Showing 332 results for Type of Study: Research
Shiva Mohammadjani Kumeleh, Mohammad Amin Rashidi, Azim Akbari,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Administrative employees are often at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged computer use. Additionally, frequent interactions with clients expose them to a high mental workload and job stress. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, mental workload, general health, and job stress among administrative employees to improve their working conditions.
Methods: The present work followed a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical method and was conducted on the administrative employees of an engineering company in 2021. Finally, 119 individuals participated in the study using the census method. Demographic information questionnaires, as well as Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA), Cornell, NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Health and Safety Executive (HSE)-UK job stress checklists were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: According to the posture assessment with the ROSA method, the average final ROSA score was 4.33±1.03. Examination of mental load with the NASA-TLX indicated that 78% had a high mental load. In addition, according to the GHQ questionnaire, the average final general health score was 24.4±11.73. Moreover, based on the HSE-UK occupational stress questionnaire, more than 80% (103 people) of employees were under severe stress, and 12% (15 people) were under critical stress. A significant relationship was observed between occupational stress, body mass index (BMI), and age (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The implementation of intervention and control measures to improve musculoskeletal disorders, workload, general health, and job stress seems to be essential.
Majid Shahbazi, Javad Sarrafzadeh, Saeed Akhlaghi, Hossein Negahban,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Balance control is a crucial issue in patients with low back pain. Despite existing studies, the mechanism of balance control in patients with low back pain, especially under different loading conditions at various heights, remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of height on balance during loading.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 54 low back pain patients and 20 healthy male individuals participated. Balance control was assessed using a force plate system. The participants were randomly instructed to lower the load from above the head to waist level and from waist level to the ground. The load was approximately 10% of the participants' body weight. The P value was established 5% level of significance.
Results: The results showed that during lifting from above the head to waist level and from waist level to the ground, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in variables such as medial-lateral and anterior-posterior velocity, total mean velocity, and center of pressure displacement in the anterior-posterior direction between the two groups. Intra-group comparisons of variables in healthy individuals and low back pain patients indicated significant differences (P<0.05) in all variables except anterior-posterior velocity in healthy individuals. Both groups exhibited increased postural sway while lowering at a lower height.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that both healthy individuals and low back pain patients display less balance when loading at a lower height with a flexed lumbar spine, indicating that considering these findings could contribute to rehabilitation, determining occupational conditions, and preventing workplace-related accidents.
Seyedeh Aghdas Hosseini, Zeynab Moradian Haft Cheshmeh, Fardin Zandsalimi, Mahsa Mashayekhi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Cognitive failures are important for reducing accidents and improving performance, and they depend on multiple factors. Given that this issue has received less attention among midwives, the present study aimed to determine the status of cognitive failures concerning individual factors and personality traits among midwives.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer of 2024 on 211 midwives working in Kermanshah province in Iran. The samples were selected using a convenience sampling method. In addition, a standard three-part questionnaire was used. The first part included demographic information, and the second and third parts included questions from the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire and the short form of the NEO Personality Inventory. Moreover, data were analyzed using the SPSS (version 24) software.
Results: The mean age and work experience of the midwives participating in this study were 36.22±8.03 years and 10.38±7.85 years, respectively. The overall scores for cognitive failures in memory, action, and attention were 16.79±3.04, 17.41±2.80, and 16.30±3.62, in respective order. The results revealed a positive relationship between age, work experience, and body mass index (BMI) with cognitive failures and a negative relationship between exercising and cognitive failures. Neuroticism, agreeableness, and openness were positively related to cognitive failures, while conscientiousness was negatively related to cognitive failures.
Conclusion: The status of cognitive failures in the action dimension was more unfavorable than the other two dimensions. Some individual and personality traits were directly, and others inversely related to cognitive failures. Further research in this area is necessary.
Mahdi Ganji, Milad Karimi, Behnoush Bahari,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Nowadays, using digital displays in vehicles has become very common. Therefore, the reflection display screen issue as a virtual image on the vehicle's side windows at night is a controversial item in the ergonomics position of the designed display. Given the high importance of visual tasks, it is necessary to consider ergonomics considerations during vehicle design to achieve an optimal display position.
Methods: In the current study, by identifying the factors affecting the placement of the central display inside the vehicle and assigning level values for them, using the design of experiment statistical method with the full factorial approach, 243 runs were obtained from the combination of the identified factors using MINITAB (version 18) software. By implementing all the extracted runs, the amount of reflection from the central display on the side windows was subjected to statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: Significantly effective factors (including their interactions) on the response of the reflection of the virtual image on the critical vision zone and the total reflection on the driver's right and left side windows were identified. In addition, the amount/direction of the factors' effect on the responses was analyzed using a linear regression model.
Conclusion: During the interior design process of the vehicle and display packaging, the factors identified in this study can be used as a control tool to reduce or eliminate the concern of the amount of display reflection on the side windows to prevent driver's ergonomics problems during nighttime driving.
Ali Sobhani Dargah, Mohsen Aliabadi, Rostam Golmohamadi, Maryam Farhadian, Mohamad Babamiri, Shiva Mohammadjani Kumeleh,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of tonal noise and background speech on neurophysiological parameters and noise annoyance based on personality characteristics.
Methods: In this experimental study, 25 male students were exposed to four scenarios of tonal noise, irrelevant speech, and broadband noise as a reference in a simulated laboratory environment. The LF/HF index and galvanic skin response were recorded before and during exposure to the noise. The level of noise annoyance was determined at the end of each test session using the noise annoyance questionnaire according to ISO 15666.
Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) indicated that the difference between the values of neurophysiological indices and noise annoyance in different noise exposure scenarios was significant (P<0.05). The effect of different tonal sound levels on galvanic skin response and noise annoyance was significant (P<0.05). In addition, the effect of 65 dB tonal sound level and 55 dB speech sound level on the LF/HF index was reported to be significant (P<0.05). Also, the effect size of 1.919 in exposure to 65 dB tonal sound level had the highest value compared to other noise exposure scenarios for the noise annoyance variable.
Conclusion: Exposure to different levels of tonal noise and irrelevant speech leads to disruption of individuals' neurophysiological parameters and noise annoyance in individuals regarding some of their characteristics and personality traits.
Kamyar Rostamabadi, Yadollah Hamidi, Mohammad Babamiri, Leili Tapak, Zahra Toosi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Health centers are the first level to provide care, and job performance is important to achieving the goals of the health systems. One of the factors that affects job performance is organizational culture. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between organizational culture and employee job performance.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study (descriptive-analytical) was conducted on 210 employees in one of the health centers of Kermanshah province using the census method in the years 2021-2022. Standard questionnaires were used to collect information, including the Denison Standard Organizational Culture Questionnaire and the Employee Job Performance Evaluation Questionnaire. The collected information was entered into SPSS (version 25) software and analyzed with statistical tests. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered.
Results: There is a direct and significant relationship between the dimensions of organizational culture and employee job performance (P<0.05). Age and work experience had an inverse relationship with the dimensions of employee job performance (quality of work and initiative). Gender had a significant relationship with the organizational leadership dimension, and marital status had a significant relationship with initiative (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Organizational culture has a direct and significant relationship with the dimensions of employee job performance; therefore, by improving organizational culture, we can witness effective and sustainable changes in job performance. In addition, some demographic variables are also related to the level of employee job performance, and organization managers should pay attention to these variables when hiring.
Fatemeh Faraghati, Mohammad Javad Asadollahzadeh, Maryam Hasani,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common occupational health problems, particularly prevalent in driving-related professions. The present study aimed to assess body posture and the risk of developing MSDs among urban train operators in Mashhad, Iran, using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 140 train operators from the Mashhad Urban Railway in Iran were randomly selected. Demographic information and the prevalence of MSDs were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and postural assessment was performed using the REBA method. Statistical analysis was conducted using parametric (independent samples t-test) and non-parametric (chi-square) tests.
Results: According to the findings, 87.1% of participants reported musculoskeletal complaints in at least one body region. The most commonly affected areas were the neck (60%), lower back (57.1%), and upper back (33.6%). The results related to REBA indicated that 71.4% of operators were in the medium-risk category. There was a significant association between MSDs and body mass index (BMI), as well as years of work experience (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of MSDs and the medium level of postural risk among train operators, ergonomic interventions and training on proper working posture are strongly recommended to improve occupational health in this group.
Fateme Rezaie Pourmashizi, Behrouz Hajilou, Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Sara Anbarian, Mehrdad Anbarian,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: The core muscles of individuals with low back pain show a different activity pattern than the healthy group during load lifting. This issue may be due to changes in spinal control mechanisms, such as muscle synergies. The present study aimed to compare the synergy pattern of selected core muscles and lower limb muscles during load lifting and lowering with two different techniques among females with non-specific back pain in comparison with the healthy group.
Methods: A total of 18 healthy females with non-specific back pain and 18 match controls participated in this study. The activity of 8 muscles of the core and lower limbs was recorded while lifting a load of 10% of the subject's mass with stoop and squat techniques. Then, the pattern of muscle synergies was extracted using the non-negative matrix factorization algorithm. Pearson's correlation method and independent t-test were used to compare synergy patterns (P<0.05).
Results: Patients with back pain had a different muscle synergy pattern than those in the healthy group in stoop and squat techniques. The peak muscle synergy patterns of patients in both techniques were different from those of healthy subjects and were created in a different time cycle of lifting the load.
Conclusion: This study indicated that individuals with non-specific back pain use different synergy patterns during load lifting, and the body's control system may respond differently in patients with non-specific low back pain compared to healthy individuals. The changes observed in the relative weight of muscles in patients and healthy people may be caused by the changes in muscle synergy patterns, which require further studies.
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.
Maryam Momtazbakhsh, Saeed Ghasemi, Nabi Omidi, Mohammad Reza Omidi, Vahideh Menati,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: 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 in employees of Ilam Petrochemical Company.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a pretest-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 (NMQ) and Motor Performance Questionnaire (MPQ), and 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.
Nabi Omidi, Maryam Shokri, Farshid Modiri, Mohammad Reza Omidi, Farshid Modiri,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: 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 with SPSS and SmartPLS software, and measurement validity and reliability were confirmed through KMO, Bartlett, AVE, CR, and Rho_A indices.
Findings: Path analysis results indicated a significant positive relationship between hidden withdrawal profiles and turnover intention (β = 0.636, t = 13.297), and 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.
Simindokht Kalani, Mandana Katebi, Farzin Emamifar,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The interaction between work and family roles can lead to various outcomes, such as 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. This study explores the relationship between work-related rumination and both work-family conflict and enrichment.
Method: 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, Irritation scale, and subscales of excessive commitment and Work Obsession/Inability to Recover. Data were analyzed using stepwise regression analysis.
Findings: 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 (p < 0.001), and negative work 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 emphasize the importance of examining the consequences of specific forms of work-home integration rather than broadly rejecting any integration.
Abbas Farjad Pezeshk, Saeed Ilbeigi, Mohammad Reza Vafaiee,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The role of shaft stiffness in military boots is widely recognized, yet most research focuses on quantifying stiffness rather than examining how material composition of boot shaft influences performance. This study explores how different boot materials affect 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 twenty 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 (GRF), rate of force development (RFD), impulse was recorded using a force plate. Statistical analysis involved repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction.
Results: Featuring synthetic materials in the shaft, boot 3 showed reduced negative impulse, and elevated positive impulse relative to traditional leather boots during gait.
Conclusions: These findings highlight 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.
Mohsen Aliabadi, Ramin Rahmani, Maryam Farhadian, Seyed Ghavameddin Attari, Hadi Aeini,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: In the furniture industry, workers operating woodworking machinery are exposed to hand-arm vibration (HAV). The present study aimed to assess the occupational exposure levels and associated health effects of vibration transmitted to the hand during operation of vibrating equipment in furniture carpentry workshops.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted with 59 carpenters (case group) and 39 painters (control group) in Malayer city. Hand-arm vibration exposure was measured following ISO 5349. Symptoms related to hand-arm vibration were assessed via questionnaire. Vascular disorders were evaluated by hand temperature recovery test according to ISO 14835, sensory function was examined using the monofilament kit, grip strength of the hand and fingers, and dexterity were also measured for both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Results: 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 reported. Grip strength, finger strength, hand dexterity, and motor skills were significantly lower in the exposed group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Ten percent of carpenters exhibited decreased superficial tactile sensitivity. However, no significant difference was observed between the exposed and control groups regarding 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 adversely affect motor function in these workers.
Zahra Jahani, Mahshid Namdari, Nastaran Keshavarz, Mahnaz Saremi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: 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 and 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 via test-retest procedure with 15 students and internal consistency 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 all items were validated. The 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, to design targeted interventions, and to inform educational programs for the studied age group. Further studies are recommended to establish the validity of the instrument across different age groups.
Saeed Ilbeigi, Zahra Karimi, Abbass Frjad Pezeshk,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Backpacks with pelvic belts are commonly used for carrying loads during long treks and mountaineering, as they help distribute the load between the upper and lower body and reduce muscular effort. However, they may also restrict movement. This study aimed to compare three common pelvic belt mechanisms in backpacks regarding their effects on postural control and center of pressure (COP) parameters during standing and walking.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 20 male physical education students aged 19 to 25. Participants used three types of backpacks (1–with a movable pelvic belt, 2–with a crossed-frame back support, and 3–a regular backpack) while carrying a standard 13 kg load on a flat surface. A walking test without a backpack was also conducted as a control. COP indicators—including area, displacement, velocity, and sway—were measured. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and statistical comparisons were made using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.
Findings: No significant differences were observed among the backpacks in terms of COP area during standing and walking. However, during eyes-closed standing, significant differences were found in COP displacement and velocity in the anterior-posterior direction (p=0.009), particularly between the regular backpack and the one with a movable pelvic belt. For COP sway (p=0.030), significant differences were found among the three backpacks in the medial-lateral direction, though pairwise comparisons showed no statistical significance.
Conclusion: The backpack with a movable pelvic belt showed superior performance in minimizing COP sway, displacement, and velocity. Differences in pelvic belt designs become more evident under higher complexity postural tasks.
Teimour Allahyari, Akram Mahmoodi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In today’s 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: the Ergonomic Climate Questionnaire and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, one-sample t-tests, and regression analysis. Results: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. A positive and significant correlation was observed between all dimensions of ergonomic climate—namely, management commitment, employee involvement, hazard identification and control, and training and knowledge—and individual resilience. However, no significant relationships were found between demographic variables (age, gender, education, work experience) and resilience.
Conclusion: A favorable ergonomic climate plays a significant role in reducing stress and improving the psychological conditions of the workplace. Enhancing physical and mental health, reducing stress, increasing job satisfaction, and improving the quality of work life can all positively influence employees’ resilience in various ways. Therefore, organizational attention to ergonomic issues and the implementation of supportive strategies to improve workplace ergonomics can lead to an increased level of individual resilience among employees.
