Human Factors Contributing to Infection Prevention in Outpatient Hemodialysis Centers: A Mixed Methods Study.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Infection prevention efforts in dialysis centers can avert patient morbidity and mortality but are challenging to implement. The objective of this study was to better understand how the design of the work system might contribute to infection prevention in outpatient dialysis centers. STUDY DESIGN: Mixed methods, observational study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Six dialysis facilities across the United States visited by a multidisciplinary team over 8 months. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: At each facility, structured macroergonomic observations were undertaken by a multidisciplinary team using the SEIPS 1.0 model. Ethnographic observations were collected about staff encounters with dialysis patients including the content of staff conversations. Selective and axial coding were used for qualitative analysis and quantitative data were reported using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Organizational and sociotechnical barriers and facilitators to infection prevention in the outpatient dialysis setting were identified. Features related to human performance, (eg, alarms, interruptions, and task stacking), work system design (eg, physical space, scheduling, leadership, and culture), and extrinsic factors (eg, patient-related characteristics) were identified. LIMITATIONS: This was an exploratory evaluation with a small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: This study used a systematic macroergonomic approach in multiple outpatient dialysis facilities to identify infection prevention barriers and facilitators related to human performance. Several features common across facilities were identified that may influence infection prevention in outpatient care and warrant further exploration.

High Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Limited Evidence-based Ergonomics in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control defines work-related musculoskeletal disorders as disorders of the nerves, muscles, tendons, joints, spinal discs, and cartilage that are caused or exacerbated by the environment or nature of work. Previous meta-analyses have characterized work-related musculoskeletal disorders among interventionists, general surgeons, and other surgical subspecialties, but prevalence estimates, prognosis, and ergonomic considerations vary by study and surgical specialty. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What is the career prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in orthopaedic surgeons? (2) What is the treatment prevalence associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in orthopaedic surgeons? (3) What is the disability burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in orthopaedic surgeons? (4) What is the scope of orthopaedic surgical ergonomic assessments and interventions? METHODS: A systematic review of English-language studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was performed in December 2022 and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies that presented prevalence estimates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders or assessed surgical ergonomics in orthopaedic surgery were included. Reviews, case reports, gray literature (conference abstracts and preprints), and studies with mixed-surgeon (nonorthopaedic) populations were excluded. The search yielded 5603 abstracts; 24 survey-based studies with 4876 orthopaedic surgeons (mean age 48 years; 79% of surgeons were men) were included for an analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and 18 articles were included for a descriptive synthesis of ergonomic assessment. Quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute Tool revealed that studies had a low to moderate risk of bias, largely because of self-reporting survey-based methodology. Because of considerable heterogeneity and risk of bias, prevalence outcomes were not pooled and instead are presented as ranges (mean I 2 = 91.3%). RESULTS: The career prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in orthopaedic surgeons ranged from 37% to 97%. By anatomic location, the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the head and neck ranged from 4% to 74%; back ranged from 9% to 77%; forearm, wrist, and hand ranged from 12% to 54%; elbow ranged from 3% to 28%; shoulder ranged from 3% to 34%; hip and thigh ranged from 1% to 10%; knee and lower leg ranged from 1% to 31%; and foot and ankle ranged from 4% to 25%. Of orthopaedic surgeons reporting work-related musculoskeletal disorders, 9% to 33% had a leave of absence, practice restriction or modification, or early retirement, and 27% to 83% received some form of treatment. Orthopaedic surgeons experienced biomechanical, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and metabolic stress during procedures. Interventions to improve orthopaedic surgical ergonomics have been limited, but have included robotic assistance, proper visualization aids, appropriate use of power tools, and safely minimizing lead apron use. In hip and knee arthroplasty, robotic assistance was the most effective in improving posture and reducing caloric expenditure. In spine surgery, proper use of surgical loupes was the most effective in improving posture. CONCLUSION: Although the reported ranges of our main findings were wide, even on the low end of the reported ranges, work-related musculoskeletal disability among orthopaedic surgeons appears to be a substantial concern. We recommend that orthopaedic residency training programs incorporate surgical ergonomics or work injury lectures, workshops, and film review (alongside existing film review of surgical skills) into their curricula. We suggest hospitals engage in shared decision-making with surgeons through anonymous needs assessment surveys to implement wellness programs specific to surgeons' musculoskeletal needs. We urge institutions to assess surgeon ergonomics during routine quality assessment of novel surgical instruments and workflows. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Integrating human factors engineering into your pediatric radiology practice.

Human factors engineering involves the study and development of methods aimed at enhancing performance, improving safety, and optimizing user satisfaction. The focus of human factors engineering encompasses the design of work environments and an understanding of human mental processes to prevent errors. In this review, we summarize the history, applications, and impacts of human factors engineering on the healthcare field. To illustrate these applications and impacts, we provide several examples of how successful integration of a human factors engineer in our pediatric radiology department has positively impacted various projects. The successful integration of human factors engineering expertise has contributed to projects including improving response times for portable radiography requests, deploying COVID-19 response resources, informing the redesign of scheduling workflows, and implementation of a virtual ergonomics program for remote workers. In sum, the integration of human factors engineering insight into our department has resulted in tangible benefits and has also positioned us as proactive contributors to broader hospital-wide improvements.

Requirements and Barriers for Human-Centered SMEs.

With the advantages of new technologies and rising demand from customers, it is necessary to improve the manufacturing process. This necessity was recognized by the industry; therefore, the concept of Industry 4.0 has been implemented in various areas of manufacturing and services. The backbone and main aspect of Industry 4.0 is digitalization and the implementation of technologies into processes. While this concept helps manufacturers with the modernization and optimization of many attributes of the processes, Industry 5.0 takes a step further and brings importance to the human factor of industry practice, together with sustainability and resilience. The concept of Industry 5.0 contributes to the idea of creating a sustainable, prosperous, and human-friendly environment within companies. The main focus of the article is to analyze the existing literature regarding what is missing from the successful implementation of human centricity into industry practice, namely in small and medium-sized factories (SMEs). These findings are then presented in the form of requirements and barriers for the implementation of human centricity into SME factories, which can serve as guidelines for implementing human-centered manufacturing using axiomatic design theory in SMEs, which can serve as a roadmap for practitioners.

Impact of Fatigue on Ergonomic Risk Scores and Foot Kinetics: A Field Study Employing Inertial and In-Shoe Plantar Pressure Measurement Devices.

(1) Background: Occupational fatigue is a primary factor leading to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Kinematic and kinetic experimental studies have been able to identify indicators of WRMSD, but research addressing real-world workplace scenarios is lacking. Hence, the authors of this study aimed to assess the influence of physical strain on the Borg CR-10 body map, ergonomic risk scores, and foot pressure in a real-world setting. (2) Methods: Twenty-four participants (seventeen men and seven women) were included in this field study. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) (n = 24) and in-shoe plantar pressure measurements (n = 18) captured the workload of production and office workers at the beginning of their work shift and three hours later, working without any break. In addition to the two 12 min motion capture processes, a Borg CR-10 body map and fatigue visual analog scale (VAS) were applied twice. Kinematic and kinetic data were processed using MATLAB and SPSS software, resulting in scores representing the relative distribution of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Computer-Assisted Recording and Long-Term Analysis of Musculoskeletal Load (CUELA), and in-shoe plantar pressure. (3) Results: Significant differences were observed between the two measurement times of physical exertion and fatigue, but not for ergonomic risk scores. Contrary to the hypothesis of the authors, there were no significant differences between the in-shoe plantar pressures. Significant differences were observed between the dominant and non-dominant sides for all kinetic variables. (4) Conclusions: The posture scores of RULA and CUELA and in-shoe plantar pressure side differences were a valuable basis for adapting one-sided requirements in the work process of the workers. Traditional observational methods must be adapted more sensitively to detect kinematic deviations at work. The results of this field study enhance our knowledge about the use and benefits of sensors for ergonomic risk assessments and interventions.

Assessment of Surgeons' Stress Levels with Digital Sensors during Robot-Assisted Surgery: An Experimental Study.

Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (RAMIS) marks a paradigm shift in surgical procedures, enhancing precision and ergonomics. Concurrently it introduces complex stress dynamics and ergonomic challenges regarding the human-robot interface and interaction. This study explores the stress-related aspects of RAMIS, using the da Vinci XI Surgical System and the Sea Spikes model as a standard skill training phantom to establish a link between technological advancement and human factors in RAMIS environments. By employing different physiological and kinematic sensors for heart rate variability, hand movement tracking, and posture analysis, this research aims to develop a framework for quantifying the stress and ergonomic loads applied to surgeons. Preliminary findings reveal significant correlations between stress levels and several of the skill-related metrics measured by external sensors or the SURG-TLX questionnaire. Furthermore, early analysis of this preliminary dataset suggests the potential benefits of applying machine learning for surgeon skill classification and stress analysis. This paper presents the initial findings, identified correlations, and the lessons learned from the clinical setup, aiming to lay down the cornerstones for wider studies in the fields of clinical situation awareness and attention computing.

Exploring the Real-Time Variability and Complexity of Sitting Patterns in Office Workers with Non-Specific Chronic Spinal Pain and Pain-Free Individuals.

Chronic spinal pain (CSP) is a prevalent condition, and prolonged sitting at work can contribute to it. Ergonomic factors like this can cause changes in motor variability. Variability analysis is a useful method to measure changes in motor performance over time. When performing the same task multiple times, different performance patterns can be observed. This variability is intrinsic to all biological systems and is noticeable in human movement. This study aims to examine whether changes in movement variability and complexity during real-time office work are influenced by CSP. The hypothesis is that individuals with and without pain will have different responses to office work tasks. Six office workers without pain and ten with CSP participated in this study. Participant's trunk movements were recorded during work for an entire week. Linear and nonlinear measures of trunk kinematic displacement were used to assess movement variability and complexity. A mixed ANOVA was utilized to compare changes in movement variability and complexity between the two groups. The effects indicate that pain-free participants showed more complex and less predictable trunk movements with a lower degree of structure and variability when compared to the participants suffering from CSP. The differences were particularly noticeable in fine movements.

A Brain-Controlled and User-Centered Intelligent Wheelchair: A Feasibility Study.

Recently, due to physical aging, diseases, accidents, and other factors, the population with lower limb disabilities has been increasing, and there is consequently a growing demand for wheelchair products. Modern product design tends to be more intelligent and multi-functional than in the past, with the popularization of intelligent concepts. This supports the design of a new, fully functional, intelligent wheelchair that can assist people with lower limb disabilities in their day-to-day life. Based on the UCD (user-centered design) concept, this study focused on the needs of people with lower limb disabilities. Accordingly, the demand for different functions of intelligent wheelchair products was studied through a questionnaire survey, interview survey, literature review, expert consultation, etc., and the function and appearance of the intelligent wheelchair were then defined. A brain-machine interface system was developed for controlling the motion of the intelligent wheelchair, catering to the needs of disabled individuals. Furthermore, ergonomics theory was used as a guide to determine the size of the intelligent wheelchair seat, and eventually, a new intelligent wheelchair with the features of climbing stairs, posture adjustment, seat elevation, easy interaction, etc., was developed. This paper provides a reference for the design upgrade of the subsequently developed intelligent wheelchair products.

A Rapid Review on the Effectiveness and Use of Wearable Biofeedback Motion Capture Systems in Ergonomics to Mitigate Adverse Postures and Movements of the Upper Body.

Work-related diseases and disorders remain a significant global health concern, necessitating multifaceted measures for mitigation. One potential measure is work technique training utilizing augmented feedback through wearable motion capture systems. However, there exists a research gap regarding its current effectiveness in both real work environments and controlled settings, as well as its ability to reduce postural exposure and retention effects over short, medium, and long durations. A rapid review was conducted, utilizing two databases and three previous literature reviews to identify relevant studies published within the last twenty years, including recent literature up to the end of 2023. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 14 were of high or moderate quality. These studies were summarized descriptively, and the strength of evidence was assessed. Among the included studies, six were rated as high quality, while eight were considered moderate quality. Notably, the reporting of participation rates, blinding of assessors, and a-priori power calculations were infrequently performed. Four studies were conducted in real work environments, while ten were conducted in controlled settings. Vibration feedback was the most common feedback type utilized (n = 9), followed by auditory (n = 7) and visual feedback (n = 1). All studies employed corrective feedback initiated by the system. In controlled environments, evidence regarding the effectiveness of augmented feedback from wearable motion capture systems to reduce postural exposure ranged from strong evidence to no evidence, depending on the time elapsed after feedback administration. Conversely, for studies conducted in real work environments, the evidence ranged from very limited evidence to no evidence. Future reach needs are identified and discussed.

A Novel IMU-Based System for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk Assessment.

This study introduces a novel wearable Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)-based system for an objective and comprehensive assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), thus enhancing workplace safety. The system integrates wearable technology with a user-friendly interface, providing magnetometer-free orientation estimation, joint angle measurements, and WMSDs risk evaluation. Tested in a cable manufacturing facility, the system was evaluated with ten female employees. The evaluation involved work cycle identification, inter-subject comparisons, and benchmarking against standard WMSD risk assessments like RULA, REBA, Strain Index, and Rodgers Muscle Fatigue Analysis. The evaluation demonstrated uniform joint patterns across participants (ICC=0.72±0.23) and revealed a higher occurrence of postures warranting further investigation, which is not easily detected by traditional methods such as RULA. The experimental results showed that the proposed system's risk assessments closely aligned with the established methods and enabled detailed and targeted risk assessments, pinpointing specific bodily areas for immediate ergonomic interventions. This approach not only enhances the detection of ergonomic risks but also supports the development of personalized intervention strategies, addressing common workplace issues such as tendinitis, low back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The outcomes highlight the system's sensitivity and specificity in identifying ergonomic hazards. Future efforts should focus on broader validation and exploring the relative influence of various WMSDs risk factors to refine risk assessment and intervention strategies for improved applicability in occupational health.

Variables affecting surgeons' use of, and preferences for, instrumentation in veterinary laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of variables on use and preference of common laparoscopic instruments. STUDY DESIGN: Online survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: Surgeons (n = 140) with 3 years or more laparoscopic experience. METHODS: Electronic survey distributed via specialty group LISTSERVEs and Facebook groups. Responses collected included surgeon attributes, preferences, and surgical practice data. Statistical analysis was performed using Fishers exact, ANOVA, Tukey Kramer honestly significant difference (HSD) test, linear regression, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Ninety-eight of 140 respondents answered instrument-related questions and the completion rate of these questions was 76%: 48% of females and 49% of males responded to the survey. The median glove size of respondents was size 7 (range, 5.5 to 8.5). Closing laparoscopic Babcock forceps (p = .018), rotating cup biopsy forceps (p = .003), and manipulating endoscopic staplers (p < .001) were more difficult for surgeons with smaller glove sizes. The median difficulty score for the endoscopic stapler was 4/10 and the median percentage of time this was found difficult was 25%. Reusable instruments were preferred over disposable single-use instruments. The pistol grip was preferred for grasping and retracting (54/98, 55%) and fine dissection (46/96, 48%), while the axial grip was preferred for suturing and knot tying (61/98, 62%). CONCLUSION: Surgeons with smaller glove sizes (<6.5) experience more difficulty when using common laparoscopic instruments. The endoscopic stapler was the most difficult to use. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When purchasing laparoscopic instrumentation, surgeons should review all available options in handle size and design to improve ergonomics during minimally invasive procedures.

Ergonomic investigations on novel dynamic postural estimator using blaze pose and transfer learning.

The aim is to develop a computer-based assessment model for novel dynamic postural evaluation using RULA. The present study proposed a camera-based, three-dimensional (3D) dynamic human pose estimation model using 'BlazePose' with a data set of 50,000 action-level-based images. The model was investigated using the Deep Neural Network (DNN) and Transfer Learning (TL) approach. The model has been trained to evaluate the posture with high accuracy, precision, and recall for each output prediction class. The model can quickly analyse the ergonomics of dynamic posture online and offline with a promising accuracy of 94.12%. A novel dynamic postural estimator using blaze pose and transfer learning is proposed and assessed for accuracy. The model is subjected to a constant muscle loading factor and foot support score that could evaluate one person with good image clarity at a time.Practitioner summary: A detailed investigation of dynamic work postures is largely missing in the literature. Experimental analysis has been performed using transfer learning, BlazePose, and RULA action levels. An overall accuracy of 94.12% is achieved for dynamic postural assessment.

Participatory ergonomics: What works for whom and why? A realist review.

Participatory workplace interventions to improve workforce musculoskeletal health are infrequently analysed regarding why they work, for whom or under what circumstances. This review sought to identify intervention strategies which achieved genuine worker participation. In total, 3388 articles on participatory ergonomic (PE) interventions were screened; 23 were suitable to analyse within a realist framework identifying contexts, mechanisms of change, and outcomes. The interventions which succeeded in achieving worker participation were characterised by one or more of these contexts: workers' needs as a core starting point; a positive implementation climate; clear distribution of roles and responsibilities; allocation of sufficient resources; and managerial commitment to and involvement in occupational safety and health. Interventions that were organised and delivered in this way generated relevance, meaning, confidence, ownership and trust for the workers in an interrelated and multi-directional manner. With such information, PE interventions may be carried out more effectively and sustainably in the future.Practitioner summary: This review focuses on the question: which mechanisms support genuine worker participation, in what context and with which necessary resources, to reduce musculoskeletal disorders. Results emphasise the importance of starting with workers' needs, making the implementation climate egalitarian, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of all involved, and providing sufficient resources.Abbreviations: PE: participatory ergonomic(s); WMSD: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders; EU: European Union; MSD: Muskuloskeletal disorders; OSH: Occupational health and safety; C: context; M: mechanism; O: outcome; CMOCs: CMO configurations; NPT: Normalization process theory; OECD: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: EU-OSHA: European Occupational Safety and Health Agency.

Designing ergonomic toilets and bathrooms for older adults: A study on anthropometric dimensions and recommendations.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the ergonomic design of toilets and bathroom equipment for older adults using anthropometric measurements. DESIGN: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data were collected from 2,721 people aged ≥ 65 years in Turkey. Fourteen anthropometric measurements were evaluated. Body dimension characteristics were described using minimum, maximum, and arithmetic means and standard deviations and the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles. RESULTS: The measurements showed that companies generally do not design bathroom toilet equipment that is suitable for older adults. CONCLUSION: This study provides advice to designers and manufacturers on how to adapt their products to the bathroom according to users' body characteristics in order to increase person-environment fit for older people.

Patient selection for nonoperating room anesthesia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given the rapid growth of nonoperating room anesthesia (NORA) in recent years, it is essential to review its unique challenges as well as strategies for patient selection and care optimization. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent investigations have uncovered an increasing prevalence of older and higher ASA physical status patients in NORA settings. Although closed claim data regarding patient injury demonstrate a lower proportion of NORA cases resulting in a claim than traditional operating room cases, NORA cases have an increased risk of claim for death. Challenges within NORA include site-specific differences, limitations in ergonomic design, and increased stress among anesthesia providers. Several authors have thus proposed strategies focusing on standardizing processes, site-specific protocols, and ergonomic improvements to mitigate risks. SUMMARY: Considering the unique challenges of NORA settings, meticulous patient selection, risk stratification, and preoperative optimization are crucial. Embracing data-driven strategies and leveraging technological innovations (such as artificial intelligence) is imperative to refine quality control methods in targeted areas. Collaborative efforts led by anesthesia providers will ensure personalized, well tolerated, and improved patient outcomes across all phases of NORA care.

Ergonomic Assessment of the Surgeon's Physical Workload During Robot-Assisted Versus Standard Laparoscopy in a French Multicenter Randomized Trial (ROBOGYN-1004 Trial).

BACKGROUND: Standard laparoscopy (SL) is responsible for musculoskeletal disorders in surgeons because of poor ergonomic positions, which could be reduced by robot-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) owing to the surgeons' seated position. One of the aims of the ROBOGYN-1004 study (NCT01247779) was to evaluate surgeons' workloads during real-time procedures of gynecological oncological surgery. METHODS: Patients with gynecological cancer eligible for minimally invasive surgery were recruited from 13 French centers between December 2010 and December 2015. Physical workload was evaluated using the Borg scale every hour over the surgery duration and the perception of workload evaluated using NASA-TLX at the end of surgery. RESULTS: A total of 369 patients were recruited, of whom 176 underwent RAL and 193 underwent SL (per-protocol analysis). Posture during SL was significantly more challenging for all body parts except the back. There was an increase in discomfort over time (up to 4 h) for the hands and arms, neck, and legs in SL compared with RAL. Perceived physical activity and abilities were rated higher in SL than in RAL (p < 0.01), whereas perceived personal performance was higher in SL (p < 0.01). Perceived physical effort during surgery was lower in RAL than in SL. CONCLUSIONS: RAL improves the perception of physical workload. Compared with SL, the perceived effort is lower in RAL regardless of the complexity of the surgery.

Does surgeon sex and anthropometry matter for tool usability in traditional laparoscopic surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Hand size, strength, and stature all impact a surgeon's ability to perform Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery (TLS) comfortably and effectively. This is due to limitations in instrument and operating room design. This article aims to review performance, pain, and tool usability data based on biological sex and anthropometry. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched in May 2023. Retrieved articles were screened based on whether a full-text, English article was available in which original results were stratified by biological sex or physical proportions. Article quality was discussed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data were summarized in three main themes: task performance, physical discomfort, and tool usability and fit. Task completion times, pain prevalence, and grip style results between male and female surgeons formed three meta-analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1354 articles were sourced, and 54 were deemed suitable for inclusion. The collated results showed that female participants, predominantly novices, took 2.6-30.1 s longer to perform standardized laparoscopic tasks. Female surgeons reported pain at double the frequency of their male colleagues. Female surgeons and those with a smaller glove size were consistently more likely to report difficulty and require modified (potentially suboptimal) grip techniques with standard laparoscopic tools. CONCLUSIONS: The pain and stress reported by female or small-handed surgeons when using laparoscopic tools demonstrates the need for currently available instrument handles, including robotic hand controls, to become more size-inclusive. However, this study is limited by reporting bias and inconsistencies; furthermore, most data was collected in a simulated environment. Additional research into how anthropometric tool design impacts the live operating performance of experienced female surgeons would further inform this area of investigation.

A multicomponent quasi-experimental ergonomic interventional study: long-term parallel four-groups interventions.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are known as one of the main problems affecting the health of industrial workers and can lead to lost working days, functional disability of workers and wasting the financial resources of an organization. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluating the effect of ergonomic interventions on reducing MSDs and improving working posture in the in a foundry industry workers. METHODS: A field multicomponent cross-interventional study was conducted on workers working in a foundry industry. In this study, 117 male workers were divided into 4 groups, including a control group, a group with specialized ergonomics training, a group with workstation intervention, and a group simultaneously undergoing training and workstation intervention. All 4 groups were evaluated during a period of baseline, 6 and 12-months follow- up. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and direct observations of working postures by using the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method were used. RESULTS: The results showed that the implemented interventions in the shoulder/arm, back and stress level were effective and the difference in the final score was significant among different groups (P-value > 0.05). In addition, the interventions led to a significant decrease in the QEC scores and musculoskeletal symptom scores in the neck, shoulder, lower back, knee, and lower leg regions among different groups (P-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that workstation modification and training and workstation intervention simultaneously had a greater effect on MSDs and improving working posture compared to training alone.

Association of ergonomics risk factors among Iranian calico crafts-men and musculoskeletal discomforts: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have always been complaints reported by handicraft workers due to the repetitive and static nature of work. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the ergonomic conditions of craftsmen engaged with the calico industry. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was done in small calico industrial workshops in Isfahan, Iran, in 2022. The sample selection method in this study was census. Using QEC (Quick Exposure Checklist) and Cornell-Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), the ergonomic status of workers was evaluated. The data were analyzed using Chi-square (χ2) and Pearson's product-moment correlation test. RESULTS: The risk level of working postures in wrist/hand, shoulder /arm, and neck were high or very high among the craftsmen. The relationships between discomfort complaints reported by the participants and the risk level of working postures were significant for neck χ2 (1, N = 100) = 13.603, Pvalue = 0.034, left knee χ2 (1, N = 100) = 12.310, Pvalue = 0.030 and lower left leg χ2 (1, N = 100) = 11.906, Pvalue = 0.042. The posture risk level scores for %57.7 of the participants who self-reported the right shoulder discomfort were found to be high or very high. CONCLUSIONS: The high risk found in most calico craftsmen may induce more serious musculoskeletal problems that require applicable interventions. The most important risk factors realized among calico craftsmen were prolonged sitting postures and repetitive tasks.

Predictive factors of ergonomic behaviors based on social cognitive theory among women workers on assembly lines: application of Bayesian networks.

BACKGROUND: This study focuses on identifying the key factors associated with ergonomic behaviors (ERBE) among women workers on assembly lines (WwAL) to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by repetitive motions and unfavorable body postures. To achieve this objective, this study employed Bayesian networks (BN) analysis based on social cognitive theory (SCT). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the predictive factors of ERBE among 250 WwAL from six different industries located in Neyshabur, a city in northeastern Iran. The study used a two-stage cluster sampling method for participant selection and self-report questionnaires to collect data on demographic characteristics, variables associated with SCT, ERBE, and the standard Nordic questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using Netica and SPSS version 21, which involved statistical analyses such as independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. BN analysis was conducted to identify the important factors that impact ERBE. RESULTS: The majority of individuals reported experiencing chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulder areas. Engaging in physical activity, consuming dairy products, and attaining a higher level of education were found to be significantly associated with the adoption of ERBE p < 0.05. Among the various SCT constructs, observational learning, intention, and social support demonstrated the highest levels of sensitivity towards ERBE, with scores of 4.08, 3.82, and 3.57, respectively. However, it is worth noting that all SCT constructs exhibited a certain degree of sensitivity towards ERBE. CONCLUSIONS: The research findings demonstrate that all constructs within SCT are effective in identifying factors associated with ERBE among WwAL. The study also highlights the importance of considering education levels and variables related to healthy lifestyles when promoting ERBE in this specific population.