As childhood obesity continues to weigh on the minds of health professionals and educators, an American design firm thinks a new type of school desk could be the answer.
Kidfit, based in South Carolina, already manufactures activity equipment for young people, including indoor playgrounds and climbing frames. Now they’re turning their sights to classroom furniture with a range of kinaesthetic desks.
Kidfit desks are designed for multiple students to maximise socialising and exercise (Image: Kidfit)
Pedal desks have already appeared in some US primary schools, and promise to deliver aerobic equipment for younger and less mature exercisers. The designers also claim the pedalling mechanism is designed to limit the amount of noise, and promote more alert learning conditions.
Designed for school children up to the age of 18, the desks come in single or partnered versions, with as many as five kids capable of pedalling at a single base desk.
Kidfit has also created the pogo desk, offering pupils a three-inch bouncing motion while they work on their times tables. The manufacturers say this desk works core muscles and creates better posture.
(Image: Kidfit)
The pogo model will also “help regulate the squirming and fidgeting associated with static desks”, but sturdy enough to allow students to complete all the work they need to do to finish their learning work.
The desks’ designers say the increased physical movement throughout the school day will increase brain power; the continual exercise increases the number of connections between motor neurons, helping focus and memory retention, they claim.
Childhood obesity is considered a major issue in Ireland. Earlier this week, the new Education Minister was criticised by experts for not banning fizzy-drink vending machines in secondary schools.
Last month, Newstalk reported that school uniform providers are now issuing clothing with a size 50-inch waistband for primary school children.
Pedal and pogo desks are new developments in the battle against childhood obesity, but wether Irish classrooms are ready for them remains to be seen.
