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Investigation of Posture Assessment Methods in Dentists and Dental Students: A Systematic Review
Seyeydeh Hasti Sadati, Mehdi Asghari, Maedeh Moradi Farahani,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Awkward posture is a primary cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the dental profession due to the nature of dental activities. This study aimed to examine both observational and device-assisted posture assessment methods used to study dental professionals as well as the reported prevalence of MSDs among them.
Methods: A search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases for studies performed from 2000 to 2021 using specified keywords. In total, 31 out of the 541 articles found in the initial search were finally included in this study after the exclusion of ineligible articles, duplicates, conference presentations, systematic reviews, and letters to the editor.
Results: Based on the findings, the neck (58%), back and waist (54.9%), and shoulder and hand (29%) areas had the highest reported pain and disorder. Several posture evaluation methods, namely Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (19.4%), Rapid Entire Body Assessment  (19.4%), Electromyography (EMG, 13.8%), and Quick Exposure Check (QEC, 8.3%), were the most frequently used methods among all 17 methods employed in the studies.
Conclusion: Among the observational methods, the QEC method was the most practical one as it considered the experiences of dentists and various dimensions of dental tasks. Moreover, the EMG method was the most suitable device-assisted method for the assessment of posture in dentists. The use of questionnaires in conjunction with evaluation methods appears to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of posture assessment.

Examining the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Problems Related to Mobile Phone Usage and Providing Corrective Solutions to Dental Students of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz
Behzad Fouladi Dehaghi, Abbas Mohammadi, Marzieh Sadeghian, Maryam Tayebi, Azarnoosh Aryankia, Saeed Ghanbari,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems related to mobile phone usage and provide corrective solutions for dental students of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz.
Methods: The current study was conducted based on an analytical cross-sectional design. In order to collect relevant data, such as the presence of pain in the upper limbs, back, and neck, questionnaires and instrumental methods were used. Students were examined in two groups: the first group included 150 dental students up to the 4th semester, and the second group encompassed 150 dental students from the 5th semester onwards (3rd, 8th, 5th, and 6th year). Data collection instruments were demographic characteristic form, nomophobia questionnaire (NMP-Q), neck disability index (NDI), and Cornell hand discomfort questionnaire (CHDQ).
Results: According to the results of the present study, the prevalence of nomophobia among dental students of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz was at an average level. The mean  NDI score was 16.20, and the mean pain score among the students was 1.72. Moreover, 46.5% of students had pain in the hand area, and the highest amount of pain was reported in the F area. The mean score of Cornell's musculoskeletal disorders was reported as 2.72.
Conclusion: Examining the relationship between the pain area and the year of entry to the university demonstrated a significant relationship between the year of entry to the university and the pain area. In this regard, the incoming students 2021-22 had the greatest amount of pain. According to the results of the corrective intervention on skeletal disorders in the wrist and neck region, the mean scores of the variables increased significantly after the intervention and corrective measures.

Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Complaints among Medical Students: An Outcome Related to the Expansion of Virtual Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Mounes Khani, Aram Tirgar, Samaneh Pourhadi, Zahra Geraili,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (7-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Considering that working with virtual education equipment increased significantly during the COVID-19 era, the purpose of this research was to investigate the association of complaints of musculoskeletal disorders with the use of electronic equipment during virtual education.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a group of students in the first four years at Babol University of Medical Sciences, whose courses were mostly presented virtually. Data collection tools included a demographic information form and the standard Nordic questionnaire. Data were analyzed in SPSS22 software using descriptive and inferential statistical indicators, including the Chi-square statistical test. The significance level was considered at 0.05.
Results: The data obtained from 318 medical sciences students showed that 83.6% of them complained of pain in the musculoskeletal system during the past year. More than 21% of the participants had to take medicine, 19.9% needed to visit a doctor, and 4.1% had to use physiotherapy services. The results also showed there was a direct and statistically significant correlation between the frequency of complaints regarding musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in the past week and year and the level of use of virtual teaching devices (P≤0.001).
Conclusion: The expansion of virtual education in universities and the prolonged and continuous use of electronic educational equipment can be effective in increasing the frequency of complaints of musculoskeletal disorders among medical sciences students. Moreover, the lack of regular physical activity, smoking, high levels of stress, insomnia, and fatigue among medical students were also known as other effective factors.

Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Mental Workload, General Health, and Occupational Stress Among Office Employees
Shiva Mohammadjani Kumeleh, Mohammad Amin Rashidi, Azim Akbari,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Administrative employees are often at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged computer use. Additionally, frequent interactions with clients expose them to a high mental workload and job stress. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, mental workload, general health, and job stress among administrative employees to improve their working conditions.
Methods: The present work followed a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical method and was conducted on the administrative employees of an engineering company in 2021. Finally, 119 individuals participated in the study using the census method. Demographic information questionnaires, as well as Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA), Cornell, NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Health and Safety Executive (HSE)-UK job stress checklists were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: According to the posture assessment with the ROSA method, the average final ROSA score was 4.33±1.03. Examination of mental load with the NASA-TLX indicated that 78% had a high mental load. In addition, according to the GHQ questionnaire, the average final general health score was 24.4±11.73. Moreover, based on the HSE-UK occupational stress questionnaire, more than 80% (103 people) of employees were under severe stress, and 12% (15 people) were under critical stress. A significant relationship was observed between occupational stress, body mass index (BMI), and age (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The implementation of intervention and control measures to improve musculoskeletal disorders, workload, general health, and job stress seems to be essential.

The Impact of Eccentric Contraction Caused by Lowering the Load from Different Heights on Postural Control Strategies in Low Back Pain Patients and Healthy People
Majid Shahbazi, Javad Sarrafzadeh, Saeed Akhlaghi, Hossein Negahban,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Balance control is a crucial issue in patients with low back pain. Despite existing studies, the mechanism of balance control in patients with low back pain, especially under different loading conditions at various heights, remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of height on balance during loading.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 54 low back pain patients and 20 healthy male individuals participated. Balance control was assessed using a force plate system. The participants were randomly instructed to lower the load from above the head to waist level and from waist level to the ground. The load was approximately 10% of the participants' body weight. The P value was established 5% level of significance.
Results: The results showed that during lifting from above the head to waist level and from waist level to the ground, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in variables such as medial-lateral and anterior-posterior velocity, total mean velocity, and center of pressure displacement in the anterior-posterior direction between the two groups. Intra-group comparisons of variables in healthy individuals and low back pain patients indicated significant differences (P<0.05) in all variables except anterior-posterior velocity in healthy individuals. Both groups exhibited increased postural sway while lowering at a lower height.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that both healthy individuals and low back pain patients display less balance when loading at a lower height with a flexed lumbar spine, indicating that considering these findings could contribute to rehabilitation, determining occupational conditions, and preventing workplace-related accidents.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Urban Train Operators in Mashhad: A Study Based on the REBA Method
Fatemeh Faraghati, Mohammad Javad Asadollahzadeh, Maryam Hasani,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common occupational health problems, particularly prevalent in driving-related professions. This study aimed to assess body posture and the risk of developing MSDs among urban train operators in Mashhad using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 140 train operators from the Mashhad Urban Railway were randomly selected. Demographic information and the prevalence of MSDs were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and postural assessment was performed using the REBA method. Statistical analysis was conducted using parametric (independent samples t-test) and non-parametric (chi-square) tests.
Results: A total of 87.1% of participants reported musculoskeletal complaints in at least one body region. The most commonly affected areas were the neck (60%), lower back (57.1%), and upper back (33.6%). REBA results indicated that 71.4% of operators were in the medium-risk category. There was a significant association between musculoskeletal disorders and body mass index (BMI), as well as years of work experience (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of MSDs and the medium level of postural risk among train operators, ergonomic interventions and training on proper working posture are strongly recommended to improve occupational health in this group.
 

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