Showing 29 results for Rashid
Rashid Heydari Moghadam, Majid Motamedzade, Mohammad Babamiri, Qhodratolah Roshanayi, Shiva Rastegari Yekta, Eghbal Zandkarimi,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics 2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Varicose veins in the lower limbs commonly occur in the general population and can negatively affect their quality of life. One of the high-risk jobs is the field hairdressers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ergonomic interventions on quality of life of female hairdressers suffering from diseases in the lower extremities varicose veins.
Methods: The study population was all female hairdressers of Hamadan Mahdieh clinic who were referred for medical examinations. Using simple random sampling method, 70 patients suffering from varicose disease were chosen and were classified to case and control groups. The intervention included an exercise protocol for the cases with varicose disease. The present study was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test and participants responded to Aberdeen varicose veins, chronic pain and muscle fatigue questionnaires, which were considered as indicators of quality of working life. Data was analyzed by paired sample t-test using of SPSS 16.
Results: The results showed that ergonomic interventions were effective on the rate of varicose score, pain and swelling score as well as the score of muscle fatigue of left and right lower limbs in the case group. The average scores of varicose veins, pain and swelling, and left and right lower extremity muscle fatigue in the case group decreased respectively 2.66, 2.4, 0.75 and 1.2.
Conclusions: With regard to the impact of exercise protocol on quality of working life in hairdresserd, the use of this protocol is recommended in patients with varicose veins disease.
Majid Motamedzade, Asghar Payoon, Rashid Heydari Moghaddam3, Javad Fradmal, Mohammad Babamiri, Payam Heydari,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (Journal of Ergonomics 2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Muscle-skeletal disorders are one of the most common job-related disorders in industrial workplaces due to different reasons. The current study performed an ergonomic assessment using the key indicator index (KIM) in order to reduce injuries in the bottle-making salon of one of the detergent-producing industries of Qazvin province.
Methods: This study was an interventional study and consisted of 25 workers and was done in a bottle-making salon of one of the detergent-producing industries, during year 2016. For data collection, the Cornell questionnaire and key indicator index assessment method were used before and after the ergonomic interventions. Data was analyzed by descriptive analytical tests using the SPSS 16 software.
Results: According to the results, in the bottle production task (risk score: 4), the risk score decreased significantly by redesign (risk score: 2). Also, regarding the bottle's material, supply task that workers used to do it by manual material handling (risk score: 3), by redesign, risk score decreased significantly (risk score: 1).
Conclusions: In this study, musculoskeletal disorders decreased meaningfully by workstation ergonomic redesign after 5 months from the intervention.
Mehrdad Anbarian, Fatemeh Rajabian, Mohammad Hossein Ghasemi, Rashid Heidari Moghaddam,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics-Fall 2017)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the heel wedges on the electromyography activities of the selected left and right lower back muscles during load lifting.
Methods: A total of 17 male subjects voluntarily participated in this quasi-experimental study. The selected subjects lifted a box, weighing 10% of their body weight, above the height of their hip joint, descending as far as the thigh, parallel to the ground, and then ascending to the starting position. The above task was performed nine times in two conditions, including with and without the heel wedges. Using the ME6000 electromyography system, the activity level variables were normalized and the median frequencies of the erector spinae (ES) and the multifidus (MU) muscles were recorded. The subjects also held the box for 30 s in the standing position with stretched hands. The paired t-test was used for the data analysis.
Results: The results showed that during static load lifting using the heel wedge, the median frequency of the right ES muscle changed significantly (P<0.05). Also during dynamic load lifting using the heel wedge, the activities of the left and the right ES muscles as well as the left MU muscle decreased significantly (P<0.05). However, no significant differences between the two conditions were observed for the other variables (P>0.05).
Conclusion: During such occupational tasks, a decrease in the activities of the selected lower back muscles with the heel wedge might result in a delay in the onset of muscle fatigue. The above findings might be used in the design of shoes, suitable for the work environments. However, further investigations are needed in this area in order to provide more accurate results.
Dr Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Dr Mohammad Babamiri, Dr Majid Motamedzade, Nasrin Nouri,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics-Fall 2017)
Abstract
Background: The design of tools may play an important role in development of the problems related to hands and arms. The health and satisfaction of those who use these tools can be affected by the improvement of ergonomic tools. This research aims to assess the local discomfort caused by the usage of common pencils comparing to the ergonomic ones.
Methods: 50 right-handed students (girls only) participated in this study. They wrote one paragraph using all the writing tools that were being studied in this research. At the end the comments were collected using the LPD questionnaire and were analyzed by t-test and Mann-Whitney test and SPSS version 23.
Results: The results of the CHQ questionnaire showed that this questionnaire could be a useful tool for assessing the comfort of using writing tools among students in the school environment. Also, the results from the LPD scale showed that this scale could be very helpful for assessing local perceived discomfort among school students. In the second part, the results of the comparison of the mean of data from the CHQ questionnaire and the LPD scale showed that there is a significant difference between the common pencils and the designed pencil for comfort and local perceived discomfort.
Conclusion: It was found that common pencils cause pain, pressure, inflammation and numbness in the hands and forearm and shoulder. And the use of designed ergonomic pencil will reduce the pressure and pain on the hands and shoulders.
Mohammad Babamiri, Rashid Heidari Moghadam, Behnam Mohammadi, Younes Mohammadi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics-Fall 2017)
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between proactive personality with networking by mediating role of job satisfaction.
Methods: The research design in this study was a correlation model, through structural equation modeling. The target population in this study was all nurses working in public hospitals in Hamadan that 300 people of them were selected as the sample by simple random sampling. The data collection tools were Proactive Personality Scale (Bateman and Crant), Proactive Behavior Questionnaire (Networking, Ashford and Black) and Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (Brayfield & Rothe). The proposed model was evaluated using correlation and path analysis method using SPSS18 and AMOS18 software.
Results: Pearson correlation showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between proactive personality with job satisfaction and networking. The path analysis results support the pattern's fit with the data. The findings showed that job satisfaction mediates the relationship between proactive personality and networking.
Conclusion: Job satisfaction strengthens the efforts of proactive person in networking and broadens the career communication network.
Rashid Heidari Moghaddam, Mohammad Babamiri, Majid Motamedzade, Maryam Farhadian, Kamal Ebrahimi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (Journal of Ergonomics 2018)
Abstract
Background: The working station has a major impact on the musculoskeletal disorders, therefore a considerable attention to working station staff is of importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of working station on musculoskeletal disorders among administrative staff.
Methods: 30 administrative staff participated in this analytical descriptive study. Data was collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) in ergonomic design intervention of three working stations (sitting, standing-and-sitting, standing) before and after of intervention. Moreover, a t-test and multiple regression were used to analyze the data.
Results: The average (standard deviation) of the age and work record of 30 participating employees were 44.3 (5) and 20 (5) years, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the type of working station before and after the intervention, with the expression of musculoskeletal disorders (P=0.02). There was also a significant relationship between variables of musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulders, necks, waist and hands at different working stations. However, there was a significant relationship between age, work experience and BMI index with musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusion: According to the results of this survey the best working station is a sitting-and-standing. Therefore, by changing the type of working stations, musculoskeletal discomfort of the employees will be reduced appropriately.
Mohammad Babamiri, Fakhradin Ghasemi, Rashid Heidari Moghadam, Jjalil Derakhshan, Mahnoush Karimi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (Journal of Ergonomics 2018)
Abstract
Background: “Participatory ergonomics” is defined as an active participation of all members of the organization in the development and implementation of ergonomic knowledge in order to improve the working environment, quality, productivity and safety of the organization. The purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate process of working condition with the participatory ergonomic approach and its impact on one of the printing industries.
Methods: This research is an interventional study carried out in one printing industry center. To identify the ergonomic risk factors the “Nordic Questionnaire" and “Ergonomic Review Points” and to evaluate the quality employees’ working life, the NIOSH modified quality of life curriculum was used. The results were by conducting a paired t-test using SPSS20 software package.
Results: The investigation of health, and working conditions using the supplementary checklist before and after applying the review points with participatory ergonomic approach shows a significant increase. Data analysis using the paired t-test showed a significant improvement in quality of working life and reduction of musculoskeletal disorders after intervention (P <0.001).
Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that the individuals’ social skills and abilities have increased by participation in the process of participatory ergonomics. Increasing the quality of working life has a significant role to improve the health of workers and reduce occupational accidents. Therefore, the implementation of participatory ergonomic program with the collaboration of industrial managers can be an effective step towards achieving human resource satisfaction and health.
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Mehrane Shabani, Younes Lotfi, Fakhradin Ghasemi, Younes Mohammadi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (Journal of Ergonomics 2018)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the factors affecting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the lack of coordination and appropriateness of these tools. Designing a handy tool helps with a better performance, befitting and less fatigue. In this study, anthropometric data on the hands (right and left) of women and men were collected.
Materials & Methods: This research was descriptive and 576 people participated in this study; 10 anthropometric measurements of the hand according to the principles of measurement of Pheasant were measured by digital caliper under the same conditions. The measured anthropometric dimensions were the length of the hands and palms, the width of the hands and palms, the length of the fingers (m1-m2-m3-m4-m5) and the maximum power grip. Descriptive indices such as percentile 5, 50 and 95, maximum and minimum, mean and standard deviation were calculated using SPSS software.
Results: 290 women and 286 men participated in this study. Mean and standard deviation of age was (40.58 ± 9.95), height (1.66 ± 1.14) and BMI (26.85 ± 4.50). 90.8% were right handed and (9.2%) were left handed. The mean difference in length of hand, palm length, hand width, thumb length, middle finger length, small finger length, maximum power grip of women and men were statistically significant (P<0.01). All dimensions of the hand in men were larger than women.
Conclusion: Anthropometric dimensions are influenced by factors such as gender, age, genetics, and even type of nutrition, occupation, and other factors. The size of the dimensions of the hands of women and men are different. Anthropometric database of two communities should be used to design handheld devices that are commonly used by both women and men. The findings can be used to design and redesign any hand tools and improve the convenience of users.
Mohammad Babamiri, Rashid Haidari Moghaddam, Fakhrodin Ghasemi, Mohammad Ghaffari, Mahdi Razee, Khadijeh Bandeh Ellahi, Alireza Mortezapour,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nowadays, the use of the Internet among students has become widespread. Addiction to virtual networks and online games can have various consequences, including the threat of musculoskeletal system in these people. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of addiction to social networks and online games on students’ wrist pain.
Methods: This study was conducted among 665 students. Data collection was done through three questionnaires of problematic use of online games, social networking addiction and Nordic musculoskeletal disorders. Data were compared by Chi-square and independent T-test and finally, logistic regression model was presented at a significant level of 0.05.
Results: The results showed that social network and online game addiction can increase the risk of pain in the wrists. Sex had a significant impact in the effect of social network addiction on pain in the wrist. Other results of the present study are the not significant differences in the age and level of education of the participants in the prevalence of wrist pain.
Conclusion: It can be stated that there is a likelihood of a relationship between social network and online game addiction with wrist pain. Therefore, due to high prevalence of this addiction among students, appropriate planning should be taken to reduce complications and injuries, especially in the wrist area of them.
Neda Mahdavi, Maryam Zarei, Negin Keshvari, Younes Mohammadi, Mahdi Zarei, Rashid Heidarimoghadam,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: One of the most important aspects of ergonomics is physiologic balance between human characteristics and their jobs. This study aimed to investigate the physiological characteristics of janitor, safety guard and facility workers of a work organization and determine their physiological fit.
Methods: A total of 70 staff were evaluated using Queen's college step test, N20 body composition analyzer, SECA scale, RS800CX Polar pacemaker. Descriptive statistics and analytical tests including ANOVA and Pearson correlation were used. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.
Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) and fat percentage (Fat%) of employees were beyond the optimal range, but Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) were in the range. Also, the average Maximum Volume of Oxygen consumption (VO2max) were 42/1±62/33 mL/kg/min and the average of working capacity (maximum Physical Work Capacity: PWCmax) were 16/63±4/46 kcal/min.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the level of some physical characteristics is inappropriate, physical fitness is poor and individual capabilities and job requirements are not in balance. Using standardized recruitment tests, providing the possibility of sports activities (by organizations) and finding integrated indicators that simultaneously take into account the physical, mental, social and environmental capabilities of individuals to determine work capacity (by researchers), can be facilitating steps to establish an ergonomic balance in the workplace.
Neda Mahdavi, Javad Faradmal, Iman Dianat, Hassan Khotanlou, Rashid Haidari Moghadam,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2020)
Abstract
Backgrond and Aim: Fatigue is a common and highly prevalent problem among workers. Muscle fatigue is the result of general fatigue that is caused by different risk factors. This research was conducted to assess grip fatigue between workers with manual tasks and its relationship to psychosocial risk factors.
Methods: In this study, Jamar hydraulic dynamometer was used to investigate the decrease in the production of grip force or grip fatigue. The grip force of 157 subjects in three job levels that met inclusion criteria recorded, three times in an 8 hours shift. The psychosocial risk factors were also assessed using the Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire and their relationship with grip force and grip fatigue was analyzed.
Results: sixty-one percent, 62%, and 69% of employees in light, medium, and heavy tasks, respectively, experienced grip fatigue in the second phase of the study. It seems that as the power/speed increased and the tasks became more difficult, employees experienced more grip fatigue in the right hand. The declining trend of grip force and the increase in grip fatigue was more evident in heavy task jobs. No moderate or strong correlation was observed between the psychosocial risk factors and grip fatigue.
Conclusion: Because the nature of worker tasks in heavy manual tasks required more force exertion, they experienced more grip fatigue in their right hand than other workers. It is not possible to draw definitive conclusions about the impact of psychosocial risk factors on grip fatigue. Investigating the impact of cognitive loads and anthropometric dimensions on grip fatigue can be an interesting topic for future studies.
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Ali Akbar Khasseh, Hossein Vakilimofrad, Abbas Fattahi, Mohammad Reza Amiri,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2021)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Every scientific activity needs to know the previous related scientific activities so that its various aspects can be better investigated in order to obtain a richer intellectual heritage. So this article aims to identify and analyze the historical origins of ergonomics using two scientometric techniques named RPYS and RPYS-Co.
Methods: This applied research was conducted in a scientometrics method. The research data consists of 31239 articles in the field of Ergonomics which were indexed over the 20-year period (2000-2019) in Web of Science database. After extracting all the references of these articles, the results were analyzed using the CRExplorer software.
Results: Results showed that in the field of ergonomics, from 1700 to 2000, a total of 19 mutations occurred in the two periods of 1900-1700 and 2000-1900. The article "the information capacity of the human motor system in controlling the amplitude of movement" by Fitts (1954) was recognized as an outstanding and index work. According to RPYS-CO results, the most co-citations with index work are related to the works of 1997 and 2004, which are on Fitts Law.
Conclusion: In the period of 1700 to1900 influential works were related to psychology, biology and economics, and during 1900-2000 influential works were related to psychological theories, work environment and research methodology.
Fakhradin Ghasemi, Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Payam Khanlari,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hospital and medical staff use medical gloves to protect themselves and their patients from infectious agents. Wearing gloves may reduce manual dexterity and grip strength and interfere with work performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of wearing medical gloves on grip strength, manual dexterity, and perceived comfort.
Methods: 20 people (10 women, 10 men) participated in this study. Participants were tested in three gloveless modes, with latex gloves and with nitrile gloves with two tests, a 9-hole pegboard and a modified pegboard. Perceived comfort in working with gloves, wearing and removing gloves was also assessed using a subjective scale.
Results: The age range of participants was 20 to 40 years with an average of 29.45 years. There was a significant difference in manual dexterity between gloveless hands and nitrile gloves in the 9-hole pegboard test. In the modified pegboard test, gloveless hand manual dexterity was significantly different from both latex and nitrile gloves. The results also showed that wearing any type of glove significantly reduced the grip strength of individuals. The worst comfort rating was given to wearing gloves.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that wearing gloves reduces manual dexterity and grip strength. A modified pegboard test is also recommended to assess the manual dexterity of medical gloves. Latex and Nitrile gloves are difficult to wear and should be considered in designs.
Parichehr Rashidi-Molkesari, Mohsen Gorgani-Firoozjaei, Shahnaz Tabatabaei, Fatemeh Chaharaghran,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders and low quality of life are the most common problems among paddy farmers in the world. Paddy farmers are exposed to inappropriate postures, long working hours and stressful environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to compare different farming methods of rice cultivation (traditional and semi-modern) on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and life quality of paddy farmers.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in rice fields with 150 paddy farmers as a sample group (100 traditional paddy farmers and 50 semi-modern paddy farmers). Musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life were assessed using the Nordic questionnaire and the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile, respectively.
Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, lower back and shoulders is higher in traditional paddy farmers compared to farmers who work in semi-modern rice cultivation system. Present results demonstrated that there was no significant difference between various rice cultivation methods and musculoskeletal disorders on life quality. Furthermore, different farming methods of paddy cultivation have no significant effect on paddy farmers' life quality.
Conclusion: The prevalence of lower back musculoskeletal disorders among paddy farmers portrays the consequence from long-term exposure to inappropriate posture from strenous activity.
Payam Khanlari, Noorzaman Rashid,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2022)
Abstract
Omid Kalatpour, Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Iraj Mohammadfam, Maryam Farhadian, Mohammad Reza Tavakkol,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 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.
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Alireza Mortezapour, Khadijeh Najafighobadi, Hamid Saeednia, Saeedeh Mosaferchi,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 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.
Mohammad Babamiri, Ramin Rahmani, Rashid Heydari Moghadam, Mehraneh Shabani,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2023)
Abstract
Objectives: In work environments, job stress is the main factor that can make employees lose control and provide the opportunity for the occurrence of aggression in employees. Therefore, this study investigated the role of the effort-reward imbalance model in the occurrence of bullying in the workplace.
Methods: This study was descriptive-analytical in nature. The research population consisted of employees of one of the petrochemical plants located in the south of the country. The samples (n=202) were selected using the census sampling method. In this research, two self-report questionnaires, namely the Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale and the Questionnaire of bullying actions, were used to measure the variables. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 18 software using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression.
Results: The mean scores of the participants’ age and work experience in this study were 40.13±9.32 and 15.9±9.50 years, respectively. Among the participants, 72.8% were female and 86.1% were married. In terms of educational status, 10.9% had an associate's degree, 81.2% had a bachelor's degree, and the rest had a master's degree or higher. About three-quarters of the participants were public service employees, and the rest were working on a contract basis. Based on the results of the multivariate regression model, among the variables investigated in this study, effort-reward imbalance and extreme commitment were able to significantly predict the changes in the bullying score (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Employees who feel imbalanced between inputs and outputs in the job, as well as those who have the characteristic of excessive responsibility, are more likely to display negative behaviors in the form of bullying in the workplace.
Shiva Mohammadjani Kumeleh, Mohammad Amin Rashidi, Azim Akbari,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics-In Press 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.
Fatemeh Rezaie Pourmashizi, Behrouz Hajilou, Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Sara Anbarian, Mehrdad Anbarian,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics-In Press 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Core muscles of individuals with low back pain show a different pattern of activity compared to the healthy group during load lifting. This issue may be due to changes in spinal control mechanisms such as muscle synergies. The aim of this study was to compare the synergy pattern of selected core muscles and lower limbs muscles during load lifting and lowering with two different techniqus among females with non-specific back pain in comparison with healthy group.
Methods: Eighteen healthy females with non-specific back apin and 18 match controls participated in this study. The activity of 8 muscles of the core and lower limbs was recorded while lifting a load of 10% of the subject's mass with stoop and squat techniques. Then, using non-negative matrix factorization algorithm, the pattern of muscle synergies was extracted. Pearson's correlation method and independed t-test was used to compare synergy patterns (p<0.05).
Results: Patients with back pain had a different muscle synergy pattern compared to the healthy group in both stoop and squat techniques. The peak muscle synergy patterns of patients in both techniques were different from healthy subjects and were created in a different time cycle of lifting the load.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that individuals with non-specific back pain use different synergy patterns during load lifting, and the body's control system may respons differently in patients with non-specific low back pain compared to healthy individuals. It is possible that the changes observed in the relative weight of muscles in patients and healthy people are caused by the changes in muscle synergy patterns, which requires further studies.
