Showing 23 results for Posture
Mahtab Azizi, Zeinab Baroony Zadeh, Majid Motamedzade,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (9-2013)
Abstract
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are amongst
dominant occupational injuries and disabilities in developed and developing
countries. The RULA technique is one of the best methods for assessing upper
limbs postures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the working postures
using RULA and ergonomic interventions in the quality control unit of a glass
manufacturing company.
Material and Methods: This interventional study was conducted in
the mirror control workstations of a glass manufacturing company. To assess
workers’ postures, the RULA technique was applied before and after the
intervention. After data analysis, corrective engineering measures were
recommended and implemented in all workstations.
Results: The findings showed that 40% of workers had a
grand score of 7, 40% with a grand score of 6 and 20% with a grand score of 5.
Accordingly, 60% of workstations were in action level of 3 (i.e. investigation
and changes are required soon) and 40% of workstations were in action level of
4 (i. e. investigation and changes are required immediately). After
intervention, 20% of workstations were in action level of 3 and 80% were in
action level of 2.
Conclusion: To
prevent musculoskeletal disorders, increase work efficiency and improve
workforce health, with positive interaction of research team and remarkable
cooperation of company management, engineering interventions were designed and
implemented at all workstations and the risk level was reduced efficiently.
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
FA
Zahra Khodabakhshi, Seyed Amin Saadatmand, Mehrdad Anbarian, Rashid Heydari Moghadam,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (12-2014)
Abstract
Introduction: The
prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in computer users is high.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate ergonomic assessment musculoskeletal
disorders risk in computer users determine the effect of an eight-week
corrective exercises program on reduction of musculoskeletal pain.
Material
and Methods: In the first phase of the study, RULA technique and Nordic questionnaires were used to evaluate postures and musculoskeletal
disorders of 84 computer users of Tuyserkan
administrations. In the next phase, 30 individuals for participating in a corrective
exercises program intervention divided into two groups namely, experimental
(n=15) and the controls (n=15). Subjects were re-evaluated after period of
eight weeks. Data was analyzed using independent and dependent t-tests.
Results: The overall
prevalence of pain was seen in neck, lumbar, shoulders, back, carpal and
hand, elbow respectively. In posture analysis, 61.3 and 53.6 percent of
subjects were in action level of 2 in left and right limbs respectively, 32.2
and 44.1 percent of subjects were in action level of 3 and 2.4 percent in level
of 4 in right side. After the corrective exercise intervention, there was 38.3%
significantly reduction pain for upper limbs (p=0.001) and 38.7% for lower
limbs (p=0.006).
Conclusion: This study
showed that frequency of musculoskeletal problems in neck, lumbar, shoulders,
back, wrist was generally high among our subjects, and selected corrective
exercises could reduce the risk level and pain.
Fatemeh Khayati, Mahmood Nasr Esfahani, Marjan Firoozeh, Amir Kavoosi, Mahnaz Saremi,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (12-2014)
Abstract
Introduction: High
prevalence of neck pain has become an important health complain among dental
practitioners which is followed by reduced working performance, burnout and
early retirement. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship
between individual and occupational risk factors as well as forward head
posture (FHP) with dentist’s neck pain and to determine the priority of these
factors in the development of the neck pain.
Material and Methods: In this cross
- sectional study, 70 dentists of two dental centers in Tehran were examined
with clinical testing of FHP. Individual and job characteristics were collected
by means of a questionnaire. The visual analog scale (VAS) was applied in order
to determine the severity of pain in various parts of the body. Spearman and
Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regressions were used to
examine the relationship and effect of the studied variables in creating the
neck pain.
Results: According to
the results, neck was the most painful part of the body (66.6%). Indeed, 40
(57.1%) of participating dentists were suffering from the forward head posture.
The results of the multiple linear regression showed that the FHP with the
standard coefficient (β= 0.64) was the most influential factor in predicting
the incidence of neck pain.
Conclusion: The FHP has a
greater impact than any other individual and job factors in creating neck pain.
It may be concluded that awkward neck posture is the most important risk factor
for neck pain in static sitting jobs such as dentistry.
Abdullah Hayati, Afshin Marzban, Mohammad Amin Asoodar,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: Despite the introduction and development of agricultural mechanization in the dairy farm sector of Iran, many tasks are still performed by manual labor in the country’ dairy farms, including milking, and necessitate poor body postures and movements that help increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among hand milking workers.
Material and Methods: The present study was conducted to assess the postural workload of workers during hand milking in the dairy farms of Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University and Ramhormoz county. Three milking techniques were assessed, including traditional hand milking, milking stanchion (mobile milking unit) and tandem parlor milking (the double-3 tandem). The postural workloads of 34 male milking workers were evaluated through mixed-methods.
Results: The results obtained showed that hand and stanchion milking require major parts of the body to be in a bent position over 70% of the time due to the operations taking place at a low height from the ground. In contrast, tandem milking required the body to be in a straight position over 90% of the time due to the operations taking place at a substantial height from the ground. Moreover, in terms of finger posture, all three techniques required the workers’ five fingers to be wrapped around different milking tools and parts of the cattle throughout the processes.
Conclusion: Being bent for long periods of time during the process of hand and stanchion milking and standing upright for long periods during tandem milking both caused musculoskeletal disorders of the back and backache for workers of both traditional and mechanized milking. In the case of the finger posture, prolonged repetitive finger postures decrease for milking workers with the increased mechanization of milking.
Soudabeh Asadollahi, Iman Dianat, Moein Nedaei,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Scissors are essential tools in different occupations including sewing and clothes making. Improper design of fabric cutting scissors can lead to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms among users. The aim of this study was to evaluate pinch force and wrist posture while working with three designs of sewing scissors and a traditional sewing scissors.
Methods: The first model of the scissor had a bent-handle (to improve wrist posture), the second model had a thumb-ring that was located closer to the pivot (to reduce thumb’s abducted position and range of movement), and the original oval ring in the third model was changed to a hook-shaped handle (to reduce hand and finger discomfort). Pinch force was measured using a pinch gauge and wrist posture was measured in two anatomical planes including flexion/extension and ulnar/radial deviation using the observational method.
Results: The results showed significant effects of scissors' design on pinch force exertions (P < 0.01) and ulnar/radial deviation of the wrist (P < 0.001). The lowest level of pinch force decrement between pre- and post-pinch force measurements was recorded for the second model (2.4%), while the highest level was recorded for the traditional model (7%). More neutral wrist postures in ulnar/radial direction (83%) were recorded for the first model compared to the other designs.
Conclusions: The second scissors, which was designed to reduce thumb’s range of motion and abduction, showed some improvement in pinch force compared to the traditional model.
Saeed Ilbeigi, Aboozar Kabootari, Mohamadesmaiel Afzalpour, Hossein Farzaneh,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (11-2017)
Abstract
Background: Undesirable sit-up and deviation from desirable status is one of the factors affecting the health of students in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between posture and musculoskeletal pain in boys 9 to 13 years old.
Methods: In this correlation study, the population consisted of all boy students in the primary city of Birjand. 60 students were selected as a sample group based on random-cluster method. Two video cameras were recorded 30 minutes of sitting position for every student. The anthropometric characteristics of subjects including height, weight, etc., were measured with a standard tool. The back and neck pain were collected using a modified Nordic questionnaire. Moreover, the kinovea software was used to analyze the flexion and rotation angle during sitting. The statistical calculations were applied by Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test. The ETA correlation coefficient also was used to identify the relationship between variables. All statistical calculations performed using SPSS version 21.
Results: The result indicated significant relationship between bending and rotation angles with both neck and back pain (P≤0.05). Therefore it would be noticed that improper sitting can be accounted as a cause of muscle-skeletal pain in boy students based on bad postures during sitting.
Conclusion: According to the results, the posture of students while sitting in class is inadequate and harmful. Thus performing some intervention and education for students is recommended.
Reza Tahmasebi, Majid Motamedzade, Sadaf Torkashvand, Mehrdad Anbarian, Maryam Farhadian,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background: Many workers, especially welders, have awkward postures during their working hours. Evaluating such kind of postures is done with the aim of corrective actions. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the activity of welder's muscles in common welding postures working on gas transmission pipelines.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed on 15 welders of the Iranian Gas Transmission Co. After the required analysis, three postures that were most used working on the gas transmission pipelines were identified to evaluate muscle activity. The surface electromyography (EMG) activity of the erector spinae, biceps femoris, vastus medialis, gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, tibialis anterior, rectus abdominis, abdominal internal oblique, abdominal external oblique, and semitendinosus muscles are evaluated in three postures. They are analyzed based on the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC).
Results: The results indicated that the mean of muscle activity in the kneeling posture is significantly lower than two other postures (P<0.001). The mean activity of each muscle in different postures were compared and evaluated. The highest activity was related to the tibialis anterior, vastus medialis and biceps femoris. Abdominal muscles have the lowest activity.
Conclusion: The muscle activity of the welders in the evaluated postures was very high. Based on the findings of this study, the muscle activity was strongly affected by the type of posture and angle of the joints, so the muscles’ activity in the kneeling posture was lower than the two other postures due to the suitable angle of joints and the direct transmission of body weight.
Saideh Meshgin, Rahman Sheikhhoseini, Ramin Balouchi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: People with different ages especially children and teenagers spend most of their free time using electronic entertainments The purpose of this research was studying the relationship between “upper body posture” and physical activity, mental aspects and the use of electronic entertainments.
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 160 female students aged 7-12 years old, from 17th district of Tehran were chosen. Tools for collecting information was short-form physical activity measure questionnaire (IPAQ), personal information questionnaire consisting of questions about the amount of time using electronic entertainments, Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) and children’s depression inventory (CDI) by Maria Kovacs. Photogrammetric method was applied for measuring forward head and rounded shoulder angle, and a flexible ruler for measuring kyphosis angle. A linear regression test with a %95 level of certainty was used for analysing collected information (P <0.05).
Results: There is a meaningful relationship between depression and anxiety with students’ forward head angle, and depression and electronic entertainments with kyphosis angle (P<0.05). But no meaningful relationship was observed between rounded shoulder angle and mental aspects and physical activity.
Conclusion: A close relationship between psychological factors and upper body posture in female primary school students from Tehran was observed and this issue should be considered while designing preventive and corrective programs.
Bahram Ipaki,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system that by affecting the body movements, affects patients’ quality of life and makes daily tasks like eating, difficult and time consuming for them. The aim of this study was to improve the comfort situation of Parkinson patient when eating by identifying ergonomic problems, and designing product for this.
Methods: 12 Parkinson’s patients were chosen by simple random sampling method. Data was collected through a translated Interview of the Discomfort Questionnaire section of ErgoFellow Software and direct observation of patients while eating. After the final data analysis and extraction of design guidelines, design ideas were sketched and the final design was formed after AHP evaluation.
Results: Discomfort Questionnaire data (the average rate of 10.6out of 7 (1. 514)) showed that the non-ergonomic posture of hands, fingers, wrists, arms, elbows, neck, upper back (lumber), and shoulders, the discomfort rate while eating, is more intense, compared to other parts of the body . Observations have also shown that in order to near food to patient mouth, occur Non-ergonomic changes in the patient’s posture. Therefore, designing product should be done using anthropometric data.
Conclusion: The results showed that reduction of mouth-to-food distance would reduce discomfort and fatigue for the Parkinson’s patient. Therefore, using anthropometric data, a height-adjustable product was designed and developed that improves the position of the posture and reduces the patient’s discomfort situation during eating food.
Fatemeh Chahraghran, Shahnaz Tabatabaei,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Considering that musculoskeletal disorders and occupational stress are one of the most important reasons for disability, physical and mental problems in the staff, the study of their causes is of great importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between ergonomic risk level and job stress in employees of a food production plant.
Methods: This was a descriptive-analytic research. It was carried out for a sample of 200 employees in the production and packaging of a food production plant in 2018. The QEC method was used to determine the ergonomic risk level and the OSPU questionnaire was used to measure occupational stress. Descriptive and inferential statistics (T and F tests) were used to analyze the data.
Results: The findings showed that the level of ergonomic risk in the neck, shoulders and wrists is in the unfavorable situation. Workstations will need to be repaired in the near future. There is a significant relationship between the level of ergonomic risk and the demographic variables of gender and education with job stress.
Conclusion: Unfavorable ergonomic status of workstations in the food factory has increased the worker’s stress in the manufacturing and packaging sectors. Therefore, proper design of workstations and consideration of ergonomic principles are effective in improving the physical and mental health of employees.
Azadeh Sadat Masoumi, Mahdieh Akoochakian,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Given the increasing prevalence of smart phone usage, it can be considered as an important and significant issue in all aspects of human life. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to study the effect of duration of smartphone use on head and shoulders’ posture of young adults aged 20-35 years.
Methods: The statistical population of this study was young people aged 20 to 35 with smart phones who were resident of Kish Island in 2018. A sample of 50 people (25 men and 25 women) were selected voluntarily and purposefully. Low- user and High- user groups were identified by completing the form of addiction to smart cell phone, in assessing the status of upper limb, the shoulder position was measured by Scapular index and head position was measured by photogrammetric method technique and Kinovea software. Independent t-test was used for comparison of experimental variables between two groups. Data were analyzed with SPSS 22. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The findings showed that there is a significant difference between upper limb posture in Low- user and High- user groups (P=0.033). There was also a significant difference in shoulder position between men and women (P=0.002). But regarding head positioning, there was no significant difference between men and women (P=0.436).
Conclusion: Thus, it seems that considering the significant difference between the two groups mentioned for upper limb posture, we can use the results of this study to inform, prevent and improve the upper.
Elnaz Rajabi Shameli, Rahman Sheikhhoseini, Shakiba Asadi Melerdi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders are common in students and several causes may be considered for them. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between school furniture dimensions and trunk posture with musculoskeletal disorders in students of the sixth grade of elementary school in Karaj.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 346 boy students in sixth grade of elementary school in Karaj were selected. A flexible ruler was used to measure thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles. A 50-centimeter metal ruler was used to record ergonomic and anthropometric data of the students. Spearman’s correlation test was run to analyze the collected data at the significant level of 0.05.
Results: The results showed that only 18%, 12% and 50% of desk height, seat depth and seat height measures were at normal ergonomic conditions, respectively. A negative significant correlation was observed between seat depth and total Nordic score (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that school furniture dimensions in sixth grade boy students of elementary school in Karaj were not in acceptable condition. So, we suggest that ergonomics standardization of school furniture should be considered to prevent its possible consequences.
Masoud Feyzi, Hossein Navid, Iman Dianat,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Agricultural combine harvesters play a crucial role in cereal productions. A combine operator performs almost all harvesting activities in seated posture. As an interface of the biomechanical system of operator’s body and combines’ mechanical system, seat has major effect on operator’s safety, health, and comfort. A successful design of seat is not achievable without considering the anthropometric characteristics of user population in geometric design. In current study, the accommodation of common harvesting combines’ seat with Iranian operators’ body dimensions has been investigated.
Methods: This study was conducted in Bijar, the widest county of Kurdistan province in the west of Iran. Eight anthropometric dimensions including weight, stature, shoulder height, elbow rest height, popliteal height, buttock-popliteal length, shoulder breadth, and hip breadth were measured on a sample of operators. The accommodation of seat pan width, upper backrest width, lower backrest width, seat height, armrest height, seat depth, and backrest height were investigated based on logical equations.
Results: There was a considerable mismatch between evaluated combine seats and the anthropometric dimensions of operators. Selecting 440, 370, 440, 410, 260, 430, and 415 mm for respectively seat pan width, upper backrest width, lower backrest width, seat height, armrest height, seat depth, and backrest height can increase the match percentage to a range of 62.2% to 100%.
Conclusion: The dimensions of available combine harvester seats are not suitable for Iranian population. However, considering the anthropometric dimensions of operators can improve the seats ergonomically. It should be noted that a design based on corresponding national and international standards cannot guarantee the geometrical accommodation of seats.
Arezoo Sammak Amani, Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Morteza Mahdavi, Fariba Ghaempanah,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: For many employees, students and “Behind the desk jobs”, most of the daily work is done while sitting on a chair and behind a desk. This happens while many studies are associating long-term sedentary posture with musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases, etc. The aim of the present research is to design a tool that helps to change the working posture of people who work at sedentary workstations from sitting to stand-sit posture.
Methods: The measurements needed to design a desk converter were extracted from the existing anthropometric data of the Iranian community between the ages of 6-19 and 20-60 for both sexes, using 4 anthropometric parameters of elbow (to floor) height sitting, eye height sitting, elbow height standing and eye height standing. These values were used to obtain the difference between the required work surface of the hand while sitting and standing (keyboard position) and the difference of the required work surface of the eye while sitting and standing (display position). Due to the adjustability of this tool, 5th percentile of women and 95th percentile of men were used to achieve the required range of changes.
Results: The desk converter constitutes two parts, 1. Top surface (meant for monitor) and 2. the keyboard tray. The difference in the height of these two surfaces was calculated 12cm. The maximum height of the desk converter (adjustable range) for both age groups was 68 cm due to changes in sitting and standing elbow height. The width and depth of the desk are set at 90 by 50 cm, and the keyboard and mouse surface, with a width equal to the desk’s and a depth of 20 cm, creates sufficient and comfortable space for users.
Conclusion: It is envisioned that by using this tool and changing the posture of individuals from an entirely sitting posture to standing and sitting alternation, a contribution to the reduction of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, diabetes and cancer problems can be made.
Hadi Miri, Seyed Sadraldin Shojaaldin, Amirhosein Barati, Maliheh Hadadnejad, Shahram Ahanjan,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Ankle sprain leads to a decrease in proprioception and awareness of the sense of motion with motor consequences. On the other hand, damage to this joint is an important factor in affecting balance and consequently re-injury. Strengthening the factors that help maintain balance and posture, can be a basic strategy in the treatment of balance and postural problems, as well as injuries.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 patients with chronic ankle instability were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Both groups were pre-tested and the experimental group performed core stability exercises against gravity for six weeks. Post-test was taken again from both groups. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of covariance. Statistical operations were performed at a significant level of α ≤ 0.05.
Results: Postural control index in the experimental group was higher in the first position and lower than the other in the sixth position. The mean of the postural control index in the experimental group was significant compared to the control group (α ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: Performing exercises for core stability or training on unstable surfaces deploying sensory receptors is likely to cause the muscles to be more actively involved and the central nervous system to receive more appropriate and effective stimuli from the nerves of different sensory receptors, and thus this exercises improve postural stability.
Mehdi Fadaei, Mahdi Homayounfar, Mansour Soufi, Amir Daneshvar,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Considering the importance of employees' behavior in service organizations and its significant impact on their success and failure, the present study investigates the environmental and ergonomic factors affecting the mental health and behavior of employees in one of the branches of Islamic Azad University.
Methods: The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of data gathering and analysis. The statistical population of the study includes: 315 employees of Rasht Branch of Azad University, out of them 196 people were selected by random sampling method and the necessary data were collected using a questionnaire. Structural equation modeling and SMART PLS3 software were used to test the hypotheses.
Results: According to the findings, workplace layout affects on use of work equipment (0.389), use of office chair (0.252) and environmental conditions (0.538), but the effect of workplace layout on the posture of employees was not confirmed in 5 percent significance level. Also, the effect of posture (0.586), layout (0.440), work equipment (0.458), office chair (0.345) and environmental conditions (0.550) on public health and also the effect of general health (0.690) and environmental conditions (0.158) on employees’ behavior is significant. Examining the indirect relationships of the research model also shows that workplace layout affects employee behavior through the general health and environmental conditions. Workplace layout influences employees’ behavior through work equipment, office chair, environment conditions and general health.
Conclusion: The indirect effect of workplace layout on employees’ behavior through public health has the highest impact (0.304), therefore, making policies for the general health, can improve employees’ behavior.
Hosein Hejazifar, Rahman Sheikhhoseini, Hashem Piri, Parisa Sayyadi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Work-induced musculoskeletal pain disorders are among the most common problems among workers. This study aimed to compare fatigue and trunk and neck postures during work in tailors with and without nonspecific chronic neck pain.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 sewing machine operators participated voluntarily and were divided in two groups of people with (15 persons) and without (15 persons) chronic nonspecific neck pain. The craniovertebral, cranial, and shoulder angles were calculated three intervals (at the start of work, after 2 hours of continuous work, after 4 hours of continuous work) using the photogrammetric method. Borg scale was used to examine work-induced fatigue. A one-way repeated measure analysis of variance at the significance level of 0.05 was used for data analysis.
Results: There were significant differences in craniovertebral, cranial, and shoulder angle changes (P < 0.001) between the two groups while working. Postural trunk and neck changes were more evident in the nonspecific chronic neck pain group. However, there were no significant differences in terms of fatigue levels between the two groups (P = 0.639).
Conclusion: The upper trunk related posture among workers with nonspecific chronic neck pain may be more negatively affected during work. So it is suggested that maintaining proper posture should be more emphasized among these workers.
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.
Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Arezoo Sammak Amani, Mohammad Taghipour,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Nowadays, workers are less mobile and more sedentary due to the use of modern technologies in the workplace, and the complications resulting from static work and fixed posture have caused numerous disorders, including musculoskeletal disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate the comfort and usability of the ergonomic sit-stand desk converter with the aim of preventing disorders caused by constant sitting in workers.
Methods: 30 employees and faculty members of a university voluntarily participated in this study and provided informed consent. After the necessary explanations, subjects were provided with two researcher-created questionnaires ( Local Perceived Discomfort (LPD) and Sit-Stand Desk Converter Usability Questionnaire (SSDCUQ)), two methods of posture analysis, two methods of Workstation evaluation and general satisfaction along with 20-8-2 software and an ergonomic desk converter. After the test period, the data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 software and statistical tests such as mean, standard deviation, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Pearson correlation coefficient.
Results: The overall mean LPD in the different body parts was 0.48 ± 0.87, indicating that the converter functions in the range of no problem to very little discomfort. The average overall satisfaction with the function of the converter was 3.18 ± 1.08 ,which is in the medium to good range. When analysing the different sitting and standing postures, a significant correlation was also found between the different situations of using the converter (P<0.0005), which indicates an improvement in sitting and standing posture while using the converter.
Conclusion: Height-adjustable workstations are a good choice to reduce sitting time and improve posture. Despite the improvement in sitting and standing posture when using the converter, there are limitations, such as ignoring the software warnings for sitting and standing in the mechanical converter studied.
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.
