Knee Extension Exercise Effects on Physiological and Psychophysical Performance: Normal Weight Versus Obese Office Workers.

BACKGROUND: Knee extension exercise is useful and practical for obese and overweight people as this form of exercise is effective in minimizing body weight loading on joints and improving the body's physiological function. This study aimed to compare the physiological and psychophysical parameters of office workers while computer-based working in an active workstation equipped with an active footrest (AFR) prototype with a mechanism for performing knee extension exercises in a sitting position, and also to compare the physiological and psychophysical parameters among normal-weight and obese office workers. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, the physiological parameters of heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure (EE) (measured with the Fitbit Charge HR smartwatch) were measured in two cross-over random sessions for 32 office workers (16 normal-weight and 16 obese) aged 28 to 50 years (M = 42.72, standard deviation [SD] = 4.37) while performing office tasks in sitting and active workstations (equipped with AFR). Perceived physical exertion, comfort, fatigue, and liking were also measured by rating the participants. FINDINGS: Short-term activity of the participants with AFR performing computer tasks significantly improved physiological and psychophysical parameters compared with the participants in sitting workstations. However, there was no significant difference in the effect of AFR on physiological and psychophysical parameters between normal-weight and obese participants. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Given the significant increase in EE and HR resulting from exercise with AFR compared with the conventional workstation, the use of AFR can help office workers achieve the minimum standard of physical activity at their workplace.

Ergonomic Evaluation of Dental Professionals as Determined by Rapid Entire Body Assessment Method in 2014.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: In dentistry, incorrect working posture is the most important cause of musculoskeletal disorders. PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to evaluate the work postures of general dentists and specialists using rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, work postures were assessed in 90 dentists by employing REBA method. Stratified sampling method was used. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), Independent t-test and Pearson's correlation test in SPSS 19. RESULTS: The results showed that work postures of 90% of dentists were at moderate- to high-risk levels. Among the specialists, periodontists, pedodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons had the worst body postures. CONCLUSION: In general, dentists' working postures need improvement and consequently, a more comprehensive ergonomic training and promotion is required in dentistry curriculum at Universities.

Investigation of grip and pinch strengths in Iranian adults and their correlated anthropometric and demographic factors.

BACKGROUND: Grip and pinch strength measurement is important for objective evaluation of the function of the upper extremities in upper limbs injuries treatment and also for ergonomists as a way of optimizing the requirements of hand tool design. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to investigate the correlation of anthropometric and demographic factors with hand strength as well as to develop regression models for grip and three types of pinch strengths including Tip, Key and Palmar in Iranian adult population. METHODS: The study population consisted of 1008 Iranian adults aged 20 to 107 years. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling method from crowded places of the cities with the highest number of Persian ethnic group. Strength measurements were undertaken according to recommendations by the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). RESULTS: This study found a positive and significant correlation between all measured strengths and anthropometric factors. The regression equations of grip and pinch strengths were developed for dominant and non-dominant hands. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provided more information about correlated factors of grip and pinch strengths. The regression equations developed in this research are applicable to clinical treatment and ergonomics programs.