Showing 324 results for Type of Study: Research
Siavash Etemadinezhad, Elahe Amouzadeh, Jamshid Yazdani Charati,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Today, many hardware and software products, including office automation software, and web-based websites are used by employees, including professors and employees of different departments in offices. Websites are considered one of the main competitive advantages in any organization. This study aims to investigate the usability of the Integrated Research Automation System (SYAT): A Heuristic Evaluation.
Methods: The present study was a descriptive- cross- sectional study with a heuristic evaluation performed on the integrated research system software (SYAT) by 3 evaluators. They then evaluated the intensity of each of the ten options and scored from 0 to 4. After each problem was classified as one of the 10 branches of Nielsen's evaluation by the evaluators, similar problems were eliminated and the average scores and the severity of the deterioration of the problems were calculated.
Results: A total of 92 usability problems were identified in evaluating the usability of the web-based software (system) using the components provided by Nielsen. The majority of the issues were related to the detection instead of reminder with 16 problems (17.32%). The lowest number of problems was related to both compatibilities between the system and the real world, and the clarity of the system status with 6 cases (6.52%).
Conclusion: The usability assessment method is inexpensive and simple and the problems caused by websites and applications can be evaluated as feedback to improve them. The more accurate the needs of SYAT system users are, the more effective the system will be and the more satisfied the users will be.
Hosein Hejazifar, Rahman Sheikhhoseini, Hashem Piri, Parisa Sayyadi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Work-induced musculoskeletal pain disorders are among the most common problems among workers. This study aimed to compare fatigue and trunk and neck postures during work in tailors with and without nonspecific chronic neck pain.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 sewing machine operators participated voluntarily and were divided in two groups of people with (15 persons) and without (15 persons) chronic nonspecific neck pain. The craniovertebral, cranial, and shoulder angles were calculated three intervals (at the start of work, after 2 hours of continuous work, after 4 hours of continuous work) using the photogrammetric method. Borg scale was used to examine work-induced fatigue. A one-way repeated measure analysis of variance at the significance level of 0.05 was used for data analysis.
Results: There were significant differences in craniovertebral, cranial, and shoulder angle changes (P < 0.001) between the two groups while working. Postural trunk and neck changes were more evident in the nonspecific chronic neck pain group. However, there were no significant differences in terms of fatigue levels between the two groups (P = 0.639).
Conclusion: The upper trunk related posture among workers with nonspecific chronic neck pain may be more negatively affected during work. So it is suggested that maintaining proper posture should be more emphasized among these workers.
Davood Afshari, Maryam Nourollahi-Darabad, Noorollah Karimi, Maryam Seyed Tabib,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Nurses are at the front line of treatment and coping with COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study investigates the pandemic’s impact on nurses ’mental workload and determines its predictive factors.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was done on 234 nurses in two groups working at COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards in 2020. The criteria for entering the study were the absence of psychological problems. Data was gathered using the General Health Questionnaire, NASA-TLX, and Demographic Questionnaire.
Results: The mean of the overall mental workload score in the group of nurses working at the Covid-19 wards (70.09 ± 2.51) was higher than the group of nurses working in the non-COVID-19 wards (66.55 ± 2.02). This difference was significant (P = 0.01). There was a significant difference between the mean score of the mental demand, the physical demand, the temporal demand, and the frustration level of the two groups. With the exception of performance, the group of nurses working in the corona ward had a higher mean score in all aspects. In the proposed linear model, 16% of the overall changes in mental workload depended on two variables, which were age and work experience. The work experience was the most influential factor in predicting nurses' mental workload.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed the importance of paying attention to the mental workload of nurses as well as personal and occupational factors affecting mental workload in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, control and management of effective factors can help reduce mental workload, especially during pandemic conditions.
Gholamabbas Shirali, Abbas Mohammadi, Atefe Elyasigomari,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Psychological parameters are among the most important components in determining the job performance of employees in the workplace and can be strongly affected by the epidemic of infectious diseases like COVID-19. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on mental workload and Occupational burnout of medical staff in Iran.
Methods: This case-control study was performed among the healthcare staff of two hospitals in Tehran province in 2021. All employees working in two hospitals were included by census method. The total number of people studied was 412 personnel. NASA-TLX and Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaires were used to assess mental workload and burnout, respectively. Data were analyzed using Independent t-test and Chi-square.
Results: The present study results revealed that the mean age, work experience, daily working hours, and body mass index of the studied employees were 36.70 ± 11.48 years, 12.53 ± 7.13 years, 9.64 ± 3.13 hours, and 23.89 ± 4.73 kg/m2, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups of cases and controls in the values of mental workload (P = 0.011) and burnout (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: The present study's findings revealed that the prevalence of COVID-19 could increase the values of mental workload parameters and burnout of health care personnel in medical settings. Therefore, control measures and psychological interventions to improve healthcare personnel's mental and physical health during the COVID-19 epidemic are mandatory.
Zahrasadat Javadi Hoseini, Hamidreza Mokhtarinia, Mohsen Vahedi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are multifactorial conditions that result in time loss, disability, and increased economical costs. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of the physical, environmental and psychosocial factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders in workers in the production and assembly of auto parts in Qom city in 2021.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 211 participants through an inconvenience sampling method entered the study. The demographic characteristics of participants and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders were assessed by a self-report questionnaire and the Extended Nordic questionnaire, respectively. The mental workload was evaluated by the NASA-TLX index and the physical, environmental and psychosocial risk factors were evaluated by the Structured Multidisciplinary Work Evaluation Tool (SMET). The binary logistic regression method was used to show the role of the different risk factors in the development of MSDs.
Results: Participants had an average age of 33.9 years (SD = 6.9). The lifetime prevalence of MSDs was obtained at about 77.72% in at least one area of the body. The neck, back, and shoulder areas were the most common regions. Gender, smoking history, surgery history, age, past surgery history, and sports history were most effective in the development of MSDs. In addition, subscales of mental workload play a role in causing pain in the shoulders, upper back, back and knees. SMET subscales play an effective role in the neck (OR = 1.396), upper back (OR = 1.663), hip, and knee, wrist/hand, and ankle/foot pain.
Conclusion: According to the role of various factors in developing disorders, the physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors should be considered simultaneously in planning preventive programs and ergonomics interventions.
Zahra Akbari-Chehrehbargh, Sedigheh Sadat Tavafian,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Female music students report a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain compared with male music students. Incorrect posture while playing a musical instrument, is a key factor causing musculoskeletal pain in this group. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of play-related musculoskeletal pain and related factors among female music students in Tehran.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 243 female music students from October 2021 to November 2021. Data was collected using a self-report questionnaire, Numeric pain rating scale and Nordic Body Map respectively. Participants’ posture was assessed using theRapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) checklist. Correlation and chi-square tests were applied to obtain the relationship between the presence of musculoskeletal pain and posture. A significance level of 0.05 was considered.
Results: Of the 243 surveyed female music students, 65% (n = 80) reported at least one symptomatic area in the last week. The neck (33.7%), shoulders (24.7%), lower back (23.9%) and wrists/hands (22.6%) were most often affected. Participants who were older or had incorrect posture, have reported musculoskeletal pain significantly (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001 respectively). In addition, there was significant relationship between types of instruments with pain (P = 0.018). There was no significant relationship between the history and duration playing and educational status with pain.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that musculoskeletal pain was a major health problem among female music students. Educating about correct posture in music conservatories could be important in prevention and treatment of such disorders in this group.
Omid Kalatpour, Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Iraj Mohammadfam, Maryam Farhadian, Mohammad Reza Tavakkol,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Risk-taking is a personality trait which plays a part in the occurrence of work-related accidents. For this reason, people who are highly risk-taking whose decision might cause accident should not be employed in critical situations. The purpose of this survey was to design and verify the validity of the risk tolerance questionnaire, suitable for control room operators, through examining the event related potential (ERP).
Methods: At first, the questions were selected from reliable scientific resources based on the conceptual model. The questions of the initial questionnaire were selected based on face validity, and then the questionnaire was filled out by 178 control room operators. At the next step, the best questions of the questionnaire were extracted using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In terms of reliability, 42 individuals of the study group refilled in the questionnaire again after three months as a test-retest. The ERPs were assessed using electroencephalography along with Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). The correlation coefficient calculated between the ERPs, and risky behaviors, and questionnaire scores.
Results: One factor and 13 questions were identified as the best questions regarding EFA. Cronbach's alpha was 0.91. The Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated between the questionnaire score and risk-taking behavior as well as between the questionnaire score and P300, which was 0.38 (P = 0.01, η2 = 0.70) and 0.63 (P = 0.01, η2 = 0.99), respectively.
Conclusion: The Operator control Room Risk-Taking (ORTQ) questionnaire consists of 13 questions which can be used as an appropriate tool to assess the risk-taking trait in control room operators and also for research purposes. This questionnaire has got three personality dimensions including risk-taking nature, impulsivity and venturesomeness.
Morteza Mahdavi, Arezo Sammak Amani, Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Hadi Asghari,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Providing safety for human resources in the industry is very important. Safety shoes are one of the most common PPEs that protect the foot against potential hazards. This study aimed to evaluate the discomfort and usability of safety shoes in different industries of Mazandaran province to find gaps in the quality of design and improve the design of safety shoes.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and was conducted in 2021.This study included employees of 11 different industrial companies that used seven safety shoe brands. They answered two researcher-made questionnaires, LPD (discomfort and general satisfaction) and SFUQ (usability). Data analysis was performed with Spearman rank correlation coefficient while Pearson correlation coefficient, and ANOVA test were also performed.
Results: In total, 226 men with a mean age of 36.33 ± 7.4 years were included in this study. The participants reported the lowest usability for the brand G (3.3 and 3.99), and the least discomfort and the most usability index with the brand A (1.2 and 5.35). Overall, the highest satisfaction was reported for brand A and the lowest satisfaction to brand G.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the main problem in comfort and usability is probably related to shoe molds because the manufacturers of safety shoes import molds from abroad that do not fit the anthropometric characteristics of Iranian users’ feet.
Iraj Alimohammadi, Shahram Vosoughi, Jamileh Abolghasemi, Athena Rafieepour, Seyed Hosein Tabatabaei, Batool Delshadi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Inappropriate sitting posture on bench can contribute to pain and musculoskeletal disorders in students. Hearing and vision disabilities may be the cause of inappropriate sitting postures among students. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in normal and students with hearing abnormalities in Ilam city.
Methods: Twenty students with hearing abnormalities (case) and 40 students with normal hearing (control) from primary schools in Ilam city of both genders were randomly included in the study. The worst recorded sitting posture of students on the bench was evaluated by the RULA method. Digimizer software was used to survey the body angles of the students while sitting on the bench. The used for analyzing the obtained data in 95% confidence interval.
Results: The results of posture evaluation showed that there was a significant difference in rula scores between case and control groups (P = 0.001). Deviation from the natural angles of the body in the case groups was more than the control group (P < 0.001), which has a direct and significant relationship with the increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders possibility incidence were more common in students with hearing abnormalities compared to typical students which was due to an increase in deviation from the natural angles of the body and inappropriate postures. Given the limitation of the sample size, the present study recommends further research with the same goal and encourages interventional studies to correct the posture of hard of hearing students.
Solmaz Tabe Afshar, Sahar Toofan, Arash Saghafi Asl,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Undoubtfuly, people spend a significant portion of their time in workplaces. Many factors affect the health and well-being of employees. The present study aimed to identify the architectural problems of the environment by examining the symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome and ranking the parameters influenced by five physical factors (thermal comfort, noise, lighting, layout-ergonomics and decoration).
Methods: The present descriptive-analytical research was carried out in the summer of 2021. The statistical population included 52 employees of Urmia Engineering Organization Building which is based on Morgan's table and a sample size consisting 46 people was randomly selected. The required data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and Friedman test.
Results: Considering the average ranks, symptoms of fatigue (4.47), muscle pain (5.47), headache (5.87), high stress (6.14) and poor concentration (7.45), along with some defined parameters for each of the factors, including overcrowding and lack of speech privacy (78.12%), the noise of people's conversation (62.93%), improper workplace temperature in winter (58.59%) and summer (49.91%), inappropriate placement of uses and allocation of inadequate space for people and equipment (49.91%) played the most significant role.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the inefficient design of the environment and non-observance of ergonomic principles as a result of unprincipled renovations regardless of the nature of the work and its requirements, inappropriate placement of uses, the non-standard distribution of employees in an inflexible environment, lack of speech privacy and crowding were identified as the most important causes of the symptoms.
Ramin Rafeie, Mohammad Eftekhari Yazdi, Koorosh Nakhaee, Siamak Khorramymehr,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Investigating the effective factors in controlling and increasing stability due to weakening of the balance parts of the body in the elderly with osteoporosis, in order to prevent falling is of particular importance, so in this study, the effect of anti-slip flooring in the stimulation of the somatosensory part of the sole of the foot to improve postural stability and gait balance has been evaluated in the elderly with osteoporosis.
Methods: 22 elderlies participated (11 elderly women with severe osteoporosis,11 healthy elderly women) in this study in two static and dynamic condition on three different surfaces including sponge non-slippery flooring (FL), PVC patterned non-slippery flooring (SF) and control surface (CO). In the static part, each participant was standing on the force plate for 30 seconds with eyes open and eyes closed. The values of the length, sway and average velocity of the anterior-posterior and internal-external center of pressure of the foot were measured. In the dynamic part, each participant walked at a selected speed on different surfaces and the values of the normalized step and stride length, step width, step and stride time, and average step and stride velocity were measured.
Results: PVC non-slippery flooring (SF) and control surface (CO) reduced all postural stability and gait variables (P < 0.05) in osteoporosis and healthy elderly than soft Sponge Surface (SF). Moreover, all postural stability variable and spatial and temporal gait parameters were significantly more in the osteoporosis elderly than in healthy elderlies (P < 0.05). Moreover, anterior-posterior mean velocity in open-eyed state significantly reduced in both elderly groups than close-eyed state (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Stiff and patterned surfaces are more effective than soft spongy surfaces in stimulating the somatosensory part of the foot sole to improve stability in both osteoporotic and healthy elderly groups. The results of this study may be helpful to understand the characteristics of the elderly while walking and standing on non-slippery flooring in different environments and the ergonomic design of the environment in order to reduce slips and falls and as a result possible fracture in the elderly with severe osteoporosis. In addition, observation of instability between the elderly with osteoporosis and healthy suggests the need for further investigation and the use of auxiliary exercises to correct and improve stability.
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Alireza Mortezapour, Khadijeh Najafighobadi, Hamid Saeednia, Saeedeh Mosaferchi,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: The importance of surgery and its high workload are not hidden from anyone. So far, various studies have been conducted with the NASA-TLX instrument and other commonly used instruments to measure surgeons’ workload. The present study seeks to investigate the relationship between the mental workload of surgeons and their productivity through the validation of specialized tools for this job in Iranian culture.
Methods: After checking the validity and reliability of "SURG-TLX" and productivity tools, they were utilized among 60 surgeons to investigate the relationship between their workload and productivity (WHO-HPQ tool). Content validity indices, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to analyse the results.
Results: Both tools had good validity and reliability in Iranian culture. The results of the relationship between mental workload subscales with different dimensions of productivity showed that some dimensions of mental workload including mental needs (correlation coefficient -0.65 and significance level 0.02), physical needs (correlation coefficient -0.54 and significance level 0.04) and time requirements (correlation coefficient -0.44 and significance level 0.02) had a reverse and significant relationship with the overall productivity score. Despite the reverse relationship between the other dimensions of mental workload and the overall productivity score in surgeons, this relationship was not statistically significant. The results indicated a reverse and significant relationship between some of the mental workload and some of the productivity subscales.
Conclusion: In addition to the possibility of using these tools in the future studies in Iran, due to the direct relationship between workload and productivity in surgeons, measures can be taken to maintain the workload at a standard level and prevent the reduction of their productivity.
Maryam Rafiee, Farhad Tabatabai Ghomsheh, Reza Osquei Zadeh, Mohsen Vahedi, Hadi Mahmoodi Sharafe,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Health workers are the frontline of the fight against Coronavirus. During the Pandemic, these jobs, which had a lot of referrals, were under high work pressure, that can increase the chances of suffering from musculoskeletal disorders and affect their working ability. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between work ability and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the staff of Saveh's comprehensive urban and rural health service centers during the Corona Pandemic in 2022.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 197 employees of comprehensive urban and rural health service centers in Saveh city were randomly selected. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and working ability were evaluated by the developed Nordic questionnaire and WAI (Work Ability Index), respectively. Data analysis was done using Pearson correlation coefficient tests and Two-way logistic regression.
Results: The average working ability of employees was equal to 34.86 ± 7.61. The most common areas involved in musculoskeletal disorders were the back (63%), neck (30%) and knees (17.8%) with the frequency of 125, 63 and 39 people, respectively. The index of working ability on musculoskeletal disorders in hip and thigh, hand and wrist, neck and back areas was significant (P ≤ 0.05). Also, the working ability was lower in cases with a history of corona virus infection (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: Considering the effect of working ability on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, it is suggested that during the COVID-19 epidemic, identification of factors affecting the reduction of work ability and the implementation of ergonomic interventions should be prioritized.
Narges Adabi, Hassan Sabourimoghaddam, Abbas Bakhsheepour Roodsari,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Human factors are critical in the design and development of various products, but wideness and unclarity of different aspects of these factors make it difficult to extract demands of users. Studying emotional aspects of users' behavior in interaction with products, as well as interviewing them, is considered as an efficient tool in extracting design demands. This study aims to integrate the application of task analysis and the measuring of emotional aspects to determine the users’ emotional states in the different stages; and therefore extract the user satisfaction criteria.
Methods: This research has a descriptive/ exploratory approach. In this practical study, the use of two everyday tools for chopping onions is analyzed. 20 users of these tools were non-randomly selected to participate in the test and interview. Users performed the task with each tool, and the process was recorded by a camera. After performing the task, subjects completed self-assessment questionnaire and then, an interview was conducted about their experience of the tools usage. Parametric t test was used to evaluate results of the questionnaire and compare averages.
Results: Findings of the emotional questionnaire showed that the emotional states of people in different stages of task are significantly different from each other. The determined emotional states, showed the weaknesses and the advantages of the tools studied. By analyzing videos, interviews and surveys, users' demands were extracted. The extracted features were categorized based on the work steps.
Conclusion: Using this method can reveal precise details of users’ needs concerning product category, which can be used as a suitable tool for designers and researchers in the field of user experience.
Tayebe Sadat Mirmoeini, Reza Taghvaei, Kambiz Hamidi, Ali Asghari Sarem, Tohfeh Ghobadi Lamuki,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: The medical staff and health system employees are exposed to job burnout due to their continuous work in round-the-clock, sensitive and unusual jobs, and this condition causes an increase in the rate of employees leaving the service. Therefore, in recent years, the issue of resilience of human resources to deal with job burnout and the continuity of employees' activity in difficult and critical conditions has been taken into consideration. In this regard, the current research has been conducted with the aim of presenting a model of resilient human resource management in the country's health system.
Methods: The present research was conducted using the qualitative research method based on thematic analysis strategy. In this regard, 14 semi-structured interviews with the statistical population of the research, including professors, managers, human resources experts of the medical sciences universities in the 3rd region of the country's health system, using the chain sampling method (snowball) and based on The rule of theoretical saturation was performed. In the following, using the open, central and selective coding method in the analysis of the theme, the initial pattern of the research was obtained.
Results: The results of qualitative data analysis have led to the identification of 116 basic themes, 39 organizing themes and 13 inclusive themes in the form of a model with 4 dimensions of environmental factors, organizational factors, human resource management functions and its consequences. In the following, the validity and reliability of the research has been confirmed using the content validity ratio method and the Holsti method, respectively.
Conclusion: The effective implementation of the identified factors and their prioritization in order to optimize and resiliency of human resources management can be effective in improving work performance, increasing motivation and ultimately improving organizational resilience.
Mahsa Niknezhad, Ali Faraji,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Healthy air is free of any pollutants, including odors, harmful gasses, dust and viruses, especially corona. This healthy air is provided by a purifier device. One of the problems of metropolises is the lack of healthy air, which is one of the most important human needs. The aim of this study was to design a new home air purifier with interactive and ergonomic features.
Methods: The purpose and nature of this research are applied and qualitative-descriptive, respectively. A survey method is used to collect data. The most important tool in the field study is verbal-visual (researcher-made questionnaire) and has benefited from the analysis of relevant experts, Delphi group. Its design method was the so-called Design up (Tarrahi Nameh in Persian) where it is based on the interaction design and user-centered approach and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to evaluate the different stages of the project.
Results: The achievement of this research is a new home air purifier with interactive and ergonomic features with Nik mark. On the one hand, it is easy to use and accelerates the purification operation with a larger area than the existing devices through different filters, and on the other hand, it is easy to assemble, economical and optimally designed. It has automatic and manual adjustment of fan speed and remote control, it has the ability to be used standing and wall-mounted, and it is environmentally friendly.
Conclusion: Eventually this design offered effectiveness, efficiency, safety/comfortability, utility, learnability and memorability as elements of usability. It also demonstrates features such as visibility, feedback, constraints, adaptability and affordance as the goals of interaction design. Finally, this design conducted a satisfactory user experience.
Zeinab Akhavan, Amirsaman Kheirkhah,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Hospitals are one of the most important organizations in the country, and nurses are one of their main pillars with high workloads and stress, nurses are exposed to many injuries. Ergonomic load on nurses can be reduced by an optimal job rotation and shift scheduling plan. Although these two approaches have been proposed separately, in past research articles, they have not been considered at the same time.
Methods: In this article, a two-objective mathematical model is presented for simultaneous optimization of job rotation and shift scheduling of nurses. The first objective is to minimize the maximum ergonomic load and the second objective is to minimize the total mental-psychological load on nurses. The comprehensive criterion approach has been used to integrate the objectives and reach a single objective model. The proposed model has been used in a case study and the parameters of the model have been quantified using the Movement and Assistance of Hospital Patients (MAPO) index and the Nordic questionnaire as well as the Depression- Anxiety- Stress Scale )DASS( method.
Results: The program obtained from the mathematical model was compared with the program available in the studied hospital, which was done manually. The results showed a decrease in the ergonomic load of nurses in the new program compared to the existing situation.
Conclusion: Compared to the conventional method, the proposed integrated method can lead to a greater reduction of occupational injuries.
Ali Akbar Sufizadeh, Mehrdad Anbarian,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among smartphone users. The purpose of the present study was to compare the immediate effects of rest and McKenzie exercise on pain level and disability index among individuals who complained of pain and discomfort in the neck after using a smartphone.
Methods: Ten males and 14 females with an average age of 25.71 years, who complained of pain and discomfort in the neck after using a smartphone, participated in this clinical trial study. During two consecutive days, they received conservative interventions including rest and Mackenzie exercise. The duration of each intervention was one session. The level of pain and disability was measured with the visual analog scale (VAS) and the neck disability index questionnaire before starting the treatment (immediately after using the smartphone), and after performing rest interventions and McKenzie exercises. The data were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measures (P < 0.05).
Results: Subjects reported lower levels of pain and disability following both intervention methods (rest and McKenzie exercise) compared to before the start of the treatment period. The Cohen's d effect size index showed the high effectiveness of Mckenzie's exercise compared to the resting condition on the level of pain and disability.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that McKenzie's exercise can more effectively decrease the amount of pain and disability in the neck and shoulder areas following the use of a smartphone compared to rest.
Hamed Ahmadi, Mojtaba Noorllahi, Mohmmad Reza Soleimani, Ehsan Bitaraf,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Human-made environments can have negative and positive effects on the planet. One of the two-faceted artifacts is the construction of buildings for people's lives, buildings that are being built irregularly and quickly and lead to excessive consumption of fossil resources and energy waste. Become Therefore, one of the most important things in the design of a building is providing its thermal comfort; Comfort that has a direct effect on the cognitive function of humans. In this research, in addition to the topic of thermal comfort, we also discuss fatigue in the classroom, which is one of the factors influencing the cognitive performance of the students.
Methods: In this research, the cognitive performance of people were examined and compared in the range of thermal comfort and the suggested range of the Ashri standard. To investigate their performance in different temperature ranges, 220 architecture students of Ilam universities were selected by systematic random sampling method. The state of thermal comfort, cognitive functions, and fatigue of people was evaluated after measuring environmental factors through questionnaires and standard cognitive function software.
Results: In addition to thermal comfort, which has a direct relationship with the cognitive performance of students, the passage of time is not an exception to this rule, in other words, the cognitive performance of students is derived from thermal comfort and the passage of time, which has a direct effect on academic, mental productivity. and also their practical efficiency. After examining the data in this regard, we reached meaningful results that indicate the highest efficiency of the students in the conditions of proper thermal comfort and the first 60 minutes of the start of their performance.
Conclusion: The results of this research show that even if the thermal comfort of the students' classrooms is provided according to the ASHERI standard, the students' cognitive performance will decrease after 60 minutes from the start of the class.
Zohreh Karami, Zahra Naserzadeh, Neda Mahdavi,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) induced by work are common in laboratory jobs. One of the most important reasons for disorders is the lack of personal fit with a workstation. This study aims to evaluate the body posture of experts in scientific-research labs and explore their anthropometric fitness with workstations on the campus of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences in 2022.
Methods: To investigate the MSD prevalence associated with the work, it was used the Nordic questionnaire and, for evaluating the posture, the Novel Ergonomic Postural Assessment (NERPA) technique. Then, to check the compatibility of laboratory personnel with the workstations, some interventions were proposed to improve them.
Results: According to the findings, the highest amount of prevalence of pain over the past year was in the neck area, 68.7%, and waist area, 59.37%, respectively. To assess the body posture using the NERPA technique, the middle level of corrective actions as well as more research was required. Also, the highest score of the risk, i.e. 40.62%, was allowed to the neck. In most activities, there was not any match between the dimensions of the personal body and the workstation.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the prevalence of MSD symptoms is high among the experts in research laboratories, and the risk levels of ergonomic assessment are in the middle. It seems that the lack of anthropometric matches with the workstation generally has led to adverse work posture and thus, the prevalence of MSD disorders. So, providing anthropometric matches between people who work in research laboratories and their workstations is essential to reducing these disorders.
