Volume 22, Issue 2 (7-2026)
J Health Syst Res 2026, 22(2): 260-268 |
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Research code: ۱۴۰۲۱۱۲۴۱۰۲۴۳
Ethics code: IR.UMSHA.REC.1402.697
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Soleymankhani M J, Shafiee-Motlagh M, Faradmal J, Mahdavi N. An Empirical Study on the Impact of Heavy Physical Activity in Hot and Humid Work Environments on Grip Strength and Psychomotor Performance of the Hand. J Health Syst Res 2026; 22 (2) :260-268
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1954-en.html
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1954-en.html
1- Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology AND Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology AND Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3- Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health AND Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health AND Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology AND Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3- Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health AND Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health AND Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Abstract: (23 Views)
Background: Working in hot and humid environments significantly affects employees’ health and performance. This study aimed to determine the impact of physical activity in such conditions on grip strength and psychomotor performance.
Methods: This study involved 110 employees, divided into two groups: 55 individuals in the control group (exposed to heat and light physical activity) and 55 individuals in the case group (exposed to heat and heavy physical activity). Dry bulb temperature and relative humidity at the employees' workstations were measured using a calibrated thermal stress measurement device, the TENMARS TM-188D. Grip strength and hand psychomotor performance were assessed at the beginning and end of the work shift using a hydraulic dynamometer (Jamar) and a manual dexterity assessment tool (Lafayette), respectively. Statistical analyses were conducted using R software.
Findings: The increase in temperature and humidity at the end of the shift was significant for both groups compared to the beginning of the shift (P < 0.05). At both the beginning and end of the work shift, grip strength and hand dexterity showed significant differences between the case and control groups (P < 0.05). Although changes in grip strength during the work shift were not significant in either group, manual dexterity in the case group was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: In hot and humid work environments, psychomotor performance is a more appropriate criterion for monitoring outcomes related to heavy physical tasks than grip fatigue. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of paying attention to employees working in such conditions, especially those whose job responsibilities demand higher levels of agility.
Methods: This study involved 110 employees, divided into two groups: 55 individuals in the control group (exposed to heat and light physical activity) and 55 individuals in the case group (exposed to heat and heavy physical activity). Dry bulb temperature and relative humidity at the employees' workstations were measured using a calibrated thermal stress measurement device, the TENMARS TM-188D. Grip strength and hand psychomotor performance were assessed at the beginning and end of the work shift using a hydraulic dynamometer (Jamar) and a manual dexterity assessment tool (Lafayette), respectively. Statistical analyses were conducted using R software.
Findings: The increase in temperature and humidity at the end of the shift was significant for both groups compared to the beginning of the shift (P < 0.05). At both the beginning and end of the work shift, grip strength and hand dexterity showed significant differences between the case and control groups (P < 0.05). Although changes in grip strength during the work shift were not significant in either group, manual dexterity in the case group was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: In hot and humid work environments, psychomotor performance is a more appropriate criterion for monitoring outcomes related to heavy physical tasks than grip fatigue. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of paying attention to employees working in such conditions, especially those whose job responsibilities demand higher levels of agility.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Occupational health engineering and occupational safety
Received: 2024/12/23 | Accepted: 2025/06/1 | Published: 2026/07/6
Received: 2024/12/23 | Accepted: 2025/06/1 | Published: 2026/07/6
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