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Background: Measurement of the maximum aerobic capacity (VO2-max) is important in creating physiological compatibility between the job and worker. This compatibility, in addition to maintaining health and physical capacity, may cause to increase production and productivity. The purposes of this study were to estimate aerobic capacity and determine factors affecting it. Since the estimation of VO2-max ‎has not been previously performed in Iran, these data can be recorded in the National Data Bank.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 85 workers of an underground mine in the province of Isfahan, Iran, participated. Their demographic data were recorded, and parameters of height, weight, BMI, and heart rate were measured. VO2-max was estimated using an ergometer bicycle and Astrand nomogram. Finally, the relationships between VO2-max and the measured parameters were analyzed using t-test and regression analysis in SPSS software.Findings: The mean aerobic capacity in workers was 4.22 ± 0.86 liters per minute. Results showed that there was no significant relationship between aerobic capacity and BMI, age, and work experience. However, t-test showed significant relationships between VO2-max and smoking (P = 0.036), and exercise (P < 0.001).Conclusion: This study showed that BMI is not an appropriate index for predicting VO2-max, and thus, physical work capacity. Results showed that regular exercise and lack of smoking has a great effect on maximum oxygen consumption.

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Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the major health problems in nurses. One of the main reasons for the prevalence of MSDs among nurses is patient transfer tasks.Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 nurses working in 30 wards in 5 hospitals. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics form, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MNQ), and the Movement and Assistance of Hospital Patients (MAPO) index checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and Microsoft Excel.Findings: The average of daily working hours for both men and women was 7.31 ± 0.46 hours. According to the results, there was a significant statistical relationship between MSDs and gender, age, years of work experience, occupation, BMI, and exercise (P < 0.05). The results of the MAPO index revealed that 21.1% of participants were in region 1 (negligible risk), 52.6% were in region 2 (short-term and long-term interventions), and 26.3% were in region 3 (instant intervention to improve the conditions).Conclusion: The prevalence of MSDs is high among nurses. In order to reduce MSDs in nursing personnel, purchasing modern equipment for patient transfer and training of nurses on how to use the equipment, and employment of sufficient number of nurses in each ward to reduce the pressure caused by lack of work force is recommended.

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Background: Taxi drivers are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the long-term because of machine vibration exposure, prolonged sitting, inappropriate postures, repetitive bending, and job rotation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the prevalence of MSDs and job satisfaction in agency drivers in Lorestan, Iran.Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 100 agency drivers in Lorestan. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) and job satisfaction. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Pearson correlation, Spearman correlation, and ANCOVA in SPSS software.Findings: The Pearson correlation coefficient showed that there was no statistically significant correlation between the NMQ score and total job satisfaction score (P = 0.186, r = 0.136). Moreover, the results showed that NMQ score had a direct relationship with age (P < 0.001, r = 0.54) and work experience (P < 0.001, r = 0.58). The highest prevalence of MSDs in the previous year was reported in the waist (96%), neck (87%), knee (84%), wrist (83%), and the shoulder (81%).Conclusion: Based on the results, the incidence of MSDs and job satisfaction were, respectively, high and moderate in drivers. Therefore, to reduce the incidence of MSDs, appropriate rest and exercise during duty and ergonomic chair design based on the use of anthropometric measurements are recommended.

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Background: Data and information resources are scattered in health care institutions and health systems and integrated access to them for reporting and analysis is challenging. Application of data warehouse can be a solution to this issue. Thus, this study aimed to investigate data warehouse applications in the field of health, identify its challenges, and provide solutions.Methods: This was a comprehensive and narrative review study. First, the keywords in the field of data warehouse were determined and the extent of the search was limited to the filed of health. Than, the relevant articles were selected from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and ScienceDirect databases.Findings: Today, most health care institutions face the challenge of collecting, organizing, and retrieving disparate and bulky data for research, quality improvement, outcome analysis, or best practices determination. The solution to most of these challenges is data warehouse. This technique may resolve many problems in data management and utilization of health system data.Conclusion: The use of systems such as data warehouse is the main objective of the health system for the prevention of the onset or progression of diseases and improvement of public health. This paper was a first step in creating and using the National Health Data Warehouse, and thus, requires a national approach to address its challenges and solutions.

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Background: Construction workers have the second rank in injuries due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ergonomic status of construction jobs using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Center to Protect Workers’ Rights (NIOSH-CPWR) checklist and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ).Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was carried out on 106 construction workers in Ahvaz, Iran. The research instruments used in this study were the NMQ and NIOSH-CPWR checklist which includes 11 sections. The NMQ was completed for 106 construction workers. Data were analyzed in SPSS software.Findings: Shoulder (3.61%), back (4.59%), and knee (7.54%) disorders had the highest prevalence among MSDs in the subjects. In addition, 5.74% of jobs had repetitive movements. Among the workers, 9.68% had to work on their knees more than an hour a day and 5.75% had to bend and twist their bodies during tasks. Most construction site surfaces were rough and tough for walking and working.Conclusion: MSDs occur among construction workers shortly after they began their work. Thus, the use of tools and equipment designed according to ergonomic principles, managerial controls, instructions training, and compliance with the relevant standards by managers and systems monitoring construction activity and workers’ health are necessities in workplace health monitoring.

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Background: Accidents are of the most important problems in developed and developing countries. Human factors and personality characteristics are the main causes of accidents. The purpose of this study was to compare the personality characteristics between the workers had and had not accident.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Isfahan City industries, Iran, in 2014. The Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) was completed by 200 workers; 100 workers had and 100 workers had not accident. We used independent t test for data analysis.Findings: The mean age of workers was 33.19 years (SD = 7.39) and their mean work experience was 9.56 years (SD = 6.32). Independent t test showed significant differences in neuroticism (P = 0.020), agreeableness (P = 0.001), extroversion (P = 0.035), and conscientiousness (P = 0.001) between the two groups. But, in openness to experience figure (P = 0.100), there was no significant difference.Conclusion: According to the results, we can predict accident-prone workers via their personality characteristics and forbid them to work in sensitive tasks.

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Background: Emergency medical personnel should have rapid action and critical decision making skills during the transportation of a patient from the site of the accident to health centers. They must also control the patient’s state of consciousness and vital signs. This study was conducted to evaluate mental workload and its relation to and impact on job satisfaction of technicians in emergency medical centers.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 82 emergency medical personnel in Isfahan, Iran. The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) software was used for data collection to evaluate the mental workload and the Job Descriptive Index (JDI) (Visoki and ‌Chrome‌) was used to measure job satisfaction. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS software.Findings: The minimum average score of job satisfaction was related to payment (1.9). The average score of mental workload was obtained in simple (57.76) and complex operations (82.87). The score of overall job satisfaction only had a direct relation with the score of performance evaluation in simple and complex operations. Total score of mental workload showed a direct significant relation with job satisfaction score in work dimension, but no significant relation was observed in other areas (P > 0.05). Paired t-test also showed that the mean score of mental workload and its dimensions in complex operations were significantly higher than simple operations (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Mental workload in complex operations can be used as a factor to determine the amount of work complexity and working hours for medical emergency technicians. With regard to the high level of dissatisfaction in wages and promotion, perhaps by improving working conditions through reviewing the pay and benefits, job satisfaction can be increased in this important and sensitive group.

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Background: Grip force measurement is one of the key parameters of ergonomics. Effective factors on the grip force sometimes causes cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) in patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of anti-vibration gloves, coldness, and vibration on grip force strength in controlled laboratory condition.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 30 workers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. In order to measure the force of grip, the JAMAR dynamometer was used, as advised by the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). To achieve a level of grip force, participants were asked to press the dynamometer with all force. The grip force was read from the dynamometer screen grip in kilograms force. To study the combined effect of the above factors on grip strength 18 blend modes were tested.Findings: There was an inverse relationship between the vibration and grip strength. In addition, at low temperatures, the grip strength reduced. Different anti-vibration gloves had different effects on reducing grip force. Coldness, vibration, and anti-vibration gloves had significant effects on grip strength (P ˂ 0.050 for all) with a correlation coefficient of 0.172, -0.363, and -0.602, respectively.Conclusion: Wearing gloves had greatest impact on reducing grip force and strength. After that, vibration was the second factor in reducing grip force. In addition, reducing the temperature would reduce grip force.

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Background: Kyphosis is the abnormally of high levels of thoracic back arches associated with the stretching of spinal extensor muscles, weakening of middle and lower trapezoid muscles, and brief abduction of short pectoral and intercostal muscles. Therefore, the necessity and importance of researches on kyphosis, especially among the youth, is quite noticeable; because of the flexible bones and growth of the body at this age, corrective exercise can be used to remove action anomalies with appropriate solutions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of selected corrective exercises on the angle of kyphosis in boy students with kyphosis.Methods: 24 boy students in a gym in Isfahan City, Iran, aged 15-18 years participated in this study. The angle of kyphosis was measured by a flexible ruler. Stretching, resistance, and self-mobility exercises were performed for 8 weeks. Analysis of covariance and pared-t tests was used to analysis the data.Findings: In boy students with kyphosis, the mean angle of kyphosis was 48.8 ± 0.9 degrees before the intervention (F = 0.275, P = 0.604). After using selected corrective exercises, mean angle of kyphosis decreased significantly to 46.9 ± 0.8 degrees (F = 1680.068, P = 0.001).Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that corrective exercises, alone and for three days a week for eight consecutive weeks, had a positive impact on improving the angle of kyphosis.

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Background: According to epidemiological studies, environmental surface such as hospital equipment has role in the transmission of the microorganisms. It probably has positive influence on increase in number of ‎nosocomial infections. This study aimed to assess the bacterial contamination status of elevator buttons and library ‎computers in Dr. Mohammad Kermanshahi hospital, Kermanshah City, Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 71 samples were taken from the elevator buttons, keyboards, mouses, and power buttons of the computers in the library of Dr. Mohammad Kermanshahi hospital. In the laboratory, using standard diagnostic methods of bacteriology, including staining, biochemical tests, and culture in differential, selective, and specific media, Gram-positive and Gram -negative bacteria were isolated.Findings: All 71 samples were contaminated by bacteria. In the elevator buttons samples, spore-forming Gram-positive bacilli (Bacillus) with a frequency of 48.21 percent and Klebsiella pneumoniae with 3.57 percent had the highest and lowest frequencies, respectively. 66.66 percent of the computer samples contaminated to coagulase-negative staphylococcus, which 6.66 percent of them were coagulase-positive staphylococcus (aureous) and Micrococcus.Conclusion: Due to the isolation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria from both groups’ samples, the need for personal hygiene practice, and principles of appropriate and regular disinfection of tools and hospital equipment surfaces are of great importance to reduce bacterial contamination and the incidence of nosocomial infections.

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Background: %VO2max index is the gold standard of physical workload classification. Because of difficulty of this index measurement, it is not a practical method in the real work places. Recently, a new method was proposed for estimating %VO2max through three parameters of resting heart rate, working heart rate, and weight based on a neuro-fuzzy network in MATLAB software. The goal of this study was designing and fabricating a laboratory model of physical workload classification tool based on the mentioned method.Methods: The programming of the device was performed with the Arduino software and in C++ language in the AVR microcontroller; then, it was entered into integrated circuit (IC) by the programmer. The output of heart rate sensor was entered into the microcontroller through I2c protocol. The usability score of the device was evaluated by 20 occupational health experts employed in the industry and was compared with manual physical workload classification.Findings: The mean usability score of this system was 84.6 ± 7.3 and was ranked in B category. It means that the usability of the system is very good. The required time for physical workload classification using this tool was approximately half of the required time for this work without the tool.Conclusion: The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was presented for estimating physical workload in the form of a practical tool in order to be used in the industry. Regarding the lack of sufficient accuracy of current indexes for estimating physical workload such as heart rate, this fabricated tool is a proper substitute for the former methods. High usability and low required time are two main advantages of the proposed tool.

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Background: A person can perform heavy activities easier when he has high aerobic capacity. Measuring hand grip is a cheap and easy way to measure muscle strength. This study aims at evaluating the effect of physical work capacity (PWC) and gender on hand grip strength in the youth.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 120 young people (19-29 years old) by means of simple random sampling. To assess the PWC, grip and pinch strength and endurance, the step test (McArdle method), dynamometer, and pinch gauge were used, respectively. Data analysis was carried out using independent-samples t-test and paired-samples t-test via SPSS software. P-value < 0.050 was considered significant.Findings: PWC, grip and pinch strength and endurance in men were higher than women (P < 0.050). Meanwhile, PWC in men and women affected only the pinch strength and grip endurance, respectively (P < 0.050).Conclusion: In jobs that require high pinch strength and grip endurance, it is necessary to employ those with high PWC, so that the irreparable damages caused by incongruity between the job and the worker could be prevented or reduced. In general, gender should be considered as an important factor in employing workers in different jobs.

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Background: Grip and pinch strength are the most important factors affecting the performance of hand. The reaction time is defined as the time interval between the stimulus presentation and the emergence of the response. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between reaction time, age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) with the results obtained from grip and pinch strength.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 60 staffs of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. To determine the reaction time and grip and pinch strength, respectively, reaction timer, dynamometer, and pinch gauge were used.Findings: There was a reverse relationship between simple reaction time and grip and pinch strength of both hands and also between discriminative reaction time with grip and pinch strength in right hand. However, no relationship was observed between discriminative reaction time and grip and pinch strength in left hand. There was no relationship between selective reaction time with grip and pinch strength in both hands. Moreover, with the increase in BMI, the grip strength of left hand and pinch strength of right hand increased. The mean grip and pinch strength of both hands was significantly higher in men compared to women, but there was no significant relationship between age and grip and pinch strength in both hands.Conclusion: In occupations that require high grip and pinch strength, it is recommended to use men and people with high percentage of attention to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).

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Background: Musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limb are highly prevalent in different industries and are preventable by identifying the risk factors. Workload assessment is a key parameter in assessing the comfort, satisfaction, productivity, and safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the workload and its relationship with upper limb disability in the assembly lines workers.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 120 assembly lines workers who were selected through random sampling method. For the evaluation of mental workload and disability of upper limbs, the Iranian version of NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire were used, respectively. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software. P < 0.05 was considered significant.Findings: The most effective dimension on the mental workload was recognized to be the physical load. 45% of the subjects were placed in the “mild problem” group regarding the upper limb disability. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between the mental workload, efficiency, and frustration with disability of upper limb (P < 0.05).Conclusion: On the basis of the results, mental workload leads to different levels of upper limb disability. Furthermore, the reduction in mental workload will result in a decrease in physical workload and disability of upper limb.

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Background: This study aimed to design  smart class board authomatically adjustable to height  and assess its effect on of users' posture. Methods: This interventional study evaluated the effects of smart board application on users' posture while using non-smart boards, as well as smart boards, based on Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method.The study population included the professors and students of Isfahan University of Medical sciences. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version20), and a value of P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings: According to the results of the presents study, 54.5% of participants required a necessary corrective measure (as soon as possible) in the application of  upper part of non-smart boards, and were placed at the third level of corrective measure priorotization . In addition, the assessment of users' postures while using the  middle part of board indicated that in non-smart boards, 90.9% of subjects were at the second level of corrective measure priorotization, while this value dropped to 4.5% in using smart boards. On the other hand, users' postures while using the  lower part of the board was assessed and revealed that 18.2% of participants were at the second level  of  corrective measure priorotization, while there was no need for corrective measures in use of smart boards. Conclusion: The obtained results of posture assessment by REBA method in this study indicated a substantial risk in using non-smart boards. Accordingly, it is suggested that this new technology be used to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

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Background: Lack of physical activity is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. During manual working, the most important performance of hand is gripping and force exertion. Various factors affect physical activity. Moreover, grip strength as an index to measure total muscle strength may be related to physical activity. Regarding the importance of the issue and the absence of research carried out in this field in Iran, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between grip strength and physical activity (PA). Methods: This descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study was carried out on a total number of 120 Municipality workers. Dynamometer, pinch gauge, and Iranian version of International Physical Activity (IPQA) were used for the measurement of grip strength, pinch strength, and PA, respectively. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 20) using Spearman and Pearson correlations. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings: In the current study, Mean of grip, pinch, and PA were measured at 36, 8.5 kgf, and 3830 MET, respectively.  Furthermore, the results of Spearman's test revealed no significant relationship between PA and hand strength (P˃0.05). Conclusion: Physical activity is one of the important influential factors affecting chronic diseases. In the current study, the mean score of workers' physical activity was reported to be high. Since no research has been carried out in this field in Iran (except for the present study), it is recommended that further studies be conducted on this issue.

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Background: Muscular strength of the upper extremities is very important in the performance of athletes, which can be improved by using Kinesio tape. Kinesio tape is an elastic therapeutic tape used to enhance muscular strength and was first used in Japan in 1970. The use of Kinesio tape has increased significantly since the 2008 Olympics, and since then, questions have been raised about its various effects. The present systematic review evaluates the evidence for the effectiveness of Kinesio tape in improving muscular strength of the athletes’ upper extremities.
Methods: PEDro, Cochrane Library, Medline, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, UpToDate, and PubMed databases were searched from 2016 to 2020 for studies published only in English language. The combination of the terms “Kinesiotape”, “Tape”, “Athletic”, “Tape”, “Muscle”, “Tape”, “Elastic”, “Tape”, “Strength”, “Tape”, and “Kinesiology” was used in the search.
Findings: Among 47 obtained studies, 21 most-related studies were selected. Based on the results reported, these studies were divided into two groups: 1) the studies with the results suggesting that Kinesio tape increases the muscle strength of athletes, and 2) studies with the results suggesting that Kinesio tape is effective on other factors such as range of motion and fatigue and has no effect on muscle strength of athletes’ upper limbs.
Conclusion: Kinesio tape causes positive changes in athletes' performance and abilities. In addition, it can alter the timing of muscle activity and reduce the time to achieve maximum muscle activity. Moreover, the effect of Kinesio tape on different muscle activities depends on how the Kinesio tape is used and if used in the right conditions, it can be more effective.

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Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most important work-related diseases and hard working conditions in workshops and industries lead workers to experience these disorders. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and its relationship with work ability index, job satisfaction, and job burnout among the workers of Isfahan Crystal and Glass Industry, Isfahan, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was a cross-sectional one employing 251 workers from Isfahan Crystal and Glass Industry and was conducted in 2021. The data were collected through Cronell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (CDMQ), Work Ability Index Questionnaire (WIA), Job Descriptive Index (JDI), and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). The collected data were then submitted to SPSS to be analyzed through descriptive and inferential (Spearman correlation) statistics. The significance level was decided to be less than 0.05 (P < 0.05).
Findings: 45.4% of the participants had musculoskeletal discomfort in at least one limb and 63.7% had high level of job satisfaction. On the other hand, the participants had high level of job burnout (mean = 81.55) and intermediate level of work ability (mean = 36). Further, there were no significant correlations between musculoskeletal disorders and job burnout, and between musculoskeletal disorders and work ability (P < 0.050), whereas there was a significant correlation between musculoskeletal disorders and job satisfaction (P < 0.050).
Conclusion: Less than half of the participants had musculoskeletal disorders. The significant relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and job satisfaction was negative; the higher the level of job satisfaction, the lower the level of musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, interventional and corrective measures are highly recommended to prevent these disorders.

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