Position Your Body for Learning implements evidence-based measurements to assess optimal positioning for learning. The document describes three simple assessments - "roll", "rattle", and "rumble" - to determine if desk height matches elbow rest height and chair height matches popliteal height. It explains that proper ergonomic positioning through adjustments can improve students' attention, fine motor skills, and performance on standardized tests. The document provides a form called "Measuring for Optimal Positioning" to document student measurements and identify furniture adjustments needed.

1. Position Your Body for Learning implements evidence
based measurements into an activity for optimal positioning.
“Roll” and “rattle” allow a therapist to assess if desk height
matches elbow rest height. “Rumble” allows a similar
assessment for matching popliteal height to chair height.
Pedal an imaginary
bicycle with your
hands
(hands rotating
over each other)
Drum palms of
hands on
desk top
While sitting in your
chair, make your
feet run in place
Freeze with hands
and feet quiet.
Now you are ready
to work!
Although proper ergonomic positioning and adjustment of
classroom furniture has been identified as an important role
for school-based occupational therapists, it is infrequently
addressed. Particularly for young students (pre-k through
elementary), optimal seating improves attention to task, fine
motor skills, and performance on standardized tests. Over-
sized classroom desks and chairs are a common problem
for k-12 students creating physical concerns such as pain in
the neck, shoulders, thighs, knees, and feet. Research
suggests that matching popliteal height to chair height and
elbow rest height to desk height can be effective in
providing better classroom furniture fit for students. The No
Child Left Behind initiative places emphasis on the
outcomes of standardized tests. California Statewide
Assessments (used to rate districts, schools, administrators,
teachers, and students) allow for variations, modifications,
and accommodations, including positioning during test
administration. With a good fit, students are more
comfortable, less likely to wiggle and fidget in order to avoid
pain, and more able to efficiently perform desk-top tasks
such as classroom learning and testing.
Angela R. Baker, PhD, MA, OTR/L, CTRS, OTD candidate
Abstract Tools for Implementation
Implications
Applications
Student test scores on California Statewide Assessments may
improve when provided with optimal seating (seat pan height
that matches popliteal height and desk-top height that
matches elbow rest height)(Sents,1989[2b]; Smith-Zuzovsky,
2004[2b]). Seating changes are permitted through the Matrix
of Test Variations, Accommodations, and Modifications for
Administration of California Statewide Assessments (2011[5]).
Castellucci, I., Goncalves, M. A., & Arezes, P. M. (2010, July). Ergonomic design of school furniture: Challenges for
the Portuguese schools. Applied Human Factors an Ergonomics International Conference.
Dhara, P. C., Khaspuri, G., & Sau, S. K. (2009). Complaints arising from a mismatch between school furniture and
anthropometric measurements of rural secondary school children during classwork. Environmental Health and
Preventative Medicine, 14, 36-45.
Gouvali, M. K., & Boudolos, K. (2005). Match between school furniture dimensions and children’s anthropometry.
Applied Ergonomics, 37, 765-773.
Matrix of Test Variations, Accommodations, and Modifications for Administration of California Statewide Assessments.
(2011). In 2012 Testing Variations, Accommodations, and Modifications. Sacramento, CA: California Department of
Education.
Reilly, D. S., Van Donkelaar, P., Saavedra, S., & Woollacott, M. H. (2008, March). Interaction between the
development of postural control and the executive function of attention. Journal of Motor Behavior, 40(2), 90-102.
Sents, B. E., & Marks, H. E. (1989, October). Changes in preschool children’s IQ scores as a function of positioning.
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 43(10), 685-687.
Smith-Zuzovsky, N., & Exner, C. E. (2004, July-August). The effect of seated positioning quality on typical 6-and 7-
year-old children’s object manipulation skills. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58(4), 380-388.
Special Education Division, California Department of Education. (2010). Chapter 7 Services for School-Age Children.
In F. Ong, & D. Boomer (Eds.), Guidelines for Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy in California Public
Schools (Second Edition). Sacramento, CA: CDE Press.
Straker, L., Maslen, B., Burgess-Limerick, R., Johnson, P., & Dennerlein, J. (2010, April). Evidence-based guidelines
for the wise use of computers by children: Physical development guidelines. Ergonomics, 53(4), 458-477.
Positioning for Improved Performance at School: Making the
Occupation of Learning “Fit”
MEASURING FOR OPTIMAL POSITIONING (MOP)
• Optimal seating improves attention to task (Reilly et al.,
2008 [4a]), fine motor skills (Smith-Zuzovsky & Exner,
2004[2b]), and performance on standardized tests (Sents
& Marks, 1989[2b]; Smith-Zuzovsky & Exner, 2004[2b]).
• The most common school furniture problems are desks
and chairs that are too big (Dhara et al., 2009[3b];
Gouvali & Boudolos, 2005[4a]; Reilly et al., 2008[4a];
Sents & Marks, 1989[2b]; Smith-Zuzovsky & Exner,
2004[2b]; Straker et al., 2009[5]).
• Matching popliteal height to chair height and elbow rest
height to desk height can be effective in providing a
better classroom furniture fit for students (Castellucci et
al., 2010[4b]; Dhara et al., 2009[3b]; Gouvali & Boudolos,
2005[4a]; Straker et al. 2010[5]; Tunay & Melemez,
2008[4a]).
Literature Cited
SIMPLE MODIFICATION OPTIONS
Applicable Results
Photos courtesy of OT to the Rescue, 2012
Photo Courtesy of Google Images, 2012
Student name: Teacher: Date of measurement: Date desk/chair was adjusted:
Popliteal Height Elbow Rest Height Chair Pan Height Desk Height
Measurement in inches:: Measurement in inches: Measurement in inches: Measurement in inches:
INTERPRETATION OF MEASURES
The chair for this student is
currently: (please circle one)
Too big
(The chair pan height is more than 2
inches higher than popliteal height)
Good fit
(The chair pan height is within 2
inches of popliteal height)
Too small
(The chair pan height is more than 2
inches lower than popliteal height)
The desk for this student is
currently: (please circle one)
Too big
(The desk height is more than 2 inches
higher than elbow rest height)
Good fit
(The desk height is within 2 inches of
elbow rest height)
Too small
(The desk height is more than 2 inches
lower than elbow rest height)
MODIFICATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Changes to be made for Chair:
(please circle one)
Choose a different chair Use a posture block Use a booster
Changes to be made for Desk:
(please circle one)
Choose a different desk Adjust legs of desk Remove tray from underneath
desk (if safe)
Description of modifications done:
Person completing MOP: