The Influence of Different Desk Inclinations on the On-task Behavior of School-Aged Children: An Experimental Study Design
Nalini Sripall, Samuel Durairaj, Suja Angelin ChandrasekaranAbstract
Background:
Occupational therapy highlights the role of the physical environment in enhancing children’s participation and engagement in school. Classroom furniture is crucial for promoting postural stability and attention.
Objectives:
This study examines how 10° and 25° inclined desks affect elementary school children’s on-task behaviors during academic activities compared to traditional flat desks.
Study Design:
An experimental study design employing the direct continuous recording method to observe on-task behaviors was used in this study.
Methods:
On-task behaviors were measured during writing, reading, and drawing tasks. A total of 20 children were recruited from third and fourth grades through convenience sampling. Baseline on-task behaviors in reading, writing, and drawing were recorded before students completed a 1-week acclimation period using 10° or 25° inclined desks. Following this trial, on-task behaviors were reassessed at the inclined desks during regular classes, with data collected weekly over 14 weeks.
Results:
Desk condition significantly influenced on-task behavior across all outcomes (all
Conclusion:
Children exhibited better on-task behavior at inclined desks than flat surfaces with the 10° incline best supporting attention and organization and 25° incline supporting tool use comfort.