Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Barefoot Shoes and the Clinical Challenges of their Use in Iran: A Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Retailers

Shafe Abbasi

Objectives: Barefoot shoes are 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, providing 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 barefoot shoes in Iran from the vendors' perspective. Data were collected using a modified Anderson questionnaire, validated by three orthotics and prosthetics specialists, and completed by ten vendors. The thematic analysis of the data highlighted the needs and challenges related to barefoot shoes in the Iranian market.
Results: Athletes, individuals with normal weight, and those with forefoot deformities reported the highest satisfaction with barefoot shoes, whereas individuals with conditions, such as severe flat feet or back pain without custom insoles, faced challenges. Additionally, foot scanning and the design of personalized insoles play a crucial role in improving comfort and reducing foot pain.
Conclusion: Barefoot shoes can improve the function of foot muscles when designed and used ergonomically. However, individuals with back pain, high arches, heel spurs, corns, or various types of blisters should use them with caution because improper use may exacerbate pain and worsen clinical symptoms.

The Impact of Ergonomic Digital Workplace Design and Smart Tools on Musculoskeletal Disorders and Employee Productivity

Ali Afshari

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 impact of ergonomic digital workplace design and smart tools on MSDs and employee productivity at Maragheh University.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-analytical design. The statistical population included administrative employees of Maragheh University in 2024. A total of 150 people were selected as a sample from the population above according to the Morgan table and the stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using the Sprecher et al. questionnaire to assess MSDs and an organizational productivity questionnaire. The obtained data were then analyzed using Pearson's correlation and multiple regression in SPSS software (version 25).
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 reduced musculoskeletal problems (β = -0.52, P < 0.05) and increased employee productivity (β = 0.46, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results indicate that ergonomic workplace design combined with smart tools reduces musculoskeletal discomfort and enhances employee productivity. These findings emphasize the importance of ergonomic workplaces and smart tools in promoting both employee health and performance.

Ranking of Occupational Stress Domains and Their Relationship with the Performance of Health Deputy Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Roholah Hosseini ‎

Objectives: The ‎UK Health and Safety Institute believes that the factors that cause occupational stress can ‎be examined through a set of management standards, such as demand, change, ‎support from officials, support from colleagues, communication, control, and role domains. The current study aimed to investigate the seven domains that cause occupational stress and their relationship with the occupational performance of Health Deputy Staff of Medical Sciences in Saveh, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This was an applied and cross-sectional study. The census ‎method was used in the present study. The study sample consisted of 316 individuals selected from the Health Deputy staff of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran, in 2022. To investigate the management of ‎occupational stress and the staff performance, the standard ‎questionnaires for occupational stress assessment (HSE) and the Patterson ‎performance assessment were used. Data were analyzed ‎using SPSS software (version 26).‎
Results: ‎The results of this study showed that with the increase in the total score of occupational ‎stress as well as the domains of role, demand and changes, the total score of ‎staff's occupational performance increased significantly (P < 0.001), while this ‎relationship for the variables of the communication domain (P = 0.06), the support of officials ‎‎(P = 0.82), the support of colleagues (P = 0.28) and control (P = 0.18) were not significant. ‎After adjusting for the confounding effects of seven domains on job performance, the role variable ‎ had the most significant impact on changes in staff's performance scores ‎‎(P < 0.001).‎
Conclusion: The demand domain score suggests that high work pressure and longer working hours significantly impact staff stress. Therefore, it is recommended that the workload and schedule be adjusted to the capacity, working conditions, and staff's abilities through an organizational planning review.

The Relationship between Employees' Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence and Occupational Depression: The Mediating Role of Perceived Job Insecurity and Perceived Job Fit

Simindokht Kalani

Objectives: The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplace environments has transformed job structures, automated tasks, and altered employees' work experiences. This study aimed to examine the relationship between employees' attitudes toward AI and occupational depression, with the mediating roles of perceived job insecurity and perceived job fit.
Methods: In this descriptive–correlational study, 261 employees of the Telecommunication Company of Kerman Province, Iran, were selected using convenience sampling and completed the Schepman & Rodwav (2020) Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Scale, Nassasira (2020) Job Insecurity Questionnaire, Shafi Abadi and Rezaei (1997) Occupational Self-Concept Questionnaire, and Bianchi and Schonfeld (2020) Occupational Depression Inventory. The conceptual model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Results: Positive attitudes toward AI were associated with a significant reduction in occupational depression (b = -0.12, P = 0.038), decreased job insecurity (b = -0.501, P < 0.001), and increased job fit (b = 0.471, P < 0.001). Job insecurity showed a positive relationship with occupational depression (b = 0.417, P < 0.001), whereas job fit showed a negative relationship (b = -0.243, P < 0.001). Job insecurity (b = -0.209, P < 0.001) and job fit (b = -0.114, P = 0.002) mediated the relationship between attitudes toward AI and occupational depression.
Conclusion: A positive attitude toward AI reduces occupational depression by decreasing job insecurity and increasing job fit. These findings highlight the importance of fostering positive attitudes toward AI through training, role redesign, and transparent communication within organizations to strengthen employees' psychological security and perceived job fit.

Designing an Integrated Model for Soft Skills Development of Bank Refah Kargaran Employees: An Empowerment Approach Based on Technology Management and Cognitive Ergonomics

Nabi Omidi

Objectives: This research aimed to design and validate an integrated model for soft skills development, integrating technology-driven empowerment with cognitive ergonomics principles.
Methods: This study employed 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 (version 26).
Results: The qualitative analysis led to the identification of four main themes and twenty‑eight sub‑themes, forming the model's dimensions: technology-based empowerment, cognitive ergonomics considerations, contextual and organizational factors, and integrated soft skills development. The quantitative results indicated a good model fit, with all three predictors exerting positive and significant effects on soft skills development. Among them, contextual and organizational factors had the most substantial impact (β = 0.45).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the necessity of adopting a systemic perspective that recognizes the interplay among humans, technology, and organizational structures. They demonstrate that successful employee empowerment requires simultaneous attention to technological tools and cognitive ergonomics principles.

A Model Based on Macro-ergonomics to Improve Cybersecurity Resilience and Reduce Financial Risk in Digital Banking: A Mixed-Method Study

Mohammadreza Omidi

Objectives: With the increasing expansion of digital banking, cyber threats have become a significant financial and operational risk. This study aimed to develop a model grounded in macro-ergonomic principles to enhance cybersecurity resilience and reduce financial risk in the digital banking industry.
Methods: This study used a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, 15 experts were interviewed, and the data were examined using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, the resulting conceptual model was tested using a researcher-developed questionnaire administered to 387 bank employees. Data analysis and final model evaluation were performed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in LISREL software.
Results: The qualitative analysis identified five 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 had a good fit (minimum discrepancy function by degrees of freedom divided [CMIN/DF] = 2.41, goodness of fit index [GFI] = 0.92, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.94, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.061, standardized root mean square [SRMR] = 0.057). All four macro-ergonomic 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 most critical impact and was identified as the strongest predictor.
Conclusion: The sociotechnical model based on macroergonomics provides an efficient framework for analyzing and strengthening cybersecurity resilience in digital banking, thereby helping reduce financial risks. This result emphasizes the need to transition from purely technical approaches to a systemic, interactive approach among humans, technology, and organizational structures.

Sex Differences in Hand Anthropometric Dimensions, Grip Strength, and Manual Dexterity: A Study among Dental Students

Teimour Allahyari

Objectives: In the dental profession, hands play a fundamental role in performing precise, fine movements and controlling specialized instruments. Hand anthropometric dimensions, grip strength, and manual dexterity are key factors in designing appropriate ergonomic tools. Given the physiological and anatomical differences between the two sexes, this study aimed to investigate sex differences in hand anthropometric dimensions, grip strength, and manual dexterity among dental students.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 100 dental students (51 females and 49 males) at Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. Hand anthropometric dimensions were measured using a digital caliper, maximum grip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer, pinch grip strength was measured using a SAEHAN pinch gauge, and manual dexterity was evaluated using the Roeder test. Data were analyzed using SPSS software 24 and the independent t-test.
Results: The mean height and weight of male participants were 177.6 ± 4.52 cm and 77.8 ± 10.92 kg, respectively, while those of female participants were 162.5 ± 5.32 cm and 63.1 ± 8.12 kg, respectively. Most hand anthropometric dimensions (finger length, width, and circumference) were significantly greater in males than in females (P < 0.001). The mean maximum grip strength was 45.2 ± 8.3 kg in males and 26.8 ± 6.1 kg in females (P < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed between the two types of pinch grip strength (P < 0.01). Although the mean manual dexterity score was slightly higher in females (23.4 ± 3.2) than in males (22.6 ± 3.8), this difference was not significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings demonstrated significant sex differences in hand anthropometric dimensions and grip strength; however, no significant difference was observed in manual dexterity between the two sexs. These results emphasize the need to design dental instruments tailored to the anthropometric characteristics of each sex to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Usability of Research and Educational Systems: A Policy Brief

Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi

Abstract
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 at universities often encounter issues, such as complex menus, a 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.