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Investigating the Anthropometric Fit of Scientific-Research Laboratory Technicians with Their Workstations: A Case Study in Hamedan University of Medical Sciences
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.

Evaluation of Anthropometric Fit of Faculty Members with Office Workstation Characteristics
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.

Sex Differences in Hand Anthropometric Dimensions, Grip Strength, and Manual Dexterity: A Study among Dental Students
Leila Rastgoo, Aysal Allahyari, Teimour Allahyari,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
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.

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