A new look at the occupational fatigue challenge in the future of ergonomics research.

Background: Due to the negative effects of occupational fatigue on health, absenteeism, and economic cost it is essential to control and manage its risk factors effectively.

Objective: This study seeks to draw researchers' attention to the research requirements concerning occupational fatigue.

Methods: The study briefly explores the consequences of occupational fatigue and discusses tools for its assessment.

Occupational safety and health of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the missing part of quality care: a qualitative study.

Objective: This study explored the consequences of COVID-19 on the occupational safety and health of nurses.

Design: Qualitative conventional content analysis.

Participants: 14 nurses selected by purposeful sampling method.

A dimensional design of tractor seat based on Iranian anthropometric characteristics.

Background: The dimensional seat design process should consider both the users' tasks and their physical characteristics.

Objective: To use an approach for the design and evaluation of seat dimensions based on the anthropometric characteristics of the Iranian population and the requirements of tractor operators.

Methods: Some existing equations relating the seat dimensions to anthropometric characteristics were modified according to logical justifications and international standards.

Physical and psychological job demands and fatigue experience among offshore workers.

Offshore operations are generally challenging and hazardous, and the workers are exposed to conditions that may lead to fatigue. A cross-sectional study evaluated physical and psychological job demands and their associations with fatigue among offshore workers. The offshore workers (n = 251) completed a questionnaire including demographic/job details, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI‒20), and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ).

Investigation of the multi-component ergonomics intervention effects on improving musculoskeletal outcomes and speech communication: A case study in open-plan offices.

Background: Office workers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) due to improper workstations. Open-plan bank office employees must communicate with bank clerks properly and perform financial activity precisely, but noise is a factor that disrupts their communication. Therefore, MSS and annoying noise are two of the main problems in open-plan offices.

Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the wheelchair seating discomfort assessment tool (WcS-DAT) - section II: a revised two-dimensional structure of comfort and discomfort to improve inclusive design practice.

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to: 1) validate the Wheelchair Seating Discomfort Assessment Tool (WcS-DAT - section II) in Iran, and 2) to determine whether or not the items on the scale address just one dimension (e.g., discomfort).

Effects of tool grip span, workpiece orientation, moving direction, and working height on two-handed torque strength and subjective measures.

Background: Using both hands is regularly needed for force/torque exertions in many activities, especially when using hand tools.

Objective: To investigate the effects of tool grip span, workpiece orientation, moving direction, and working height on two-handed wrist U/R deviation torque strength, usability, comfort, and discomfort while using locking pliers.

Methods: Participants (n = 22) took part in an experimental study which evaluated the effects of tool grip span (4.

The effect of transcranial photobiomodulation on cognitive function and attentional performance of older women with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a progressive age-related condition caused by physiological and structural changes in the brain, such as neurodegeneration and hypometabolism. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a neuromodulation technique that improves brain metabolism and oxygenation by irradiating red to near-infrared light on a specific area of the head. This study aimed to investigate the effect of multi-session tPBM on the cognitive capacities and attentional function of older women with MCI.

Cognitive and balance performance of older adult women during COVID-19 pandemic quarantine: an ex post facto study.

Introduction: Isolation and self-quarantine can expose individuals, particularly older people, to cognitive and physical decline. Due to a reduction in their musculoskeletal and neural flexibility, older adults are more likely to be affected by quarantine limitations. This study aimed to investigate the effect of self-quarantine on cognitive and balance performance of older women during the COVID-19 outbreak.

T-shaped handle set-up: effects of handle diameter, between-handle distance, workpiece orientation, working height, and exertion direction on two-handed torque strength, usability, comfort, and discomfort.

The use of both hands is often required for force/torque exertions, particularly when using hand tools. This study investigated the effects of handle diameter (3-5 cm), between-handle distance (0.5-1.

Work-related stress, self-efficacy and mental health of hospital nurses.

Background: The limited research has focused on the relationship between work-related stress and self-efficacy in relation to mental health problems in nurses.

Objective: This multi-hospital cross-sectional survey investigated the relationships between work-related stress, self-efficacy and mental health status of hospital nurses in Tabriz, Iran.

Methods: Four hundred hospital nurses completed a questionnaire including demographic and job details, Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Management Standards Revised Indicator Tool (MS-RIT), General Self-Efficacy (GSE-10) scale, and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28).

Cognitive performance and electroencephalographic variations in air traffic controllers under various mental workload and time of day.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mental workload (MWL) and time of day on cognitive performance and electroencephalographic (EEG) parameters of air traffic controllers. EEG signals recorded while 20 professional air traffic controllers performed cognitive tasks [A-X Continuous Performance Test (AX-CPT) and 3-back working memory task] after they were exposed to two levels of task difficulty (high and low MWL) in the morning and afternoon. Significant decreases in cognitive performance were found when the levels of task difficulty increased in both tasks.

Does self-efficacy mediate the relationship between occupational stress and mental health problems? A study among nursing professionals.

While it is acknowledged that self-efficacy plays a significant role in understanding consequences of occupational stress, no research has given much attention to the mediating effect of self-efficacy in the association between occupational stress and mental health (MH)problems. The aims of this study were to examine: (1) the associations between occupational stress, MH problems, and self-efficacy among nursing professionals, and (2) mediating effect of self-efficacy in the association between occupational stress and MH problems. A multi-hospital cross-sectional survey was adopted in eight hospitals in Tabriz, Iran.

Identification of factors related to behaviors associated with musculoskeletal pain among elementary students.

Background: Musculoskeletal pains are among evident health problems in children and adolescents. Backpack carrying behaviors and the sitting postures are among behavioral factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in schoolchildren. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors related to these important musculoskeletal behaviors, using Health Promotion Models.

Perception of just culture and its association with work-related psychosocial factors in an Iranian industrial setting: Implications for prevention of errors.

Background: A just culture is one in which the reporting of errors and near misses is supported without fear of retribution. The relationship of just culture and psychosocial factors at work has not been explored sufficiently in the literature.

Objective: To investigate the perception of just culture and its association with socio-demographic and work-related psychosocial factors among 302 employees in an industrial setting in Iran.

Mismatch between jar opening demands and wrist torque strength of consumers in Iran.

This study evaluated the potential mismatch between vacuum-sealed jar opening demands and wrist torque strength of 758 (384 males and 374 females) participants aged 5-74 years in Iran. Wrist ulnar/radial (U/R) torque strength of participants and required torque for opening the existing jars (with 2 different sizes - 65 mm and 85 mm diameter lids) were measured using a digital angle torque adaptor and then compared together to identify any potential mismatch between them. The mismatch percentages were defined as the number of participants whose maximal wrist U/R torque strength were lower than the minimum required torque strength for opening the vacuum-sealed jars.

Effects of handle characteristics of manual hand tools on maximal torque exertions: a literature review.

The present study was conducted to review the literature on the effects of handle characteristics of manual hand tools including handle diameter, shape and material on forearm supination/pronation, wrist flexion/extension and wrist ulnar/radial deviation torque strengths to assist ergonomists and designers in developing guidelines to improve workstations and hand tool designs. Twenty-seven papers meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The study provides different points that can be applied to improve the design of hand tools with an emphasis on handle diameter, shape and material, and highlights various methodological issues including interactions among variables affecting maximum torque strength, posture, torque exertion using one or two hands, torque exertions in multiple anatomical axes, using gloves, upper extremity anthropometry and test protocols, which should be considered in future research.

Investigation of hand muscle fatigue and its influential factors in manual tasks.

Muscle fatigue (MF) can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the long term; however, it can be managed if the causes are well known. This study aimed to examine the grip force (GF) and grip fatigue (GFa) of employees with light, moderate and heavy manual tasks using a dynamometer and find their possible relationship with other factors. The nature of heavy manual tasks led to more experience of GFa and GF of the right hand.

A multicomponent ergonomic intervention involving individual and organisational changes for improving musculoskeletal outcomes and exposure risks among dairy workers.

A field intervention study was implemented to evaluate the effects of individual (physical exercise programme and worker ergonomics training) and organisational changes (optimising work-rest schedule and revised task procedure) on musculoskeletal outcomes and their exposure risks among milking workers in a dairy plant. A questionnaire survey (including the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire [CMDQ]) and direct observations of working postures by using the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method were used at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Shoulder, lower back and neck discomfort were found to be the most common problems.

Risk factors for low back pain among elementary school students in western Iran using penalized logistic regression.

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its risk factors among elementary-school students.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 693 elementary students from Hamadan city, western Iran, were selected by multistage stratified cluster sampling. Data were collected through interviews using questionnaires.

Do older workers suffer more workplace injuries? A systematic review.

Aging populations are a dramatically increased worldwide trend, both in developed and developing countries. This study examines the prevalence of fatal and non-fatal work-related injuries between young (<45 years old) and older (≥45 years old) workers. A systematic literature review aimed at examining studies comparing safety outcomes, namely fatal and non-fatal injuries, between older and younger workers.

Effects of Cognitive and Physical Loads on Dynamic and Static Balance Performance of Healthy Older Adults Under Single-, Dual-, and Multi-task Conditions.

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of cognitive and physical loads on dynamic and static balance performance of healthy older adults under single-, dual-, and multi-task conditions.

Background: Previous studies on postural control in older adults have generally used dual-task methodology, whereas less attention has been paid to multi-task performance, despite its importance in many daily and occupational activities.

Method: The effects of single versus combined (dual-task and multi-task) cognitive (to speak out the name of the weekdays in a reverse order) and physical (with three levels including handling weights of 1, 2, and 3 kg in each hand) loads on dynamic and static balance performance of 42 older adults (21 males and 21 females) aged ≥60 years were examined.