Showing 28 results for Rashid
Zohreh Karami, Rostam Golmohammadi, Ahmad Heydari Pahlavian, Rashid Heydari Moghaddam, Jalal Poorolajal,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (Journal of Ergonomics 2013)
Abstract
This before-after clinical trial investigated the effect of daylight on morning and night melatonin, subjective general health using GHQ questionnaire, sleepiness and alertness on elderly who lived in nursing houses.
Nineteen nursing home residents participated voluntarily. They exposed to daylight from 9 to 10 A.M. and from 4 to 5 P.M. for 6 weeks. General health of all participants was evaluated using general health questionnaire (GHQ) as well. Also we used of KSS and VAS questionnaire foe assessment of sleepiness and alertness.
Baseline morning and night melatonin levels were 25.39 (±19.75)pg/ml, and 40.3 (±21.55)pg/ml respectively. Daylight exposure significantly affected morning melatonin at 7:00 A.M. but had no significant effect on night melatonin at 8:00 P.M. Mean score of general health changed 36.31 to 29.89 (P=0.003). Karolinska sleepiness scale (KSS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) showed increase sleepiness and decrease alertness from 3:00 to 7:00 A.M. Sleepiness decreased and alertness increased during 1:00 P.M and 20:00 P.M.
Overall day light exposure may delay sleep phase and circadian rhythm problems in elderly people. Anxiety and insomnia could be improved with daylight exposure. Our findings suggest that elders should be exposed to scheduled daylight in morning and evening for prevention and improvement of mental disorders. Adequate light should be provided for elder’s homes and nursing house. We have proposed to further study with a larger sample size be done to assess effect of daylight on GHQ' subscales.
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Majid Motamedzade, Ghodratollah Roshanaei, Rasoul Ahmadi,
Volume 2, Issue 1 (Journal of Ergonomics 2014)
Abstract
Match between school furniture dimensions and children’s anthropometric dimentions in male elementary schools. Rashid Heidari Moghaddam1, Rasoul Ahmadi2 , Majid Motamedzade3, Ghodratollah Roshanaie4 stract: Introduction: Given the important role of appropriate furniture in the posture of the students and that non ergonomic furniture can produce uncomfortable posture, low back pain, neck pain, lack of concentration and discomfort, therefore, this study examine match between school furniture dimensions and children’s anthropometric dimensions in male elementary schools in Hamadan city. Materials and Methods: In this study 600 children have been studied. Their weight and height and their anthropometric dimensions included shoulder height, elbow height, knee height, popliteal height, popliteal-bottock length and hip breadth have been measured. Then, the fitness between current furniture's dimensions and calculated ergonomic dimensions have compared. Results: : Findings showed that dimensions of available furniture included seat height, seat depth, seat width, back rest height, desk height, underneath desk height and anthropometric dimensions of students was not matched. This study has shown that by increasing the seat depth and decreasing the seat height in new designs, they have relatively improved in compare with the old designs. Conclusion: Available school furniture dimensions in Hamadan elementary schools are not appropriate for most students and induce postural discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders. Key words: Ergonomics, Anthropometrics, Design, Furniture 1- Department of Ergonomics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Research Center, School of Public Health. Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamedan, Iran. 2- Corresponding author, Ergonomics graduate student, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. 3- Professor, Department of Occupational Hygiene, School of Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. 4- Roshanaei, Ghodratollah, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Modeling of Noncommunicable diseases Research center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Kamelia Fathi, Fateme Ghorbani, Rashid Heidari Moghadam, Hossein Mojtahedi,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (Journal of Ergonomics 2014)
Abstract
Background: The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effects of six- week aerobic step training on cardiovascular fitness, body composition, flexibility, leg anaerobic power and quality of life of isfahan university female students in academic year 2012-2011. Methods: 31 female students of Isfahan university were randomly assigned in experimental group (N=16, mean Age 27±2 , Weight 58.34 ±6.27, Height 1.61±4) and control group (N=15, mean Age25 ±1 , Weight 54.7±7.32, Height 1.61±6).pre test and post test measurements included cardiovascular fitness, body composition, flexibility, leg anaerobic power and quality of life questionnaire(WHOQOL(. analysis of covariance( ANCOVA) was used to test to effects of aerobic training as intervention(P<0.05). Results: There was a significant increase in cardiovascular fitness (p=0.001) and there was a significant decrease in body composition (p=0.046). There was no significant increase in flexibility (p=0.109) and leg anaerobic power (p=0.180). there was a significant increase in total score of quality of life(p=0.00). Conclusion: a six- week aerobic step training improves quality of life and cardiovascular fitness and body composition of training group
Zahra Khodabakhshi, Seyed Amin Saadatmand, Mehrdad Anbarian, Rashid Heydari Moghadam,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics 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.
Rostam Golmohammadi, Mohammad Hajiakbari, Rashid Heydari Moghadam, Razie Zare, Seyede Khadije Hoseini, Samane Karami,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (Journal of Ergonomics 2015)
Abstract
Introduction: In an
educational environment, the quality of vision is integral to educational
progress. Creating visual comfort and increasing efficiency and the desire to
study are among the benefits of adjusting the lighting in classrooms and
preventing visual impairment in the students. The present study was conducted
to evaluate the degree of internal lighting in girls' schools across Hamadan in
2006 and 2014 so as to help identify their potential problems.
Materials and
Methods: The present study was conducted in girls' schools across Hamadan on two
different occasions –in 2006 and 2014. On each occasion, the average general
and local lighting on the classroom blackboards were measured by the
recommended methods of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America on
non-sunny days using a Lux Meter and were then compared to the standard limits
recommended in the Health and Safety Code of schools and by the Illuminating
Engineering Society of North America. In addition to the degree of lighting,
certain quality assessment criteria were assessed, including the lighting
layout, lamp maintenance, contrast, internal surface cleaning, lighting system
maintenance, type of lamps and technical suitability of the design.
Results: Taking the
criteria for favorable lighting conditions into account, less than 25% of the
sites examined had favorable lighting on both occasions in 2006, only 16% of
the classes had favorable general lighting and in 2014, the degree of lighting
fell to an unacceptable range in all classes and only 6% of the entire
classroom were covered by a standard degree of local lighting on the
blackboard. The results also show that surface reflection coefficients are
within the desirable range.
Conclusion: The lack of
favorable general and local lighting on the blackboard at schools in 2014 and
its comparison with the results of the 2006 lighting assessment indicate that
providing standard lighting is still a problem for schools. Improper lighting
layouts and the use of incandescents or inappropriate light bulbs are among the
major causes of poor lighting conditions in girls' school across Hamadan.
Yadollah Hamidi, Marzieh Mortezaei, Ahmad Heidari Pahlavian, Ali Reza Soltanian, Rashid Heidari Moghaddam,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (Journal of Ergonomics 2015)
Abstract
Introduction: The quality
of work life is one of the main issues in human resource management that is
related to job satisfaction, resignation, turnover rate, personality and job
stress. The present study was conducted to investigate the quality of working
life in relation to stress levels and participation in health care workers in
cities.
Materials and
Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 124 random health care
workers employed in centers across the city of Hamadan. Walton's quality of
work life questionnaire, Belcher's participation questionnaire and a stress
questionnaire were used for achieving the study objectives. The Pearson test
was used for determining the correlation between the variables.
Results: The results
showed that 40.3% of the subjects reported their overall participation rate to
be low, 38.7%% reported it to be moderate and 21% reported it to be high. In
addition, 73.4% of the subjects reported low levels of perceived stress and
26.6% reported it to be very high. The findings of the study showed a significant
positive correlation between participation and the quality of work life (r=0.33
and p<0.001). The quality of work life and stress were also
found to have a negative correlation (p=0.015 and r=-0.219).
Conclusion: Through
understanding participation and levels of stress among the employees and
through presenting and implementing appropriate strategies for reducing stress
and encouraging participation, the quality of work life and ultimately the
productivity of health care organizations can be increased.
Farideh Dehghan Manshadi, Gholamreza Haj-Valie, Rashid Heydari Moghadam, Khosrou Khademi Kalantar, Alireza Yavari Kia, Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (Journal of Ergonomics 2015)
Abstract
Introduction: Concurrent pain in
the knee joint and its-related muscles is expectable in patients with
sacroiliac dysfunction. However, the association between the severity of knee
pain and the level of sacroiliac dysfunction is still unclear. The present
study aimed to determine the association between the severity of sacroiliac
dysfunction and the severity of pain due to involvement of knee compartment.
Materials and Methods: One hundred
consecutive patients who visited an orthopedic clinic with the primary
complaint of knee pain were recruited. According to specific diagnostic tests, 50
had sacroiliac dysfunction and 50 had no history of sacroiliac dysfunction. The
severity of knee pain was determined using the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS).
T-tests were then performed to compare the two groups in terms of AKPS scores.
Results: The mean AKPS score
was 33.2 ± 12.1 in patients with sacroiliac dysfunction and 62.6 ± 18.6 in
those without sacroiliac dysfunction (p < 0.001). Moreover, anterior knee
pain was more frequent in the first group (56% vs. 10% p < 0.001).
Conclusion: There is a
significant association between the severity of anterior knee pain and severity
of sacroiliac dysfunction. This association may be due to involvement of knee
extensor muscles following the progression of sacroiliac dysfunction.
Tahereh Gholami, Ahmad Heidari Pahlavian, Mehdi Akbarzadeh, Majid Motamedzade, Rashid Heidari Moghadam,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics 2015)
Abstract
Introduction: As workplaces, hospitals are filled with stressors, including environmental and physical stressors (such as noise pollution and poor lighting), human stressors (such as conflicts with colleagues) and organizational stressors (such as heavy workloads and unsuitable work shifts). The inability to cope with these stressors entails physical, psychological and behavioral outcomes for the employees. The present study was conducted to evaluate job stress in nursing personnel and to design a model for assessing the severity of musculoskeletal disorders caused by job stress among nurses.
Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 500 nurses working in various teaching hospitals of Hamadan. Data were collected through four questionnaires, including the Job Content Questionnaire, Maslach’s Burnout Inventory, the Visual Analogue Scale and a Demographic Questionnaire. Data were then analyzed in SPSS-16 and LISREL-8.3 using descriptive statistics.
Results: The results of the structural equation modeling showed that job burnout has a mediating effect between the severity of musculoskeletal disorders and job stress. In other words, if factors contributing to job burnout are present, the psychosocial risk factors yielded by the Job Content Questionnaire then contribute to the severity of musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusion: Given the negative effects of job stress among nurses, health decision-makers are recommended to take measures to reduce stressors such as the physical and psychological demands of the workplace, the lack of support and the lack of job security.
Majid Fallahi, Majid Motamedzade, Zahra Sharifi, Rashid Heidari Moghaddam, Alireza Soltanian,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics 2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Advances in technology and the use of complex systems at work have imposed high mental workloads to operators; so, continuous monitoring of mental workload can help to prevent mental problems and maintain mental health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of mental workload on physiological and subjective responses.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed on 16 healthy university students in 2014 at a laboratory setting. Physiological parameters of surface electromyography and electrocardiography in six blocks (resting, high mental work, moderate, low, very low and recovery) were measured using NeXus-4. After performing each block, the NASA-TLX questionnaire was completed. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 21.0. A 5% significance level was adopted in all the tests.
Results: The results showed significant differences for the average score of NASA-TLX between the different levels of mental work load (P < 0.05). Also, the analysis of repeated measures variance showed significant differences for heart rate and heart rate variability parameters in the six blocks (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed for the shoulder muscles activity.
Conclusions: Different levels of mental work load can impact on people's subjective responses and some of their physiological responses. Thus, in such workplaces, it will be necessary to conduct an ergonomic program to manage mental health.
Rashid Heydari Moghadam, Majid Motamedzade, Mohammad Babamiri, Qhodratolah Roshanayi, Shiva Rastegari Yekta, Eghbal Zandkarimi,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics 2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Varicose veins in the lower limbs commonly occur in the general population and can negatively affect their quality of life. One of the high-risk jobs is the field hairdressers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ergonomic interventions on quality of life of female hairdressers suffering from diseases in the lower extremities varicose veins.
Methods: The study population was all female hairdressers of Hamadan Mahdieh clinic who were referred for medical examinations. Using simple random sampling method, 70 patients suffering from varicose disease were chosen and were classified to case and control groups. The intervention included an exercise protocol for the cases with varicose disease. The present study was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test and participants responded to Aberdeen varicose veins, chronic pain and muscle fatigue questionnaires, which were considered as indicators of quality of working life. Data was analyzed by paired sample t-test using of SPSS 16.
Results: The results showed that ergonomic interventions were effective on the rate of varicose score, pain and swelling score as well as the score of muscle fatigue of left and right lower limbs in the case group. The average scores of varicose veins, pain and swelling, and left and right lower extremity muscle fatigue in the case group decreased respectively 2.66, 2.4, 0.75 and 1.2.
Conclusions: With regard to the impact of exercise protocol on quality of working life in hairdresserd, the use of this protocol is recommended in patients with varicose veins disease.
Majid Motamedzade, Asghar Payoon, Rashid Heydari Moghaddam3, Javad Fradmal, Mohammad Babamiri, Payam Heydari,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (Journal of Ergonomics 2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Muscle-skeletal disorders are one of the most common job-related disorders in industrial workplaces due to different reasons. The current study performed an ergonomic assessment using the key indicator index (KIM) in order to reduce injuries in the bottle-making salon of one of the detergent-producing industries of Qazvin province.
Methods: This study was an interventional study and consisted of 25 workers and was done in a bottle-making salon of one of the detergent-producing industries, during year 2016. For data collection, the Cornell questionnaire and key indicator index assessment method were used before and after the ergonomic interventions. Data was analyzed by descriptive analytical tests using the SPSS 16 software.
Results: According to the results, in the bottle production task (risk score: 4), the risk score decreased significantly by redesign (risk score: 2). Also, regarding the bottle's material, supply task that workers used to do it by manual material handling (risk score: 3), by redesign, risk score decreased significantly (risk score: 1).
Conclusions: In this study, musculoskeletal disorders decreased meaningfully by workstation ergonomic redesign after 5 months from the intervention.
Mehrdad Anbarian, Fatemeh Rajabian, Mohammad Hossein Ghasemi, Rashid Heidari Moghaddam,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics-Fall 2017)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the heel wedges on the electromyography activities of the selected left and right lower back muscles during load lifting.
Methods: A total of 17 male subjects voluntarily participated in this quasi-experimental study. The selected subjects lifted a box, weighing 10% of their body weight, above the height of their hip joint, descending as far as the thigh, parallel to the ground, and then ascending to the starting position. The above task was performed nine times in two conditions, including with and without the heel wedges. Using the ME6000 electromyography system, the activity level variables were normalized and the median frequencies of the erector spinae (ES) and the multifidus (MU) muscles were recorded. The subjects also held the box for 30 s in the standing position with stretched hands. The paired t-test was used for the data analysis.
Results: The results showed that during static load lifting using the heel wedge, the median frequency of the right ES muscle changed significantly (P<0.05). Also during dynamic load lifting using the heel wedge, the activities of the left and the right ES muscles as well as the left MU muscle decreased significantly (P<0.05). However, no significant differences between the two conditions were observed for the other variables (P>0.05).
Conclusion: During such occupational tasks, a decrease in the activities of the selected lower back muscles with the heel wedge might result in a delay in the onset of muscle fatigue. The above findings might be used in the design of shoes, suitable for the work environments. However, further investigations are needed in this area in order to provide more accurate results.
Dr Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Dr Mohammad Babamiri, Dr Majid Motamedzade, Nasrin Nouri,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics-Fall 2017)
Abstract
Background: The design of tools may play an important role in development of the problems related to hands and arms. The health and satisfaction of those who use these tools can be affected by the improvement of ergonomic tools. This research aims to assess the local discomfort caused by the usage of common pencils comparing to the ergonomic ones.
Methods: 50 right-handed students (girls only) participated in this study. They wrote one paragraph using all the writing tools that were being studied in this research. At the end the comments were collected using the LPD questionnaire and were analyzed by t-test and Mann-Whitney test and SPSS version 23.
Results: The results of the CHQ questionnaire showed that this questionnaire could be a useful tool for assessing the comfort of using writing tools among students in the school environment. Also, the results from the LPD scale showed that this scale could be very helpful for assessing local perceived discomfort among school students. In the second part, the results of the comparison of the mean of data from the CHQ questionnaire and the LPD scale showed that there is a significant difference between the common pencils and the designed pencil for comfort and local perceived discomfort.
Conclusion: It was found that common pencils cause pain, pressure, inflammation and numbness in the hands and forearm and shoulder. And the use of designed ergonomic pencil will reduce the pressure and pain on the hands and shoulders.
Mohammad Babamiri, Rashid Heidari Moghadam, Behnam Mohammadi, Younes Mohammadi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics-Fall 2017)
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between proactive personality with networking by mediating role of job satisfaction.
Methods: The research design in this study was a correlation model, through structural equation modeling. The target population in this study was all nurses working in public hospitals in Hamadan that 300 people of them were selected as the sample by simple random sampling. The data collection tools were Proactive Personality Scale (Bateman and Crant), Proactive Behavior Questionnaire (Networking, Ashford and Black) and Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (Brayfield & Rothe). The proposed model was evaluated using correlation and path analysis method using SPSS18 and AMOS18 software.
Results: Pearson correlation showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between proactive personality with job satisfaction and networking. The path analysis results support the pattern's fit with the data. The findings showed that job satisfaction mediates the relationship between proactive personality and networking.
Conclusion: Job satisfaction strengthens the efforts of proactive person in networking and broadens the career communication network.
Rashid Heidari Moghaddam, Mohammad Babamiri, Majid Motamedzade, Maryam Farhadian, Kamal Ebrahimi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (Journal of Ergonomics 2018)
Abstract
Background: The working station has a major impact on the musculoskeletal disorders, therefore a considerable attention to working station staff is of importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of working station on musculoskeletal disorders among administrative staff.
Methods: 30 administrative staff participated in this analytical descriptive study. Data was collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) in ergonomic design intervention of three working stations (sitting, standing-and-sitting, standing) before and after of intervention. Moreover, a t-test and multiple regression were used to analyze the data.
Results: The average (standard deviation) of the age and work record of 30 participating employees were 44.3 (5) and 20 (5) years, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the type of working station before and after the intervention, with the expression of musculoskeletal disorders (P=0.02). There was also a significant relationship between variables of musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulders, necks, waist and hands at different working stations. However, there was a significant relationship between age, work experience and BMI index with musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusion: According to the results of this survey the best working station is a sitting-and-standing. Therefore, by changing the type of working stations, musculoskeletal discomfort of the employees will be reduced appropriately.
Mohammad Babamiri, Fakhradin Ghasemi, Rashid Heidari Moghadam, Jjalil Derakhshan, Mahnoush Karimi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (Journal of Ergonomics 2018)
Abstract
Background: “Participatory ergonomics” is defined as an active participation of all members of the organization in the development and implementation of ergonomic knowledge in order to improve the working environment, quality, productivity and safety of the organization. The purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate process of working condition with the participatory ergonomic approach and its impact on one of the printing industries.
Methods: This research is an interventional study carried out in one printing industry center. To identify the ergonomic risk factors the “Nordic Questionnaire" and “Ergonomic Review Points” and to evaluate the quality employees’ working life, the NIOSH modified quality of life curriculum was used. The results were by conducting a paired t-test using SPSS20 software package.
Results: The investigation of health, and working conditions using the supplementary checklist before and after applying the review points with participatory ergonomic approach shows a significant increase. Data analysis using the paired t-test showed a significant improvement in quality of working life and reduction of musculoskeletal disorders after intervention (P <0.001).
Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that the individuals’ social skills and abilities have increased by participation in the process of participatory ergonomics. Increasing the quality of working life has a significant role to improve the health of workers and reduce occupational accidents. Therefore, the implementation of participatory ergonomic program with the collaboration of industrial managers can be an effective step towards achieving human resource satisfaction and health.
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Mehrane Shabani, Younes Lotfi, Fakhradin Ghasemi, Younes Mohammadi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (Journal of Ergonomics 2018)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the factors affecting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the lack of coordination and appropriateness of these tools. Designing a handy tool helps with a better performance, befitting and less fatigue. In this study, anthropometric data on the hands (right and left) of women and men were collected.
Materials & Methods: This research was descriptive and 576 people participated in this study; 10 anthropometric measurements of the hand according to the principles of measurement of Pheasant were measured by digital caliper under the same conditions. The measured anthropometric dimensions were the length of the hands and palms, the width of the hands and palms, the length of the fingers (m1-m2-m3-m4-m5) and the maximum power grip. Descriptive indices such as percentile 5, 50 and 95, maximum and minimum, mean and standard deviation were calculated using SPSS software.
Results: 290 women and 286 men participated in this study. Mean and standard deviation of age was (40.58 ± 9.95), height (1.66 ± 1.14) and BMI (26.85 ± 4.50). 90.8% were right handed and (9.2%) were left handed. The mean difference in length of hand, palm length, hand width, thumb length, middle finger length, small finger length, maximum power grip of women and men were statistically significant (P<0.01). All dimensions of the hand in men were larger than women.
Conclusion: Anthropometric dimensions are influenced by factors such as gender, age, genetics, and even type of nutrition, occupation, and other factors. The size of the dimensions of the hands of women and men are different. Anthropometric database of two communities should be used to design handheld devices that are commonly used by both women and men. The findings can be used to design and redesign any hand tools and improve the convenience of users.
Mohammad Babamiri, Rashid Haidari Moghaddam, Fakhrodin Ghasemi, Mohammad Ghaffari, Mahdi Razee, Khadijeh Bandeh Ellahi, Alireza Mortezapour,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (Journal of Ergonomics 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nowadays, the use of the Internet among students has become widespread. Addiction to virtual networks and online games can have various consequences, including the threat of musculoskeletal system in these people. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of addiction to social networks and online games on students’ wrist pain.
Methods: This study was conducted among 665 students. Data collection was done through three questionnaires of problematic use of online games, social networking addiction and Nordic musculoskeletal disorders. Data were compared by Chi-square and independent T-test and finally, logistic regression model was presented at a significant level of 0.05.
Results: The results showed that social network and online game addiction can increase the risk of pain in the wrists. Sex had a significant impact in the effect of social network addiction on pain in the wrist. Other results of the present study are the not significant differences in the age and level of education of the participants in the prevalence of wrist pain.
Conclusion: It can be stated that there is a likelihood of a relationship between social network and online game addiction with wrist pain. Therefore, due to high prevalence of this addiction among students, appropriate planning should be taken to reduce complications and injuries, especially in the wrist area of them.
Neda Mahdavi, Maryam Zarei, Negin Keshvari, Younes Mohammadi, Mahdi Zarei, Rashid Heidarimoghadam,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: One of the most important aspects of ergonomics is physiologic balance between human characteristics and their jobs. This study aimed to investigate the physiological characteristics of janitor, safety guard and facility workers of a work organization and determine their physiological fit.
Methods: A total of 70 staff were evaluated using Queen's college step test, N20 body composition analyzer, SECA scale, RS800CX Polar pacemaker. Descriptive statistics and analytical tests including ANOVA and Pearson correlation were used. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.
Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) and fat percentage (Fat%) of employees were beyond the optimal range, but Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) were in the range. Also, the average Maximum Volume of Oxygen consumption (VO2max) were 42/1±62/33 mL/kg/min and the average of working capacity (maximum Physical Work Capacity: PWCmax) were 16/63±4/46 kcal/min.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the level of some physical characteristics is inappropriate, physical fitness is poor and individual capabilities and job requirements are not in balance. Using standardized recruitment tests, providing the possibility of sports activities (by organizations) and finding integrated indicators that simultaneously take into account the physical, mental, social and environmental capabilities of individuals to determine work capacity (by researchers), can be facilitating steps to establish an ergonomic balance in the workplace.
Neda Mahdavi, Javad Faradmal, Iman Dianat, Hassan Khotanlou, Rashid Haidari Moghadam,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2020)
Abstract
Backgrond and Aim: Fatigue is a common and highly prevalent problem among workers. Muscle fatigue is the result of general fatigue that is caused by different risk factors. This research was conducted to assess grip fatigue between workers with manual tasks and its relationship to psychosocial risk factors.
Methods: In this study, Jamar hydraulic dynamometer was used to investigate the decrease in the production of grip force or grip fatigue. The grip force of 157 subjects in three job levels that met inclusion criteria recorded, three times in an 8 hours shift. The psychosocial risk factors were also assessed using the Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire and their relationship with grip force and grip fatigue was analyzed.
Results: sixty-one percent, 62%, and 69% of employees in light, medium, and heavy tasks, respectively, experienced grip fatigue in the second phase of the study. It seems that as the power/speed increased and the tasks became more difficult, employees experienced more grip fatigue in the right hand. The declining trend of grip force and the increase in grip fatigue was more evident in heavy task jobs. No moderate or strong correlation was observed between the psychosocial risk factors and grip fatigue.
Conclusion: Because the nature of worker tasks in heavy manual tasks required more force exertion, they experienced more grip fatigue in their right hand than other workers. It is not possible to draw definitive conclusions about the impact of psychosocial risk factors on grip fatigue. Investigating the impact of cognitive loads and anthropometric dimensions on grip fatigue can be an interesting topic for future studies.
