Showing 65 results for Musculoskeletal
Fakhradin Ghasemi, Maedeh Hasini, Mojtaba Ahmadi, Mostafa Rahmiani-Iranshahi,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (1-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Designing workstations in accordance with anthropometric characteristics of employees can prevent awkward working postures and reduce the risk of such disorders. The present study aimed at investigating the anthropometric compatibility of workstations in a sewing company and its relationship with working postures.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a sewing company located in Hamadan province, Iran. Working postures were assessed in standing and sitting workstations using REBA and NERPA techniques, respectively. Anthropometric dimensions were measured in accordance with ISO 7250 and anthropometric compatibility with workstation was investigated. Mann-Whitney test was used for assessing the relationship between anthropometric compatibility and working posture.
Results: A total of 205 employees with a mean age 31.29 years participated in this study. Working postures were mostly in an unacceptable condition and the need for ergonomic intervention was evident. In sitting workstation, there was no significant relationship between working postures and anthropometric compatibility in terms of seat depth, seat width, and backrest height. In contrast, anthropometric compatibility with seat height and desk height were significantly associated with working posture (P<0.05). In standing workstations, a significant relationship was observed between anthropometric compatibility and desk height (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Anthropometric incompatibility with workstation generally deteriorated the working postures. However, anthropometric compatibility with seat height and desk height were the ones with a significant relationship with working posture. Therefore, for redesigning workstations the seat height and desk height should be considered first.
Parichehr Rashidi-Molkesari, Mohsen Gorgani-Firoozjaei, Shahnaz Tabatabaei, Fatemeh Chaharaghran,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (3-2022)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hamed Yarmohammadi, Mahdi Jahangiri, Moslem Alimohammadlou, Fateme Rahmati,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Planning and scientific policy making is required for the investigation of scientific productions. Scientific productions are published through universities and research centers in the form of articles and research journals. Scientometric approaches are a tool to assess the performance of journals in different fields. The aim of the present study was to investigate the activity of ergonomics journal.
Methods: The current research was a practical objective with the descriptive data collection method, which was conducted with a scientometric approach. The research population consists of all the articles published in ergonomics journal during the years 1392 to 1401. Publish or Perish, Vosviewer and Excel software were used to collect and analyze data.
Results: A total of 296 articles from 724 authors have been published in Ergonomics journal during a 10-year period. The most articles published belonged to Hamadan, Shiraz, Tehran and Shahid Beheshti universities of medical sciences. The most effective authors in this journal were Rashid Heydari Moghadam (with 21 articles), Majid Motamedzadeh (with 20 articles), and Alireza Chubineh (with 15 articles). The most frequently used keywords were skeletal and muscular disorders with a frequency of 39, ergonomics 37 and anthropometrics 15.
Conclusion: According to the results, the number of citations of articles in this journal was at a low level. Therefore, it is suggested to increase the amount of international participation in order to index the journal in international citation databases and increase the citation rate of articles and the visibility of the journal.
Hossein Saremi, Saideh Sadat Mortazavi, Sima Naderifar, Homa Naderifar, Amir Shamlou-Kazemi, Salman Khazaei,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the three major disabling diseases in the world. However, the burden of disease in Iran is not yet well-known. Due to the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in students, prevention and control policies should focus on students and health interventions should be carried out based on risk factors. Musculoskeletal problems impose significant economic costs on health and indirectly affect the productivity of people. Therefore, it is essential to provide new approaches aimed at maintaining and improving musculoskeletal health and preventing and managing diseases.
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.
Abbasali Jafari Nodoushan, Amirabbas Abouei Mehrizi, Fateme Sadat Mosavi Nodoushan,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: COVID-19 virus pandemic and quarantine implementation have different effects on students' psychological aspects and musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 virus on musculoskeletal disorders and the mental health of Meybod University students.
Methods: For this purpose, a random sample of 350 students of Meybod University was selected in 2021. Data were collected based on three questionnaires Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders, Mental Health, and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale. The Logistic regression and Chi-square test.
Results: The results showed that the anxiety caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has a significant effect on students' mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused musculoskeletal disorders in most parts of the student body. The grade, exercise, daily sports, and the number of people infected with the virus are the variables that significantly affect organ disorders and the mental health of students in this condition.
Conclusion: Due to the importance of students' physical and mental health, it is necessary to plan students' classrooms properly. Also, with virus outbreaks and the need to comply with restrictions, planning for sports and simple stretching exercises can reduce disorders and increase students' vitality.
Zahra Akbari-Chehrehbargh, Niloofar Navaei, Hamidreza Navaei,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (5-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Scientific evidence shows that artistic activities, such as playing music, can put individuals at risk for specific musculoskeletal injuries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and location of musculoskeletal injuries among Iranian music students and musicians, as well as to identify the related risk factors for their occurrence.
Methods: To find published studies without time limitations, a detailed search was conducted in databases including Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar, the Scientific Information Database (SID), and Magiran using appropriate keywords. In this investigation, we only reviewed cross-sectional studies that were available to explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their related risk factors among eligible music students and musicians from Iran. Review articles with less than five participants and articles written in languages other than English and Persian were excluded from the study.
Results: Out of 19 studies found, after removing duplicates and similar studies, 7 cross-sectional descriptive-analytical studies with a sample size of 1,444 eligible participants were reviewed. The prevalence of injuries ranged from 53% to 65%. The most common area of pain was the neck and shoulders, which were present in all types of instruments. Being female was a predisposing factor for musculoskeletal problems in musicians.
Conclusion: Iranian music students and musicians often suffer from musculoskeletal injuries. The most common areas of the body where these injuries occur are the neck and shoulders. There are multiple risk factors, such as age, improper posture, and duration of training, for musculoskeletal injuries in this population.
Mehran Maleki Roveshti, Mehdi Raei, Firouz Valipour,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders are an important issue in many healthcare work environments. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate musculoskeletal disorders and occupational risk factors on the physical status of medical staff in Iran.
Methods: In this systematic review, eligible studies from national and international databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, SID, Magiran and IranMedex from 1390 to 1400 were independently analyzed by two researchers based on the preferred reporting cases of the Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) . MeSH keywords and phrases were used to implement the search strategy.
Results: Of the 360 articles, the full text of 24 articles was finally examined. The results of the study showed that the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal abnormalities and complaints among workers in the last 12 months was related to neck pain (46.01%). Furthermore, among the 24 occupational risk factors identified, prolonged standing (20.83%) and repetitive movements (16.66%) are the most important factors for the occurrence of physical complaints among healthcare workers.
Conclusion: The results of this study can play an important role in strengthening and improving the country's health system in terms of individual, administrative and organizational measures in health centers. In this way, the physical needs, the psychological and ergonomic stresses of the working environment and the health of the treatment staff can be improved.
Seyed Mohammad Hosseini, Armin Lahouri, Ataalah Barati, Hadi Miri,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: In today's advanced world, musculoskeletal problems are among the most serious problems. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between ergonomics and postural abnormalities in manufacturing workers.
Methods: The statistical population of this research consists of 210 male employees working in two production units. Among this population, 134 cases were included in the study according to Morgan's table and based on the inclusion criteria. The pain in different parts of the body was assessed by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was utilized to evaluate workplace ergonomics, and the body posture was evaluated by the New York Posture Rating. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 26). The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to investigate the normality of data distribution. Moreover, a linear regression statistical test was utilized to assess the relationship between research variables. The significance level was set at <0.05.
Results: The obtained results pointed to a significant and negative relationship between the ergonomics score and the physical condition assessment (P=0.00; R=0.60). In addition, the results highlighted the presence of skeletal-muscular disorders in different parts of the body, with the highest prevalence in the back (53.73%).
Conclusion: According to the high and negative correlation of the variables, it was found that unfavorable ergonomic conditions can lead to poor physical condition and numerous musculoskeletal consequences.
Atefeh Elyasi Gomari, Behzad Fouladi Dehaghi, Saeed Ghanbari, Abbas Mohammadi,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are widespread and important health and social problems in industrialised society, reducing productivity, increasing treatment costs and affecting the quality of life of workers. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of workload, fatigue, sleep quality and physical condition on musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the steel industry.
Methods: The present study is a descriptive and analytical study conducted on a population of 540 workers working in the steel industry in the city of Dezful. Based on simple random sampling, 400 people were selected as samples. The instruments used in this study are the Demographic Information Questionnaire, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (CMDQ), the Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory(SOFI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality (PSQI) and the NASA-TLX workload index. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was used. Descriptive statistical indices were used to analyze the data, and the relationships between observed and hidden variables were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM) The data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05 and in SPSS software version 25.
Results: According to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, back pain ranked first with a mean and standard deviation of 52.39±25.44 and knee pain ranked second with a mean and standard deviation of 46.46±26.45, indicating that the prevalence of these disorders is high among steel industry workers. The results of the correlation analysis showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between workload, fatigue, sleep quality and body condition and musculoskeletal disorders (p<0.05). The RMSEA index of less than 0.1 shows that the model proposed in this study fits well and demonstrates the role of workload variables, fatigue, sleep quality and body position in the direct and indirect causation of musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that improving workplace ergonomics, reducing workload and fatigue, and improving sleep quality can reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders in workers.
Mohsen Arefian, Fatemeh Raeesi, Mohammadjavad Hadianfard,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal pains (WMSPs) are considered one of the major factors affecting the quantity and quality of work and threatening the physical and psychological health of employees. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and prediction of WMSPs based on body posture, work-related stress, mental health, and psychological flexibility among the employees of an industrial company in Shiraz.
Methods: To this end, among the employees of an industrial company in 2023, 147 people (51 women and 96 men) were selected and evaluated by 1. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, 2. Quick Exposure Check, 3. Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire, 4. General Health Questionnaire, and 5. Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 26) using regression analysis test.
Results: Descriptive findings demonstrated that the most common WMSPs in the sample group were back pain(76.19%), neck pain (69.38%), and lower back pain (56.46). Moreover, the mean hours of physical exercise per week were significantly associated with WMSPs (P<0.05). Based on the findings, body posture had the greatest ability to predict neck, shoulder, hand, and back pain (P<0.01). Furthermore, work-related stress, mental health, and psychological flexibility significantly predicted WMSPs (P<0.05).
Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, body posture education may contribute greatly to the mitigation of WMSPs.Moreover, work-related stress management and the promotion of employees’ psychological flexibility will reduce WMSPs.
Esmaeil Hani, Maryam Rafiee, Tahereh Eskandari,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Pre-hospital emergency workers who are responsible for providing essential pre-hospital medical services are exposed to physical and mental disorders. Since musculoskeletal disorders can be affected by work-related stress and fatigue, the present study aimed to assess the relationship of work-related stress and fatigue with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in pre-hospital emergency workers in Saveh.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023. A total of 88 personnel of urban and road pre-hospital emergency centers in Saveh were included in the study by the census method. Data collection tools were the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using independent t-tests, analysis of variance, Poisson regression, and Pearson correlation coefficients.
Results: The most common areas involved in musculoskeletal disorders were back (34.1%; n=30), neck (19.3%; n=17), and upper back (19.3%; n=17). Moreover, mean scores of work-related stress and work fatigue were 113.52±4.09 and 62.95±5.06, respectively. Musculoskeletal disorders showed a significant relationship with marital status, workplace, age, work experience, and number of working hours (P≤0.05). Nonetheless, there was no significant relationship between work-related stress and work fatigue (P=0.28), musculoskeletal disorders and work-related stress (P=0.93), as well as musculoskeletal disorders and work fatigue (P=0.44).
Conclusion: The prevalence of skeletal-muscular disorders was relatively high, and considering that these disorders are more frequently observed in married people and those who work on the road, training should be provided to these workers according to their place of work. The risk of developing skeletal-muscular disorders increases with age and work experience. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions in this regard. Furthermore, since skeletal-muscular disorders increase with an increase in working hours, it is necessary to adjust working hours and avoid long shifts.
Sina Ghasemi, Behzad Imani, Ramin Rahmani, Shirdel Zandi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the common problems in most work environments and work ability is considered a factor affecting the performance and productivity of employees. In the present study, the status of these two components and their relationship with each other in the staff working in the operating room were investigated.
Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted in the winter of 2023. In this research, 96 employees working in the operating rooms of government hospitals in Hamadan, Iran were enrolled by census sampling method based on the inclusion criteria. The data were collected through the Nordic standard questionnaire and the work ability index questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 24) at two levels of descriptive (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential (t-test) statistics.
Results: In this study, 4 (4.2%) of the participants had one musculoskeletal disorder and the remaining 91 personnel (95.8%) had more than one disorder in their musculoskeletal systems. Average work ability index was 42.3±04.91. The results of the independent t-test showed that the work ability index among people with pain in the neck (P=0.003), shoulders (P=0.001), elbows (P=0.038), back (P=0.011), knees (P=0.001), and legs (P=0.002) were less than those without pain in these organs.
Conclusion: Results indicated the need to pay more attention to the implementation of ergonomic work environment and management interventions to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and thereby increase the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel.
Zohreh Goudarzi, Sara Izadi, Abbas Seifollah Zade, Roghayyeh Hassanzadeh, Neda Mahdavi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the health challenges for faculty members, affecting their performance and work-related quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between these disorders and the ergonomic features of their workstations.
Methods: This research was conducted among 22 faculty members after obtaining informed consent and using a census method. The prevalence of disorders was assessed using the Cornell questionnaire, and the evaluation of the workstation was performed using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method. Then, 14 anthropometric dimensions (differentiated by gender) were measured, and 13 workstation characteristics were assessed. Finally, 11 criteria were used for anthropometric fitness evaluation. Moreover, data analysis was carried out using SPSS software (version 26).
Results: Approximately 46% of the participants had experienced pain and discomfort in one of the musculoskeletal areas, with the wrist, neck, shoulder, and lower back being the most affected areas, respectively. The ROSA results indicated that 22.73% of the participants' workstations required ergonomic improvements. The most significant mismatches were found in the criteria of 1) trunk length-chair backrest length, 2) thigh thickness in a seated position-distance between thighs and desk, and 3) shoulder width-chair seat width.
Conclusion: The signs of a connection between the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the lack of anthropometric compatibility/inadequate knowledge among faculty members in the field of ergonomics were observed. This issue underscores the importance of considering ergonomic/anthropometric characteristics of office desks and chairs during the procurement of office supplies and emphasizes the need to enhance ergonomics knowledge.
Abbas Mohammadi, Behzad Fouladi Dehaghi, Fatemeh Assadian, Saeed Ghanbari,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Cargo workers at Ahvaz Airport in Ahvaz, Iran are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate their carrying out tasks and postures.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the census method was used to select 21 cargo workers in Ahvaz Airport. Task analysis was carried out by Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC). Moreover, the Manual Handling Assessment Charts were used to evaluate the manual load. The tools employed in this study included observation, photography, and a Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire (CMQD) questionnaire. Statistical calculations were performed in SPSS (version 16) and Spearman's correlation coefficient for the variables.
Results: Each of the cargo workers of Ahvaz airport moves an average of 400 bags per shift. Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a significant relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and the variables of age, height, and Body Mass Index with values of 0.002, 0.005, and 0.003, respectively. The QEC method was used to observe the worst postures with a numerical score between 50 and 70, which were related to the standing posture at the flat roller and the sitting posture in the aircraft cargo. The examination of the CMQD questionnaire revealed that 61.6%, 65%, and 62% of diseases were related to shoulder, arm, and back, respectively.
Conclusion: After job analysis by the HTA method and evaluation of the results through the QEC method, it was determined that loading and arranging luggage in the cart and cargo were the most risky tasks. Both the MAC and QEC methods also indicated the necessity of an immediate change in the process of moving luggage.
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.
