Showing 109 results for Ergonomic
Zahra Jahani, Mahshid Namdari, Nastaran Keshavarz Mohammadi, Mahnaz Saremi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, are increasingly prevalent among school-aged children. Poor postural habits and improper backpack carriage are significant contributing factors. However, there is currently no comprehensive, standardized tool available to assess children’s knowledge of ergonomics related to spinal health.
Methods: This methodological study involved the development of a questionnaire through a seven-step process. Following the creation of the preliminary version and assessment of face validity, content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) by ten experts. The reliability of the instrument was assessed using a test-retest procedure with 15 students and internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient with a sample of 180 students.
Results: The final version of the questionnaire, entitled Kids’ Spine Ergonomics Awareness (KidSEA), comprised 13 items across three domains: "Spinal Anatomy," "Correct Posture," and "Ergonomics of Carrying School Supplies." The CVI and CVR for each item exceeded 0.79 and 0.62, respectively, indicating that all items were validated. Cohen’s kappa coefficient for individual items was above 0.41, and the overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.74, demonstrating acceptable levels of reliability and internal consistency.
Conclusion: The KidSEA questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing knowledge of ergonomic principles related to spinal health in children. It can be utilized to evaluate health literacy concerning spinal care, design targeted interventions, and inform educational programs for children in the studied age group. Further studies are recommended to establish the validity of the instrument across different age groups.
Maryam Momtaz-Bakhsh, Saeed Ghasemi, Nabi Omidi, Mohammadreza Omidi, Vahideh Menati,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the main occupational health challenges in industries with demanding working conditions, such as petrochemical plants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a combined ergonomic and exercise intervention on pain reduction and motor performance improvement among the employees of Ilam Petrochemical Company.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a pre/posttest design with 40 male workers. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (receiving ergonomic training combined with exercise) or a control group. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Motor Performance Questionnaire. Following that, the obtained data were analyzed using independent t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: The combined intervention significantly reduced pain in the lower back (55%), shoulders (56%), and knees (57%), while improving the total motor performance score (43%; P<0.001). Cohen’s d effect sizes ranged from 1.8 to 2.5, indicating high effectiveness.
Conclusion: The integration of ergonomic and exercise interventions led to a significant reduction in musculoskeletal pain and improvement in motor performance among petrochemical workers. These findings demonstrate the positive impact of the intervention on workers' motor performance indicators.
Nabi Omidi, Neda Sadat Jafari, Mohammad Reza Omidi, Yadollah Mahmoodi,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: In high-risk operational environments such as oilfields, physical and psychological factors can undermine employee productivity and positive organizational behaviors. This study aimed to examine the effect of ergonomic skills training on enhancing Organizational Citizenship Behavior and productivity among operational staff of the Azar oilfield.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test–post-test design with a control group and was conducted on 40 male operational workers. Participants were randomly assigned to either an ergonomic training group or a control group (20 participants each). Data were collected using the OCB questionnaire by Podsakoff et al. (1990) and the HPQ questionnaire by Hersey and Goldsmith (1980). Analyses included independent t-tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and within-group comparisons.
Results: After the 4-week intervention, the ergonomic training group showed significant increases in total OCB scores (from 105.6 to 118.4; +12.1%) and HPQ scores (from 128.8 to 145.6; +13.0%) (p < 0.001). The greatest OCB improvements were observed in altruism (+15.3%) and conscientiousness (+14.8%), while HPQ improvements were highest in motivation (+16.2%) and ability (+15.4%). Cohen’s d effect sizes ranged from 1.78 to 2.20, indicating a high level of effectiveness. No significant changes were observed in the control group (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Ergonomic skills training markedly improved organizational citizenship behavior and productivity among employees of the Azar oilfield. These findings underscore the strategic value of investing in ergonomic training programs to enhance both individual and organizational performance in high-risk workplaces.
Reza Masoudi, Zahra Saeidi, Shahla Abolhassani, Leili Rabiei,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Healthcare staff, due to the nature of their job, are exposed to various occupational hazards including ergonomic stressors, which can affect their health and lead to job burnout. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ergonomic intervention on job burnout and resilience among employed nurses.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted with 70 nurses employed at Shohada Lordegan Hospital during the years 2018–2019 (1397-1398). The study units were randomly assigned by block randomization into two groups: intervention and control. The ergonomic intervention consisted of four stages (education, work modification, a regular exercise program with supervision, support, and follow-up) applied to the intervention group. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The mean scores before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention were compared using SPSS version 23 with independent t-test, chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: There was no significant difference in the mean job burnout score between the two groups before the intervention (p>0.05). However, after the intervention, this difference became significant, with the intervention group showing less job burnout and greater resilience compared to the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that implementing ergonomic intervention among nurses can reduce job burnout. Given the effectiveness of the intervention, it is recommended that ergonomic training programs be included in nursing educational curricula.
Ali Afshari,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: With the expansion of digital technologies and the increasing use of smart tools in workplaces, challenges such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and reduced employee productivity have emerged. This study aimed to examine the effects of digital workplace design and smart tools on employees’ physical and mental health as well as their productivity.
Methods: The research employed a descriptive-analytical field study design. The statistical population included administrative employees of selected organizations, 150 people were selected as a sample from the population above according to the Morgan table and stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Hoffman Employee Productivity Questionnaire. Hypotheses were tested using paired t-tests and regression analysis, with SPSS 25 applied for statistical computations.
Results: The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between musculoskeletal health and productivity (r = -0.47), indicating that increased musculoskeletal problems were associated with decreased efficiency (r = -0.41), task quality (r = -0.39), goal commitment (r = -0.45), and time management (r = -0.36). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that digital workplace design and the use of smart tools were significantly associated with a reduction in musculoskeletal problems (β = -0.52, p < 0.05) and an increase in employee productivity (β = 0.46, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results indicate that ergonomic workplace design combined with the use of smart tools reduces musculoskeletal discomfort and enhances employee productivity. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing ergonomic and technology-enhanced work environments to promote both employee health and organizational performance.
Nabi Omidi, Mohammad Reza Omidi, Mohsen Emami, Mohammad Reza Omidi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: With the increasing expansion of digital banking, cyber threats have become a major financial and operational risk. This study aimed to design a model based on macro-ergonomic principles to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in order to reduce financial risk in the digital banking industry.
Methods: This study was conducted with a mixed approach. In the qualitative phase, 15 experts were interviewed and the data were examined with thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, the resulting conceptual model was tested through a researcher-made questionnaire on a sample of 387 bank employees. Data analysis and evaluation of the final model were performed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in LISREL software.
Results: The qualitative analysis led to the identification of 5 main themes and 32 sub-themes that formed the dimensions of the model: technical-instrumental subsystem, human-psychological, organizational-structural, environmental-supervisory factors, and cybersecurity resilience (consequence). The results of the quantitative model test showed that the model has a good fit (CMIN/DF = 2.41, GFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.061, SRMR = 0.057). All four macroergonomic dimensions had a positive and significant effect on cybersecurity resilience. Among them, the “organizational-structural subsystem” with a standardized path coefficient of 0.48 had the greatest effect and was identified as the strongest predictor.
Conclusion: The sociological-technical model based on macroergonomics provides an efficient framework for analyzing and strengthening cybersecurity resilience in digital banking; in such a way that increasing cyber resilience is expected to also help reduce financial risks. This result emphasizes the need to transition from purely technical approaches to a systemic and interactive approach between humans, technology, and organizational structure.
Shafe Abbasi, Roghaye Lotfi Esfahanjegh, Farideh Babakhani,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Footwear for foot support is recognized as a product for managing musculoskeletal disorders, and prolonged use of inappropriate shoes can have negative health consequences. Despite the growing use of these shoes in Iran, there is limited evidence regarding the associated clinical and practical challenges. Examining the experiences of vendors can help identify barriers to the supply and use of this product and provide practical data to improve prescription practices, consumer education, and the quality of clinical care.
Methods: This qualitative, ergonomics-focused study examined the challenges and opportunities of using foot-supportive footwear in Iran from the perspective of vendors. Data were collected using a modified Anderson questionnaire, validated by three orthotics and prosthetics specialists, and completed by 10 vendors. Thematic analysis of the data highlighted the needs and challenges related to foot-supportive footwear in the Iranian market.
Results: Athletes, individuals with normal weight, and those with forefoot deformities report the highest satisfaction with foot-supportive footwear, whereas people with conditions such as severe flat feet or back pain without custom insoles face challenges. Additionally, foot scanning and the design of personalized insoles play a crucial role in improving comfort and reducing foot pain.
Conclusion: Foot-supportive footwear, when designed and used ergonomically, can improve the function of foot muscles. However, individuals with back pain, high arches, heel spurs, corns, or various types of blisters should use them with caution, as improper use may exacerbate pain and worsen clinical symptoms.
Neda Sadat Jafari, Nabi Omidi, Mohammad Saraei Talab, Mohammad Reza Kermani, Elham Khosravi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: This research was conducted to design and validate an integrated model for soft skills development, which combines technology-based empowerment with the principles of cognitive ergonomics.
Methods: This study utilized a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 academic experts and senior bank managers selected through purposive sampling, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, which employed a descriptive-survey design, the conceptual model derived from the qualitative phase was tested using a researcher-developed questionnaire on a sample of 395 employees from the headquarters and branches of Bank Refah Kargaran. Data analysis and model evaluation were performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS 26 software.
Results: The qualitative analysis led to the identification of 4 main themes and 28 sub-themes that formed the model’s dimensions: technology-based empowerment, cognitive ergonomic considerations, contextual and organizational factors, and integrated soft skills development (as the outcome). The quantitative model test results showed that the model had a good fit, and all three predictive dimensions had a positive and significant effect on soft skills development. Among them, “contextual and organizational factors” had the greatest impact with a standardized path coefficient of 0.45, identified as the strongest predictor.
Conclusion: This finding emphasizes the necessity of a systemic perspective that recognizes the interaction among humans, technology, and organizational structure. It demonstrates that successful employee empowerment requires simultaneous attention to both technological tools and the principles of cognitive ergonomics.
Mehdi Beyramijam, Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi, Mohammad Babamiri, Arezo Farhadi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Policy Brief:
In today's world, research management systems in universities and research centers are recognized as essential tools for facilitating research processes. One of the key aspects of the success of these systems is their usability, which, if weak, can lead to reduced productivity, increased time spent by users, and decreased user satisfaction. Users of research management systems in universities often encounter issues such as complex menus, lack of clarity in search and reporting processes, and insufficient training. In this context, proposed policies for improving process design, feedback and reporting systems, structured training, continuous support, and ongoing user experience evaluation are presented to enhance system efficiency and user satisfaction. These recommendations can also be applied to other research and education management systems in universities and research centers. Therefore, focusing on usability and continuous system improvement can lead to increased efficiency and user satisfaction in these environments.
