular child;
- depending on the model, it is equipped with different functionality, which is convenient for children of different ages and allows you to purchase a product strictly for the intended purpose, avoiding unnecessary functions;
- is carried out in strict observance of safety requirements, therefore it is distinguished by high-quality and reliable production assembly, having strong fasteners;
- almost always has a pleasant design, therefore, it is liked by children of any age and can successfully fit into the interior composition of a children's room;
- it is often made as an integral part of a set, adjusting in height to a desk of a similar design, which allows you to organize the work area in accordance with a certain style;
- based on the price of the components, the complexity of the design, the assembly material, it differs in cost, which makes it possible for each buyer to find an option to their liking, taking into account preferences and the planned budget.
disadvantages
The physical capabilities of each child are individual. Even if the designer is confident that he has correctly distributed the load, not every model is suitable for choosing: in some, the weight is moved to the knees. If at first it seems convenient, after a while the situation changes, the legs become numb or begin to hurt.
It is imperative to consult your doctor before purchasing: a specialist who knows the peculiarities of a child's disease knows how to redistribute the load on the spine.
If back problems are related to improper positioning of the foot, pressure on the limbs can aggravate the problem.
In addition, design features matter. The presence of armrests, claimed to be a useful assembly element, is a detrimental factor. Often, when buying, sellers advise these models, however, it is thanks to the armrests and the hands lowered on them that the shoulders rise, the correct position of the back is disturbed. Everyday this position disturbs posture and provokes a curvature of the back.
Other disadvantages include price of models. It is no secret that the better the product, the more correct the shape of the back and seat, the more expensive it is. Not every buyer can buy a model for 30,000-40,000 rubles. Of course, there are budget options, however, the effect of them is inferior to expensive analogs. As a rule, in cheap models, the back and the seat are straighter, the pillow filler is less elastic and durable, therefore it forms pits over time.
Views
Thanks to the development of modern technologies, developers have a lot of opportunities to improve the efficiency of models, to increase their quality and performance characteristics. Chairs are developed taking into account medical indicators, listening to the opinions of orthopedic doctors. Conventionally, the assortment can be divided into three categories:
- chairs for primary school students (6-9 years old);
- high school models (9-12 years old);
- designs for adolescents (12-15 years old and older).
Each category differs in its dimensions, is adjusted to the approximate height and weight, is equipped with a system for adjusting the components for the characteristics of body size and may have different footrests. However, not every product is worth buying: often, under the guise of orthopedic products, chairs of a creative type are produced without the desired effect. To buy a really useful chair, let's designate the varieties.
This will help you understand how the models work, how they work, strengths and weaknesses. The existing assortment can be divided into two groups: classic and ergonomic models. All of them are designed for daily use at the desk.
To ensure the desired effect, the designs are supplemented with pillows with orthopedic padding. The former are somewhat closer to office-type devices, the latter are more ergonomic, represent complex fixation devices or creative options without backs.
Constructions
Orthopedic chair models for children are varied. They can be conditionally divided into three categories:
- backless;
- with a back;
- with a double back.
The line of classic options includes models of growing chairs, similar to a stepladder, the useful effect of which is minimal. Other models include height-adjustable devices, whereby you can change the height of the chairs, adjusting them to the age of children and the height of the desk. This also includes armchairs with mobile swivel supports or without wheels. In the line, you can find small highchairs for children, tuned for comfort with back support.
Modern models are distinguished by their ergonomic shape. They force the child to sit correctly. These include varieties:
- knee - a chair-chair with or without a back, when sitting in which the load from the back is redistributed to the knees (the child rests his knees on special pillows, while the feet are laid back);
- the saddle is an analogue of a classic chair with a slight difference: the seat cushion is made in the form of a triangular saddle (like on a bicycle: it is raised in front, lowered on the sides);
- balancing - a rocking chair or swinging structure, similar to a swing, on one side of which there is a seat, on the other - two knee pads (a model without a back, forcing the child to constantly balance, forcing him to sit upright, training the vestibular apparatus).
With external differences, the models may have one thing in common: be equipped with one or two foot rests, have seat and backrest height adjustment, and backrest angle correction. Sometimes manufacturers provide bolsters under the back. Often, for mobility, the product is supplemented with powerful wheels that rotate in different directions, so that the child can independently and effortlessly move the chair.
An interesting model is the version with a bifurcated back, which is two identical halves located on the sides of the body rod. The model is similar to a classic chair: it can have a single, double rod or other system by which the backs and seat are raised or lowered. The backs are concave and look symmetrical in relation to the spine. They do not have extra volume, so they allow the child to sit on the chair as comfortably as possible.
The differences include the possibility of adjustment: some products are adjusted to the user, others provide for a minimum of adjustment (for example, raising the seat two positions without adjusting the height).
For some models, you can purchase an orthopedic seat cushion yourself. This is especially true for wooden models and old chairs with a washed cushion.
Materials (edit)
The raw materials from which orthopedic chairs for schoolchildren are made are divided into body and auxiliary ones. For the frame, which is the basis of the product, wood and metal (steel or aluminum) are used. The materials are strong, reliable and durable. Of these, wood is the most massive, it does not have a hollow structure, it is used as supports, guides, supports and a rod. Metal is lighter, such a body is presented in the form of hollow tubes, it is stable and provides reliable fastening of functional elements.
In addition to a wooden and metal base, plastic is used in production. These are polymer-based raw materials, matte or glossy plastic derivatives. It is an accessory that covers the armrests, adjustment levers, fulcrum, footrest and chair frame. The material is durable, but not resistant to significant mechanical damage, therefore, upon impact, it can break off from the base.
As cushions for orthopedic chairs, a dense and resilient filler and high-quality textiles with high breathability are used. The children's assortment includes the use of natural fabrics and hypoallergenic synthetics. The pillows have an original shape due to the padding of a monolithic plan with a porous structure and crease resistance. The filler is designed for long-term use, it does not sink, but requires strict consideration of the weight load.
Design
The design performance of orthopedic chairs is primarily tuned to functionality. Such furniture does not welcome fanciful elements, carved legs or decorative techniques. All that is permissible is to demonstrate the status through the material of the frame and the upholstery of the pillows, using color contrast if necessary. The design is divided into age groups:
- for a first grader, an elementary school student, they produce models with bright textile upholstery in blue, red, green, orange, pink, lilac tones (simple drawings are allowed);
- for a high school student, the emphasis is on solid shades that differ by gender (mainly in soft and rich colors);
- for a teenager, the main criterion is status: the model demonstrates style, solidity of the material (metal case, leather upholstery in brown or black).
Main criteria
The choice of a children's chair with an orthopedic effect is not based solely on external indicators. The correct approach implies taking into account various criteria, including active physical exercise, because sitting for a long time without a break is harmful and on useful furniture. When buying an orthopedic chair for a student, it is important to pay attention to a number of factors. It is important that the model:
- had a back, since not every child can balance daily, sitting on a chair, developing the vestibular apparatus;
- was equipped with a system for adjusting and attaching an ergonomic headrest over the anatomical backrest in height and tilt angle;
- had the ability to accurately correct the back to fit the parameters of a particular child, reducing the load on the spinal column;
- was optimally heavy, stable, but not excessively massive, if necessary mobile (convenient to move to any corner of the room);
- had the function of adjusting the height of the base itself and the rigidity of the swing (it did not slip when the child was landing, but clearly fixed the back, regardless of the weight of the user);
- had at least five points of support with their blocking during homework or other work processes;
- was safe: sharp elements of the structure were excluded, the raw materials of manufacture should be environmentally friendly, any pungent odor indicating harmful dyes or toxic glue should be excluded;
- had steel or aluminum as a body (wooden models do not always have comfortable pillows);
- had the correct type of pillow filler (priority was given to latex, its orthopedic effect was proven by medicine);
- differed in the "correct" type of upholstery: you should pay attention to natural or artificial leather or textiles with a dense texture with an additional removable cover (this makes it easier to care for the product);
- went through the process of "fitting" for convenience: if the child cannot sit at this chair, he will feel discomfort, there will be no sense from the chair - the student will find more comfortable furniture;
- provided for an accessible and convenient adjustment system for the child's parameters;
- differed in a correctly curved type of seat (beveled and soft in front), having a depth of 50 cm.
In the buying process, it is important to consider five rules of good choice:
- the structure must have a footrest (it is unacceptable for the legs to hang down or rest on the floor);
- exact compliance with age (marking indicates this criterion);
- no loose elements, this indicates an obvious marriage;
- the angle between the thigh and the lower leg when sitting is 90 degrees (it is not adjustable);
- the purchase is carried out taking into account the wishes of the child.
You cannot rely on advertising, it is important to study the reviews of the school model you like, looked after in the store. So you can understand whether it is suitable for age and height (for a first grader, teenager) and medical indications (posture disorder, cerebral palsy, scoliosis, lordosis).
Popular models
Despite the wide selection, buyers have their own favorites. These include:
- height-adjustable classic chair with a round footrest;
- anatomical version with adjustable backrest height and angle, double stand and locking casters;
- ergonomic knee chair with backrest and soft knee support;
- version with two backs, having a steel rod and height adjustment of the backs;
- transformer model with an inclination and an emphasis on the knees, two double supports, the absence of a frame rod;
- folding wooden model with T-shaped legs without backrest;
- design without armrests on six support points with an ergonomic seat shape, two backs and a circular plastic footrest;
- steel model with neck support, anatomical one-piece back, ring footrest, angled seat.
Testimonials
Orthopedic chairs for schoolchildren are an effective tool to combat curvature of the back and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This is evidenced by numerous reviews of parents who bought this furniture for their children.
The results are based on medical findings: chairs do help relieve muscle tension, relieve stress on the spine, and relieve pressure on the pelvic organs.
Parents note that in some cases it is possible to completely restore the health of children: X-ray shows a positive trend. Children get used to sitting on orthopedic furniture, it seems comfortable and comfortable. Sometimes the spine takes on the correct straight line. However, the effect, according to parents, is largely based on on an integrated approach: you need to monitor the straight position of your back while sitting, periodically rest and regularly perform special physical exercises.
For an overview of the orthopedic knee chair for the student, see the following video.
