Iraj Alimohammadi, Shahram Vosoughi, Jamileh Abolghasemi, Athena Rafieepour, Seyed Hosein Tabatabaei, Batool Delshadi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Inappropriate sitting posture on bench can contribute to pain and musculoskeletal disorders in students. Hearing and vision disabilities may be the cause of inappropriate sitting postures among students. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in normal and students with hearing abnormalities in Ilam city.
Methods: Twenty students with hearing abnormalities (case) and 40 students with normal hearing (control) from primary schools in Ilam city of both genders were randomly included in the study. The worst recorded sitting posture of students on the bench was evaluated by the RULA method. Digimizer software was used to survey the body angles of the students while sitting on the bench. The used for analyzing the obtained data in 95% confidence interval.
Results: The results of posture evaluation showed that there was a significant difference in rula scores between case and control groups (P = 0.001). Deviation from the natural angles of the body in the case groups was more than the control group (P < 0.001), which has a direct and significant relationship with the increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders possibility incidence were more common in students with hearing abnormalities compared to typical students which was due to an increase in deviation from the natural angles of the body and inappropriate postures. Given the limitation of the sample size, the present study recommends further research with the same goal and encourages interventional studies to correct the posture of hard of hearing students.
Ali Lotfi, Maryam Daneshvar, Mehdi Vosoughi Niri, Parvin Ahmadinezhad, Soheila Derisavi Jarafian, Mohsen Poursadeghiyan,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics-In Press 2026)
Abstract
Background: Dentistry, as a profession characterized by a static nature, repetitive movements, and occupational stress, is considered a high-risk occupation for the development of musculoskeletal disorders and reduced quality of life. The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life among dentists.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 on 150 practicing dentists in the city of Ardabil. Samples were selected using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using standard questionnaires, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) for musculoskeletal disorders and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 software with Chi-square and logistic regression tests.
Results: The most commonly affected areas were the lower back (64.7%), neck (60.7%), and shoulders (52.1%). These problems had led to reduced professional activity in 28.7% of the individuals. Quality of life was at a moderate to low level, with the lowest score belonging to the environmental health domain (56.79 out of 100). A significant association was observed between lower quality of life and increased musculoskeletal complaints in some body areas (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate a very high and concerning prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and a moderate quality of life among dentists in Ardabil. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the necessity of implementing comprehensive intervention programs to improve workplace ergonomics and enhance the health and quality of life of dentists.
