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Volume 14, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2026)
Iran J Ergon 2026, 14(2): 88-99 |
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Hajialikhani F, Shahbazi F, Mahdavi N. Investigating the Association Between Hand Tool Discomfort and Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disabilities Among Craftsmen in Isfahan, 2025. Iran J Ergon 2026; 14 (2) :88-99
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1138-en.html
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1138-en.html
1- Department of Health Management, Safety and Environment, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Avicenna Health Research Institute, Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2- Department of Epidemiology, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3- Department of Ergonomics, Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran ,n.mahdavi@umsha.ac.ir
2- Department of Epidemiology, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3- Department of Ergonomics, Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran ,
Abstract: (2426 Views)
Objectives: Handicraft artists in Isfahan Province are at heightened risk of developing upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work, which involves repetitive movements and awkward postures. This study examined how hand tool characteristics affect upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort among these artisans.
Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 191 artisans (70 women and 121 men) working in enameling, turquoise inlaying, miniature painting, and metal engraving were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Quick version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire, and the Comfort QH (CQH) tool. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata (version 17), and a significance level of less than 0.05 was considered for all statistical tests.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the Quick-DASH score were 28.89 and 4.91, respectively. The highest Quick-DASH score was observed among the engravers, with a mean of 30.89 and a standard deviation of 2.91. Work experience significantly influenced the Quick-DASH score (P = 0.003). The mean CQH questionnaire score for artists was 1.09, with a standard deviation of 0.26. Turquoise inlay workers and engravers reported discomfort with the tools, with a mean (standard deviation) of 1.04 (0.23). No significant correlation was observed between upper limb disability and tool comfort.
Conclusion: The handicraft artists of Isfahan, who routinely perform highly repetitive and fine manual tasks, are at considerable risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Although no statistically significant association was found between musculoskeletal disability and discomfort related to hand tools, both univariate and multivariate analyses highlighted the substantial impact of hand tool comfort on upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort.
Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 191 artisans (70 women and 121 men) working in enameling, turquoise inlaying, miniature painting, and metal engraving were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Quick version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire, and the Comfort QH (CQH) tool. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata (version 17), and a significance level of less than 0.05 was considered for all statistical tests.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the Quick-DASH score were 28.89 and 4.91, respectively. The highest Quick-DASH score was observed among the engravers, with a mean of 30.89 and a standard deviation of 2.91. Work experience significantly influenced the Quick-DASH score (P = 0.003). The mean CQH questionnaire score for artists was 1.09, with a standard deviation of 0.26. Turquoise inlay workers and engravers reported discomfort with the tools, with a mean (standard deviation) of 1.04 (0.23). No significant correlation was observed between upper limb disability and tool comfort.
Conclusion: The handicraft artists of Isfahan, who routinely perform highly repetitive and fine manual tasks, are at considerable risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Although no statistically significant association was found between musculoskeletal disability and discomfort related to hand tools, both univariate and multivariate analyses highlighted the substantial impact of hand tool comfort on upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Received: 2026/02/28 | Accepted: 2026/06/22 | ePublished: 2026/06/22
Received: 2026/02/28 | Accepted: 2026/06/22 | ePublished: 2026/06/22
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
