Showing 14 results for Physical
Fatemeh Malekpour, Yousef Mohammadian, Ali Moharampour, Alireza Malekpour,
Volume 2, Issue 1 (6-2014)
Abstract
Background: One of the main problems in the occupational workplace is musculoskeletal disorders. Quality of life is a multidimensional concept, including the ability of performance, health and mental statues that important factors such as physical, psychological, social relationships and personal attitude influence on quality of life .The aim of current study is assessment of impact of musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity on quality of life in automobile factory workers.
Materials and Methods: In this study, from 453 automobile factory workers, 140 workers participated. In order to determine musculoskeletal disorders, quality of life and physical activity, Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, quality of life questionnaire (SF 36) and physical activity questionnaire were used respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 software with descriptive analysis and Pierson correlation analysis.
Result: The results showed that the between physical function, activity limitation due to physical problems, bodily pain, vitality, public health and fatigue with musculoskeletal disorders were statistically significant correlation (P< 0.05). Between regular physical activity and musculoskeletal disorders and consequent with quality of life obtained significant correlation.
Discussion: Physical activity (exercise) increases worker fitness and reduces probability risk of musculoskeletal disorders and increase quality of life.
Payam Heydari, Sakineh Varmazyar, Shahzad Sabeti, Somayeh Jafari, Sajjad Ataei,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Listening to music during physical activity reduces the perceived stress on body. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of music genre and sound pressure level on calorie consumption and physical performance of students during treadmill tests.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 27 students were randomly selected. A demographic questionnaire, Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE 6-20), and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) were used for data collection. During flat and sloped treadmill running (five minutes at 6 km/hour), two pieces of music with fast and slow tempo (200 and 70 beat per minute) were also played at two sound pressure levels (60 and 80 dB). During the exercise, the students’ heart rate and calorie consumption were measured by a calorimeter (Beurer PM100). At each stage, the physical performance of the participants was estimated using the relevant equation.
Results: The students had the lowest physical performance (61.48) when no music was played and the highest physical performance (92.48) with slow, loud music. The mean heart rate, calorie consumption, and perceived exertion were maximized without music and minimized when slow, loud music was played.
Conclusion: Playing soft music at high sound pressure levels can promote physical performance during exercise by decreasing heart rate, calorie consumption, and perceived exertion.
Firouz Valipour, Omran Ahmadi, Gholam Hossein Pourtaghi,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Understanding the physical capacity of people in different weather conditions can facilitate the assignment of right jobs to right individuals. People’s physical work capacity can change in response to weather conditions. Since military forces are usually obliged to work under different weather conditions, this study aimed to assess these individuals’ physical work capacity in desired, warm-humid, and very warm-humid weather conditions.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 36 military men (age: 20-29 years). Astrand treadmill tests were used to measure the participants’ physical work capacity, maximum aerobic capacity, and maximum oxygen uptake were measured under three weather conditions (desired, warm-humid, and very warm-humid).
Results: The mean physical work capacity of the participants in desired, warm-humid, and very warm-humid weather conditions was 3.69 ± 0.52, 3.69 ± 0.55, and 3.41 ± 0.50 Kcal/min, respectively. The participants’ maximum physical capacity under the mentioned conditions was 10.87 ± 1.54, 10.84 ± 1.63, and 10.02 ± 10.48 Kcal/min, respectively. Maximum aerobic capacity of the subjects was 29.52 ± 2.52, 29.76 ± 2.65, and 28.14 ± 2.76 ml/kg/min, respectively.
Conclusion: According to our findings, people have similar physical work capacity under desired and warm-humid weather conditions. However, physical work capacity reduced in very warm-humid weather. Moreover, the participants were allowed to perform light-moderate work during a work shift.
Mojgan Firouzbakht, Aram Tirgar,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: The working population spends an increasing amount of waking times at work that is full of social relationship and meaningful resource of social capital. With regard to relationship between workplace social capital and employee health, this systematic review was performed with aim to evaluate the effects of workplace social capital in health workforce.
Materials & Methods: This is a systematic review study. The articles were in full text and in English language that were cited in Pubmed, Scopus, and Google scholar database with key words such as "workplace social capital" ,"health", "hypertension", "diabetes", "depression" without time limit were selected, at least 14 articles were eligible.
Results: Workplace social capital was related with cardio-vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and depression among the employees.
Conclusions: Workplace social capital should be considered as one of the most important issue in health promotion.
Naser Sadra Abarghouei, Hamirdreza Jafarpour,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: A significant number of employees of any organization experience burnout, in many different countries. It is obvious that burnout prevention and mental health promotion play an important role in the improvement of the quality of services. One of the strategies that could be useful in reducing premature aging is deployment of a total ergonomics (ergonomics micro and macro). The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between variables considered in the context of total ergonomics and burnout.
Methods: The sample was selected from one of the hospitals in Yazd, including various departments with 506 employees. The sample size of 216 was determined according to Morgan. The data were collected through questionnaires and samples were selected through a stratified random sampling method.
Results: The results showed that moderate job burnout and perceived organizational support by the employees was lower than average, and there was a significant negative relationship between burnout and variables involved in comprehensive ergonomics. The study showed that demographic variables of burnout were effective on employees.
Conclusions: This study investigated burnout level, organizational support, organizational justice and physical environment. The reduction of Burnout was assessed by improved total ergonomic (macro and micro ergonomic) conditions. The results obtained in this study correspond with the results of various research studies. At the end of the study, based on the results, suggestions were made to reduce burnout.
Tayebe Rahimi Pordanjani, Ali Mohamadzade Ebrahimi,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Nurses as the most important part of human resources in the health service system are often faced with problems associated with shift work. The present study aimed to examine a mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between workload and physical and mental health among nurses.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 236 nurses working in three educational hospitals in Bojnord city. To collect data, the survey of shiftworkers (SOS) questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling by AMOS-21 and SPSS 19 software packages. In addition, the Preacher and Hayes’ SPSS Macro program was used for testing mediation.
Results: The results showed that the proposed model fitted the data properly. Also, workload directly affected only physical health, and the quality of sleep had a mediator role in the relationship between workload and physical and mental health.
Conclusions: Sleep quality as an important variable can mediate the relationship between workload and physical and mental health in nurses. So, it is suggested that interventional interventions to improve the health of the staff be focused on adjusting and shifting job shifts and teaching the principles of sleep hygiene to them.
Ehsanollah Habibi, Mina Salehi, Ali Taheri, Ghasem Yadegarfar,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background: Recently adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system is used for the classification of physical load based on three parameters including %HRmax, HRrest, and body weight. The aim of this study was to optimize this model to reduce the error and increase the accuracy of the model in the classification of physical load.
Methods: The heart rate and oxygen consumption of 30 healthy men were measured during a step test in the laboratory. The VO2max of the participants was measured directly during a maximal treadmill test. A relationship was observed between the calculated %VO2max which is considered as the gold standard of physical load and the model inputs using ANFIS in MATLAB software version 8.0.0. the genetic algorithm was then applied as an optimization technique to the model.
Results: accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model increased after optimization. The average of accuracy accelerated from 92.95% to 97.92%. The RMSE decreased from 5.4186 to 3.1882. Also, in %VO2max estimation, the maximum error of the mode was ±5% after optimization.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that the use of Genetic Algorithm during training process can increase the accuracy and decrease the error of ANFIS model in the estimation of%VO2max. . The advantages of this model include high precision, simplicity and applicability in real-world working environments and also interpersonal differences.
Zahra Ordudari, Shiva Soury, Ehsanollah Habibi, Zahra Sharifian,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: Regular physical activity plays an important role in the prevention of low back pain, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, depression and early death. Also, work ability is related to the interactions between physical and mental ability, working conditions, employee efficiency, and employee health status. In this research, the relationship between work ability and the level of physical activity is investigated.
Materials & Methods: This study was descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional, which was conducted among 120 office workers and operatives. Physical activity and work ability index were measured using physical activity questionnaire and Iranian version of work ability index. Data analysis was performed using SPSS20 and (P <0.05) was considered significant.
Results: In this study, gardeners and office workers respectively,had the highest and lowest levels of physical activity with the mean of 4206.09 and 3567.58. However, work ability almost was the same in all groups. Also, Pearson correlation coefficient showed that there was no significant relationship between work ability index and physical activity.
Conclusion: According to the results,the work ability index of subjects was good and physical activity was high. Also, there was no significant relationship between work ability index and physical activity, thus making plans to promote the work ability index should be a priority in the intervention program.
Saideh Meshgin, Rahman Sheikhhoseini, Ramin Balouchi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: People with different ages especially children and teenagers spend most of their free time using electronic entertainments The purpose of this research was studying the relationship between “upper body posture” and physical activity, mental aspects and the use of electronic entertainments.
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 160 female students aged 7-12 years old, from 17th district of Tehran were chosen. Tools for collecting information was short-form physical activity measure questionnaire (IPAQ), personal information questionnaire consisting of questions about the amount of time using electronic entertainments, Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) and children’s depression inventory (CDI) by Maria Kovacs. Photogrammetric method was applied for measuring forward head and rounded shoulder angle, and a flexible ruler for measuring kyphosis angle. A linear regression test with a %95 level of certainty was used for analysing collected information (P <0.05).
Results: There is a meaningful relationship between depression and anxiety with students’ forward head angle, and depression and electronic entertainments with kyphosis angle (P<0.05). But no meaningful relationship was observed between rounded shoulder angle and mental aspects and physical activity.
Conclusion: A close relationship between psychological factors and upper body posture in female primary school students from Tehran was observed and this issue should be considered while designing preventive and corrective programs.
Zivar Sabaghinejad, Abdolkazem Neisi, Somaye Parvin,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2018)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Each organization needs to provide an environment that is smooth, tensile, comfortable and affordable with appropriate physical and emotional conditions for each employee, a safe and relaxed working environment, so that they can work best with a sense of job satisfaction. The present study examines the ergonomic conditions of libraries in public universities in Ahwaz and its impact on job satisfaction and librarians.
Methods: This research is descriptive and has been surveyed. The population of the study consisted of 84 librarians of Shahid Chamran Universities and Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences who participated in the study census. To evaluate ergonomic conditions, a questionnaire was extracted from ergotools software, job satisfaction survey from Arenson et al. Scale and job evaluation questionnaire by Faraj Pahloo, Nooshin Fard and Hasanzadeh. Relationships between research variables were investigated using structural equation modeling.
Results: The results showed that there is a direct, positive and significant relationship between ergonomic conditions and job satisfaction, job satisfaction and job performance, and ergonomic conditions and job performance. There is also a positive and significant indirect relationship between ergonomic conditions and job performance due to job satisfaction.
Conclusion: All relationships between the variables examined were confirmed. Therefore, ergonomic conditions are effective both directly and through the job satisfaction of librarians’ job performance. Considering the positive and direct relationship, it can be said that the librarians of the public universities’ libraries of Ahwaz are pleased with better ergonomic conditions and show better job performance.
Mohsen Aliabadi, Ramin Rahmani, Ebrahim Darvishi, Maryam Farhadian, Masoud Shafiee Motlagh, Neda Mahdavi,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
Background: Exposure to vibration is one of the occupational agents that causes a variety of health effects. The aim of this study was to determine the association between exposure to human vibration and the physical performance of mining drivers.
Methods: In the present study, 65 drivers working in one of the Iron Ore mines, were asked to complete the standard questionnaire for assessing the level of disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH). Exposure to human vibration was measured using Svantek 106 vibrometer. Drivers' physical performance was assessed based on grip strength, Pegboard dexterity, and monofilament finger sensory tests. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software.
Results: The average vibration acceleration whole body (WBV) and hand-arm (HAV) were 1.00±0.23 and 2.46±0.68 m/s2 respectively. There was a significant relationship between exposure to HAV and grip strength and hand dexterity (p <0.05). According to the DASH score, 56.9% of drivers had mild and 43.1% had moderate upper limb disability. The results of the multiple regression model with a coefficient of determination of 0.207 showed that the WBV in the presence of other predictor variables had a significant effect on DASH score (p<0.05).
Conclusion: In mining truck drivers, WBV exposure was higher and HAV exposure was lower than the national exposure limits. The results confirmed that WBV caused by mining trucks is the most important risk factor affecting the level of drivers' disability.
Zahrasadat Javadi Hoseini, Hamidreza Mokhtarinia, Mohsen Vahedi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are multifactorial conditions that result in time loss, disability, and increased economical costs. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of the physical, environmental and psychosocial factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders in workers in the production and assembly of auto parts in Qom city in 2021.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 211 participants through an inconvenience sampling method entered the study. The demographic characteristics of participants and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders were assessed by a self-report questionnaire and the Extended Nordic questionnaire, respectively. The mental workload was evaluated by the NASA-TLX index and the physical, environmental and psychosocial risk factors were evaluated by the Structured Multidisciplinary Work Evaluation Tool (SMET). The binary logistic regression method was used to show the role of the different risk factors in the development of MSDs.
Results: Participants had an average age of 33.9 years (SD = 6.9). The lifetime prevalence of MSDs was obtained at about 77.72% in at least one area of the body. The neck, back, and shoulder areas were the most common regions. Gender, smoking history, surgery history, age, past surgery history, and sports history were most effective in the development of MSDs. In addition, subscales of mental workload play a role in causing pain in the shoulders, upper back, back and knees. SMET subscales play an effective role in the neck (OR = 1.396), upper back (OR = 1.663), hip, and knee, wrist/hand, and ankle/foot pain.
Conclusion: According to the role of various factors in developing disorders, the physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors should be considered simultaneously in planning preventive programs and ergonomics interventions.
Keyvan Hejazi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (5-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: The study of physical and health-related fitness and body composition indicators in workers is very important to prevent performance degradation. Therefore, this study aims to investigate such indicators among the employees of Izogam Shargh Company.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 150 workers from 150 stations in Mashhad city were selected by stratified random sampling and divided into three age groupsnamely. 25-34, 35-44 and 45-54 years. Two -way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc test were performed to compare the variables in the three age groups.
Results: Significant differences were found in body composition indicators, i.e., weight between the age groups 25-34 years with 35- 44 years (P=0.008) and 35-44 years with 45- 54 years (P=0.001), body mass index between the age groups 25-34 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001) and 35-44 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001), body fat percentage between the age groups 25-34 years with 45- 54 years (P = 0.006), maximum oxygen consumption between the age groups 25-34 years with 35-44 years (P=0.001), 25-34 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001), and 35-44 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001). In addition, significant differences were found in all physical and health-related fitness indicators, i.e., agility, explosive strength, flexibility, abdominal muscle endurance, and shoulder girdle muscle endurance, between the age groups 25-34 years with 35-44 years (P=0.001), 25-34 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001), and 35-44 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that the level of physical fitness of employees decreases with age. Therefore, it is suggested that the managers of companies create the necessary conditions and incentives for employees to engage in regular physical activity.
Payam Heydari, Avin Ahmadian, Aram Mohamadi, Pakhshan Ahmadian, Seyyed Ehsan Samaei,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Today, visual comfort is considered an important and fundamental component of man-made environments. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to all factors affecting it. This study was conducted as a systematic review to summarize the factors affecting visual comfort.
Methods: An electronic search was conducted in national and international databases including Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, BMJ Learning, Springer and ProQuest. Articles were searched using keywords such as visual comfort, architectural features, space configuration, interior design, physical factors, and lighting.
Results: Out of 135 articles, the full text of 19 articles was finally reviewed. Questionnaires were used in 53.5% of studies, while device measurement were used in 21.4%. Physical factors were found to have the most impact on visual comfort, accounting for 51.4% of the studies reviewed. Additionally, architectural factors, space configuration and interior design accounted for 25.7% of the impact on visual comfort in the studies reviewed.
Discussion and Conclusion: Improving visual comfort can be achieved by influencing factors such as physical elements, architectural design, space configuration, and interior design. This can lead to a reduction in errors, improved performance, decreased injuries from falls, and an overall increase in quality of life.
