Showing 339 results for Type of Study: Research
Sahel Fouri, Teimour Allahyari, Iraj Mohebbi,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Traffic accidents are considered among the leading causes of mortality and severe injuries. Driver behavior is a significant factor influencing this issue. The present study aimed to investigate the status of unsafe driving behaviors and their relationship with road accidents among inter-city drivers in Urmia, Iran, in 2023.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 378 inter-city drivers visiting the Occupational Medicine Center at Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Sampling was performed using a convenience method. The Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) was employed as the standard instrument. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS (version 24) software at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The highest score for unsafe behaviors was related to non-routine violations, with a mean of 1.33±0.44. Significant positive correlations were found between all four DBQ subscales and road accidents (P<0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that routine violations and errors significantly predicted 24.3% of the variance in annual accidents.
Conclusion: The present work demonstrated significant associations between unsafe driving behaviors and traffic accidents, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce high-risk driving behaviors.
Samira Goran, Samaneh Pourhadi, Aram Tirgar, Zahra Geraili,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: The use of parks is highly valuable for the elderly for various reasons, including physical, psychological, and social aspects. Therefore, the suitability of these spaces to the needs of the elderly is of particular importance. The present study aimed to determine and introduce criteria for the evaluation and classification of parks in terms of structural suitability for the elderly.
Methods: The present methodological study was designed in 2024 and conducted simultaneously with the psychometric and validation of the structural fit assessment tool for elderly-friendly parks. The structural components were identified through a literature review and validated using the Delphi method. After determining content validity, the items were classified into mandatory, essential, and ideal sections by obtaining at least two-thirds and one-third of the experts' votes, respectively. In addition, descriptive statistics were employed in data processing.
Results: The final review of 58 items by experts revealed that the majority of items (n=41, equivalent to 71%) were mandatory, 13 items (22%) were essential, and four items were ideal. The highest share of mandatory items was declared by ergonomists, and the lowest by gerontologists.
Conclusion: Structural components of park design suitable for the elderly are mandatory or essential in most cases studied, and only a few were identified as ideal. Therefore, the design of elderly-friendly parks requires attention to various aspects, including accessibility, safety, and comfort.
Davood Afshari, Shakiba Babakhani Farshkar, Maryam Nourollahi-Darabad, Maryam Seyedtabib,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Adverse events, defined as errors occurring during nursing care, have become one of the most serious threats to patient safety and quality of care in hospitals. The present study aimed to investigate the role of various factors influencing adverse events among nurses.
Methods: An analytical epidemiological study was conducted on 360 nurses working in public hospitals in Ahvaz. Data were collected using a personal information questionnaire, an environmental factors checklist, the standardized Patient Safety Culture questionnaire, the NEO Personality Inventory, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire assessing psychosocial work factors, and a standardized adverse events checklist. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS and SMART PLS software.
Results: The most frequently reported adverse events were complaints from patients or their families, while surgical wound infections were reported less frequently. Additionally, 31 nurses (8.6%) reported more than 20 adverse incidents in the past 12 months. The developed model indicated that environmental noise significantly affects both patient safety culture and adverse events, and psychosocial factors influence patient safety culture; however, patient safety culture alone did not significantly affect the occurrence of adverse events.
Conclusion: Overall, the prevalence of adverse events among the studied nurses was high. Exposure to environmental noise and psychosocial factors substantially impacts patient safety culture. These findings can inform strategies to improve adverse event management and enhance patient safety culture.
Farahnaz Dastranj, Ali Mohammadi, Hassan Sadeghi Naeini, Hanieh Nikoomaram, Reza Azizinezhad,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Participatory ergonomics, with its focus on the active involvement of stakeholders in designing and improving work systems, can be proposed as a key strategy for sustainable environmental management. The present study aimed to explore the mechanisms of integrating ergonomic principles and employee participation to elucidate how environmental sustainability can be achieved in workplace settings.
Methods: The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted in the Iranian automotive industry. The participatory ergonomics program involved a 14-member expert team through weekly sessions consisting of two hours of theoretical training and one hour of practical application over three months. The primary objectives of the program encompassed comprehensive training on ergonomics checkpoints established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), integration of ergonomic principles with environmental sustainability considerations, and development of practical competencies to implement acquired knowledge in actual workplace environments.
Results: Following the completion of the participatory ergonomics program and a thorough assessment of workplace issues, the ergonomics team successfully developed fifty practical recommendations, 20% of which addressed environmental concerns. Through six months of sustained collaboration between workers and management support, ten of the proposed recommendations were implemented.
Conclusion: The application of participatory ergonomics principles, emphasizing stakeholder engagement in work system design, can serve as a pivotal strategy for sustainable environmental management. This approach not only enhances employees' physical and psychological well-being but also establishes an inseparable connection between technology, humans, and the environment by reducing occupational stress and natural resource consumption. Undoubtedly, interdisciplinary research in ergonomics and environmental sustainability can play a strategic role in achieving balanced development for future generations.
Nabi Omidi, Maryam Shokri, Hadi Meftahi, Mohammadreza Omidi, Farshid Modiri,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Hidden withdrawal profiles, as subtle behavioral patterns in the workplace, can significantly influence key indicators of human resource performance. This study aimed to analyze the impact of these profiles on "turnover intention", "career intentions", and "job performance" among employees of Bustan Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran.
Methods: This applied, descriptive-survey research included 240 hospital staff members. Using Cochran's formula, 146 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Data were collected using standardized and validated instruments in the field of organizational behavior. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS software; moreover, measurement validity and reliability were confirmed through KMO, Bartlett, AVE, CR, and Rho-A indices.
Results: Path analysis results indicated a significant positive relationship between hidden withdrawal profiles and turnover intention (β=0.636, t=13.297); however, there were significant negative effects on career intentions (β=-0.482, t=9.519) and job performance (β=-0.803, t=21.079). All t-values exceeded 1.96, and P-values were below 0.001.
Conclusion: Hidden withdrawal behaviors play a critical role in reducing performance and increasing turnover tendencies. The findings highlight the need for early identification of such behavioral patterns and the implementation of psychological and managerial interventions to enhance motivation and employee retention.
Saeed Ilbeigi, Zahra Karimi, Abbass Farjad Pezeshk,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Backpacks equipped with hip belts are among the most common and essential tools for carrying loads during long treks and mountaineering. The use of a hip belt facilitates appropriate load distribution between the upper and lower body and minimizes muscular energy expenditure. However, it may also restrict movement. This study aimed to examine the effect of three different hip belt designs in backpacks, namely 1) movable hip belt, 2) cross-frame structure, and 3) conventional design, on postural alignment control indices and center of pressure (COP) changes during standing and walking.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 20 male physical education students aged 19 to 25 years. Three types of backpacks were used to measure postural control indices and COP changes: (1) backpack with a movable hip belt, (2) backpack with a cross-frame in the back panel, and (3) conventional backpack. Participants carried the backpacks on a level, flat surface with a standard load of 13 kg. A control walking test was also performed without any backpack under similar conditions. COP data in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions were recorded at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz. The device was fully calibrated before the test. Data were processed using MATLAB software, and a Butterworth filter with a cutoff frequency of 10 Hz. Output variables, including COP path, COP area, velocity of COP (VCOP), and sway, were calculated using standard formulas and analyzed in SPSS software. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess data normality. Repeated measures ANOVA was employed to compare the three backpack types, and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used for pairwise comparisons.
Results: The results showed no statistically significant differences in terms of COP area during standing and walking among the different backpack conditions. In terms of COP displacement (P=0.009) and COP velocity (P=0.009), significant differences were found only during eyes-closed standing in the AP direction. Pairwise comparisons revealed a significant difference between the conventional backpack and the one with a movable hip belt. Regarding COP sway (P=0.030), a significant difference was observed among the three backpacks only during eyes-closed standing in the ML direction. However, no statistically significant differences were found between any two backpacks in post-hoc comparisons.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, the backpack with a movable hip belt was the most effective among the three designs, as it resulted in the lowest COP sway, COP velocity, and COP displacement. Furthermore, the impact of hip belt design becomes more apparent in tests with higher complexity. However, it is important to note that reduced COP sway does not necessarily indicate improved postural control or motor performance, and it may reflect a restriction in the responsiveness of the neuromuscular system.
Akram Mahmoodi, Teimour Allahyari,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: In modern demanding work environments, workforce resilience and ergonomic climate are recognized as critical factors for maintaining employee well-being and enhancing organizational productivity.
Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study investigated the relationship between ergonomic climate and employee resilience in a gas company. A total of 170 employees were selected through cluster random sampling. Data were collected using two validated instruments, namely the Ergonomic Climate Questionnaire and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted in SPSS software (version 26), using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, one-sample t-tests, and regression analysis.
Results: Mean scores of gas company ergonomic climate and employee resilience were obtained at 135.03±29.96 and 96.5±16.44, respectively. The correlation coefficient between ergonomic climate and employee resilience for 171 samples was calculated at +0.22. The findings indicated that the mean scores for ergonomic climate, operational performance, employee well-being, and individual resilience were significantly higher than the midpoint of the Likert scale. Moreover, individual resilience was found to have a positive and significant correlation with all dimensions of ergonomic climate, namely management commitment, employee involvement, hazard identification and control, and training and knowledge. However, no significant relationships were observed between demographic variables (age, gender, education, work experience) and resilience.
Conclusion: An appropriate ergonomic climate plays a significant role in reducing stress and improving the psychological conditions of the workplace. Employees' resilience can be positively affected by physical and mental health enhancements, stress reduction, job satisfaction increases, and improvements in work-life quality. Therefore, organizational attention to ergonomic issues and the implementation of supportive strategies can improve workplace ergonomics, thereby enhancing individual resilience among employees.
Simindokht Kalani, Mandana Katebi, Farzin Emamifar,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: The interaction between work and family roles can result in various outcomes, including work-family conflict or enrichment. The way individuals manage the boundaries between these two domains plays an essential role in shaping the quality of this interaction, with work-related rumination being a common manifestation of role integration. The present study aimed to assess the relationship of work-related rumination with work-family conflict and enrichment.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 330 employees from an industrial organization in Isfahan, selected via convenience sampling. Participants completed questionnaires measuring work-family conflict, work-family enrichment, work-related rumination, positive and negative work reflection, the Irritation scale, as well as the subscales of excessive commitment and Wok Obsession/Inability to Recover. Data were analyzed using stepwise regression analysis.
Results: Among the nine types of work-related rumination, cognitive Irritation (P<0.001), affective rumination (P<0.001), and negative reflection (P<0.001) predicted work-family conflict and together explained 56% of its variance. Problem-solving pondering (P<0.001), positive reflection (P<0.001), and negative reflection (P=0.003) predicted work-family enrichment and explained 12% of its variance.
Conclusion: Work-related rumination does not necessarily have a negative impact on work–family relations and may lead to different outcomes depending on its nature. Certain types of rumination may facilitate the transfer of beneficial work experiences to the family domain. These results highlight the importance of examining the consequences of specific forms of work-home integration rather than broadly rejecting any integration.
Mohsen Aliabadi, Ramin Rahmani, Maryam Farhadian, Seyed Ghavameddin Attari, Hadi Aeini,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: In the furniture industry, workers operating woodworking machinery are exposed to hand-arm vibration. The present study aims to assess the occupational exposure levels and associated health effects of vibration transmitted to the hand during the operation of vibrating equipment in furniture carpentry workshops.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 59 carpenters (case group) and 39 painters (control group) in Malayer city, Iran. Hand-arm vibration exposure was measured in accordance with ISO 5349. Symptoms related to hand-arm vibration were assessed via questionnaire. Vascular disorders were evaluated through the hand temperature recovery test, according to ISO 14835. Sensory function was examined using the monofilament test kit, and grip strength of the hand and fingers, as well as hand dexterity, were measured for both groups. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26).
Results: Based on the findings of the present research, the 8-hour equivalent acceleration of hand-arm vibration among carpentry workers was 2.74 ± 0.85 m/s². The most frequently reported symptoms among carpenters were hand pain, tingling, and finger pruritus, while Raynaud’s phenomenon (finger blanching) was the least frequently reported. Grip strength, finger strength, hand dexterity, and motor skills were significantly lower in the exposed group compared to the controls (P<0.05). Around 10 percent of carpenters exhibited reduced superficial tactile sensitivity. However, no significant difference was observed between the exposed and control groups in terms of vascular impairments.
Conclusion: Chronic exposure to hand-arm vibration in furniture carpentry workshops, even at levels below the permissible limit, can lead to a range of sensory-neurological, vascular, and musculoskeletal symptoms in the hand and arm region, and can adversely affect motor function in these workers.
Zahra Jahani, Mahshid Namdari, Nastaran Keshavarz Mohammadi, Mahnaz Saremi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, are increasingly prevalent among school-aged children. Poor postural habits and improper backpack carriage are significant contributing factors. However, there is currently no comprehensive, standardized tool available to assess children’s knowledge of ergonomics related to spinal health.
Methods: This methodological study involved the development of a questionnaire through a seven-step process. Following the creation of the preliminary version and assessment of face validity, content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) by ten experts. The reliability of the instrument was assessed using a test-retest procedure with 15 students and internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient with a sample of 180 students.
Results: The final version of the questionnaire, entitled Kids’ Spine Ergonomics Awareness (KidSEA), comprised 13 items across three domains: "Spinal Anatomy," "Correct Posture," and "Ergonomics of Carrying School Supplies." The CVI and CVR for each item exceeded 0.79 and 0.62, respectively, indicating that all items were validated. Cohen’s kappa coefficient for individual items was above 0.41, and the overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.74, demonstrating acceptable levels of reliability and internal consistency.
Conclusion: The KidSEA questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing knowledge of ergonomic principles related to spinal health in children. It can be utilized to evaluate health literacy concerning spinal care, design targeted interventions, and inform educational programs for children in the studied age group. Further studies are recommended to establish the validity of the instrument across different age groups.
Maryam Momtaz-Bakhsh, Saeed Ghasemi, Nabi Omidi, Mohammadreza Omidi, Vahideh Menati,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the main occupational health challenges in industries with demanding working conditions, such as petrochemical plants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a combined ergonomic and exercise intervention on pain reduction and motor performance improvement among the employees of Ilam Petrochemical Company.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a pre/posttest design with 40 male workers. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (receiving ergonomic training combined with exercise) or a control group. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Motor Performance Questionnaire. Following that, the obtained data were analyzed using independent t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: The combined intervention significantly reduced pain in the lower back (55%), shoulders (56%), and knees (57%), while improving the total motor performance score (43%; P<0.001). Cohen’s d effect sizes ranged from 1.8 to 2.5, indicating high effectiveness.
Conclusion: The integration of ergonomic and exercise interventions led to a significant reduction in musculoskeletal pain and improvement in motor performance among petrochemical workers. These findings demonstrate the positive impact of the intervention on workers' motor performance indicators.
Abbas Farjad Pezeshk, Mohammadreza Vafai, Saeed Ilbeigi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: The role of shaft stiffness in military boots is widely recognized, yet the majority of studies focus on quantifying stiffness rather than examining how the material composition of the boot shaft influences performance. The present study aimed to assess the effect of different boot materials on kinetic parameters, comparing conventional leather boots to a hybrid leather-synthetic design to assess their impact on mobility and biomechanical efficiency.
Methods: A repeated-measures experimental design was employed, assessing 20 healthy male participants under four conditions: walking with a formal shoe and three military boot types, each featuring distinct shaft materials (two leather and one a hybrid leather-synthetic design). Ground reaction forces, rate of force development, and impulse were recorded using a force plate. Statistical analysis involved repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction.
Results: Featuring synthetic materials in the shaft, boot 3 displayed reduced negative impulse and elevated positive impulse relative to traditional leather boots during gait.
Conclusion: These findings highlighted the biomechanical advantages of hybrid boot designs, suggesting that reduced shaft stiffness improves mobility and motion efficiency. The study underscores the need for optimized traditional boot materials to enhance gait performance while minimizing injury risks, particularly for military personnel.
Zahra Sadat Sharifi, Rasoul Hemmatjo, Abolfazl Ghahramani,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Nowadays, electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, and tablets have played an important role in people's work and lives, and the main complaint of users of video terminals is eye symptoms caused by them. This study aimed to evaluate the intensity of lighting and brightness and its possible relationship with visual fatigue in users of video terminals at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 171 users of video terminals at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. In this study, the local illuminance intensity at the work surface and the luminance intensity from the screen at the user's eye level were measured. A 15-question visual fatigue questionnaire was used to assess visual fatigue. The results were analyzed using paired t-tests and chi-square tests using SPSS software.
Results: In this study, the average local illumination intensity on the desk was 306.6 lux and the average luminance intensity was 73.9 candelas per square meter. Local illumination intensity was lower than the recommended level in 41.6 percent of cases. There was no statistically significant relationship between illumination intensity and users' vision during the study, and there was also no statistically significant relationship between users' luminance and vision. The results of this study showed that vision at the end of the work has a significant relationship with the individual's vision at the beginning of the work. The results of this study also showed that there is a significant relationship between visual fatigue and the type of work.
Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, it is recommended that, if possible, the time to start working with visual terminals should be when there is no feeling of visual fatigue. Also, since one of the factors affecting visual fatigue is the type of work, it is recommended that users manage their work in such a way that they are mostly inactive (reading the page).
Nabi Omidi, Neda Sadat Jafari, Mohammad Reza Omidi, Yadollah Mahmoodi,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: In high-risk operational environments such as oilfields, physical and psychological factors can undermine employee productivity and positive organizational behaviors. This study aimed to examine the effect of ergonomic skills training on enhancing Organizational Citizenship Behavior and productivity among operational staff of the Azar oilfield.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test–post-test design with a control group and was conducted on 40 male operational workers. Participants were randomly assigned to either an ergonomic training group or a control group (20 participants each). Data were collected using the OCB questionnaire by Podsakoff et al. (1990) and the HPQ questionnaire by Hersey and Goldsmith (1980). Analyses included independent t-tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and within-group comparisons.
Results: After the 4-week intervention, the ergonomic training group showed significant increases in total OCB scores (from 105.6 to 118.4; +12.1%) and HPQ scores (from 128.8 to 145.6; +13.0%) (p < 0.001). The greatest OCB improvements were observed in altruism (+15.3%) and conscientiousness (+14.8%), while HPQ improvements were highest in motivation (+16.2%) and ability (+15.4%). Cohen’s d effect sizes ranged from 1.78 to 2.20, indicating a high level of effectiveness. No significant changes were observed in the control group (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Ergonomic skills training markedly improved organizational citizenship behavior and productivity among employees of the Azar oilfield. These findings underscore the strategic value of investing in ergonomic training programs to enhance both individual and organizational performance in high-risk workplaces.
Samin Asghari, Mahmoodreza Azghani, Sadra Jalali,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly foot problems, are among the leading causes of reduced quality of life and work productivity. Evidence suggests that occupational conditions and daily activities play a crucial role in the development of foot pain. This study aimed to examine the association between occupational status and the severity of foot pain and functional impairment using the Foot Function Index (FFI).
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,848 participants in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Based on occupational status, participants were categorized into employees, self-employed, housewives (women only), and students. Data were collected using the FFI questionnaire. Normality of the data was tested using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests. Since the distribution was non-normal, inter-group comparisons were performed using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by pairwise comparisons with the Mann–Whitney U test and Bonferroni correction where necessary
Results: The findings revealed that students, in both men and women, reported the highest levels of foot functional problems, while employees and self-employed individuals had lower FFI scores. Among women, housewives reported fewer problems compared to students. Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences between occupational groups (p<0.001)
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that occupational status is directly associated with foot pain and functional impairment. The results highlight students as a high-risk group requiring targeted preventive and ergonomic interventions. Identifying the impact of occupational factors on foot health can provide a basis for designing strategies to improve occupational health and reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders.
Reza Masoudi, Zahra Saeidi, Shahla Abolhassani, Leili Rabiei,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Healthcare staff, due to the nature of their job, are exposed to various occupational hazards including ergonomic stressors, which can affect their health and lead to job burnout. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ergonomic intervention on job burnout and resilience among employed nurses.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted with 70 nurses employed at Shohada Lordegan Hospital during the years 2018–2019 (1397-1398). The study units were randomly assigned by block randomization into two groups: intervention and control. The ergonomic intervention consisted of four stages (education, work modification, a regular exercise program with supervision, support, and follow-up) applied to the intervention group. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The mean scores before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention were compared using SPSS version 23 with independent t-test, chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: There was no significant difference in the mean job burnout score between the two groups before the intervention (p>0.05). However, after the intervention, this difference became significant, with the intervention group showing less job burnout and greater resilience compared to the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that implementing ergonomic intervention among nurses can reduce job burnout. Given the effectiveness of the intervention, it is recommended that ergonomic training programs be included in nursing educational curricula.
Kamal Azadi, Manouchehr Haidary, Farzaneh Saki,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: In recent years, the use of smartphones has affected people's lifestyles and caused postural abnormalities, especially in the spine. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of corrective exercises on proprioception, forward head posture, shoulder and neck muscle strength in male students who use mobile phones.
Methods: The research method was semi-experimental and pre-test, post-test. The statistical population consisted of 34 students (mean age 15.34) from the city of Rosen, who were randomly divided into two groups of 17 (experimental group and control group). The experimental group's exercise program was carried out for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week (total 18 sessions) and each session lasted 1 hour. During this period, the control group did not receive exercise. Before and after the intervention, the variables of head forward were measured by imaging, neck muscle strength using a dynamometer, neck proprioception using a laser pointer, and shoulder protrusion using a graduated ruler. The data were analyzed using correlated and independent t-tests and SPSS software.
Results: Based on the findings of the present study, head forward (P=0.001), shoulder forward (P=0.001), neck muscle strength (P=0.001), and neck proprioception (P=0.001), improved in the experimental group after implementing the training protocol, but no significant improvement was observed in the control group for head forward (P=0.188), shoulder forward (P=0.211), neck muscle strength (P=0.402), and neck proprioception (P=0.452).
Conclusion: In general, it can be said that 6 weeks of corrective exercises improve neck pain and have positive effects on controlling body abnormalities. It also reduces pain and increases neck muscle strength and improves neck proprioception by positively affecting head forward.
Samaneh Daryushi, Teimour Allahyari, Zanyar Karimi, Hamidreza Khalkhali,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Pillows play a key role in supporting muscles and maintaining the natural posture of the neck during sleep. The present study aimed to measure and investigate the effect of pillow shape, filling material, and sleeping posture on cervical angle and perceived comfort during sleep.
Methods: A total of 10 participants (5 males and 5 females) with a mean age of 26.7 years took part in this study. Each participant used the tested four pillows (two cylindrical pillows and two rectangular pillows, one with wool content and the other with memory foam) for one hour (30 minutes in the supine position and 30 minutes in the lateral position). During the experiment, the cervical angle was measured using a Kinect sensor. At the end of each 30-minute session, participants were asked to report their perceived comfort level with visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: Analysis of variance revealed that the cervical angle in the cylindrical wool pillow with the supine posture was significantly greater than in other conditions (P < 0.01). The smallest cervical angle was observed with the rectangular memory foam pillow in the lateral posture. Comparison of sleeping posture effects on cervical angle showed a significant difference between the two studied postures (P < 0.01). The highest perceived comfort was reported in the lateral posture using a traditional rectangular pillow.
Conclusion: The results indicate that pillow shape and material, as well as sleeping posture, significantly affect cervical angle and perceived comfort. Therefore, selecting an appropriate pillow based on sleeping posture may help improve comfort and maintain proper cervical alignment during sleep.
Elahe Amouzadeh, Siavash Etemadinezhad, Jamshid Yazdani Charati,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Office automation systems are essential for optimizing administrative processes, reducing human errors, and improving organizational efficiency. However, their effectiveness depends on usability and user interaction quality. This study assesses the usability of the Chargoon office automation system at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences using a mixed-methods approach, addressing gaps in prior evaluations of similar systems in Iranian academic settings.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, with the quantitative component using the standardized System Usability Scale (SUS) and the qualitative component involving heuristic evaluation based on Nielsen's ten principles by five UX experts. Simple random sampling selected 240 employees and faculty members. Performance data, including task completion time and error rates for six frequent tasks, were collected and analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation in SPSS v26.
Results: The mean SUS score was 64.83 (±12.84), indicating acceptable usability with room for improvement. The task 'sending a letter to multiple recipients' showed the highest error rate (15.2%) and completion time (57.3 seconds). Heuristic evaluation identified 99 issues, primarily in system feedback (25%) and error prevention (20%).
Conclusion: The Chargoon system has moderate usability but requires targeted improvements in interface design, feedback mechanisms, and error prevention to reduce cognitive load and operational costs in academic settings
