Ergonomic Practices Research Articles

Ergonomics in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Clinical Evaluation.

Surgeons experience a risk for physical strain and injury secondary to physical demands in the workplace. To minimize injury and maximize career longevity, physicians should be aware of ergonomics pitfalls and postural correction methods. This study investigates ergonomic trends in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FPRS) clinic by quantifying surgeons' and trainees' cervicothoracic spine posture. Participants completed a 22-item questionnaire to evaluate current ergonomic practices. A lightweight device was calibrated and attached to the mid-scapular region of participants, providing real-time posture feedback. The percentage of time in upright posture was recorded during clinical and operative workdays. Upright posture was defined as neutral spine positioning with acceptable mild to moderate deviations. Two FPRS attending surgeons, 1 FPRS fellow, and 11 otolaryngology residents participated over 12 months. Discomfort was most commonly reported in the neck, shoulders, and upper back during clinic. Symptoms were self-treated by changing body position, wearing specialized footwear, adjusting height of the chair or examination table, or ignoring discomfort. Eighty-two percent were unaware of ergonomic guidelines or appropriate considerations. Time spent in upright posture was significantly higher in clinic (84.9%) than in the OR (53.5%) (p < 0.001). Upright posture declined after reaching 6 work hours (p = 0.029); no such patterns were observed in the OR (p = 0.946). Although time spent in upright posture was objectively poorer in the OR, these data suggest ergonomics are an important consideration in the outpatient setting, with surgeons experiencing discomfort during and after clinic. Further investigation is warranted to identify actionable changes and promote healthy ergonomics. N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

Assessment of Employees' Ergonomic Issues in The Workplace in Terms of Occupational Health and Safety Practices: A Meta-Analysis Study

Purpose: This study is a meta-analysis aimed at evaluating ergonomic issues in workplaces in terms of occupational health and safety practices. Materials and Methods: This study is of a meta-analytic nature. Data used in the meta-analysis were obtained through searches on databases such as Google Scholar, YÖK Thesis, EBSCO, and Web Of Science without any time restrictions between January and March 2024. A total of 15 research studies were included in the search results. The data obtained were synthesized using narrative synthesis and meta-analysis methods. The total sample size of the studies used in this study is 65,160. Results: In this meta-analysis study, it was found that the practices implemented for addressing ergonomic issues faced by employees in the workplace were effective (SMD: 0.367, 95% CI: 0.055-0.679; Z = 2.305, p = 0.021, I2 = 97.761%, Q = 625.169). The variance among studies is statistically significant according to the analysis results (p &lt; 0.05). It is believed that challenges related to the structure of work in workplaces lead to various discomforts in employees, and therefore, ergonomic practices can minimize physical strains on employees, contribute to work efficiency, and enhance employee health and safety.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Among the United Arab Emirates Healthcare Professionals: Ergonomics Knowledge and Practice Study

Background: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to job demands such as prolonged standing, patient handling, and awkward postures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MSDs among HCPs, examine the association between ergonomic knowledge and practices with MSDs, and identify predictors of ergonomic knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs, including doctors and nurses, working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The prevalence of MSDs was determined using the Nordic Questionnaire. Ergonomic knowledge and practice were assessed through a validated questionnaire covering sociodemographic and work-related factors, ten knowledge items, and fifteen practice items. A scoring system was used, where correct answers received a score of one, and incorrect answers received a score of zero. Ergonomic knowledge and practices were considered inadequate when participant scores fell below the median values of six for knowledge and eight for practice. The calculated sample size was 398, with a response rate of 96%, resulting in 380 participants. The chi-square test, binary, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: The twelve-month prevalence of MSDs was 90.4%, with the highest percentage reported in the lower back (56%), followed by the upper back (43.4%), neck (39.2%), shoulder (38.9%), and elbow (21.3%). Inadequate ergonomic knowledge and incorrect ergonomic practices were found in 61.8% and 36.3% of HCPs, respectively. A significant association was observed between inadequate ergonomic knowledge (P &lt; 0.001) and practice (P = 0.035) and the presence of MSDs. Significant predictors of inadequate ergonomic knowledge included the number of years worked (OR: 1.9; 95%CI: 1.00 - 3.5, P = 0.049), the provision of ergonomics training and awareness at the workplace (OR: 3.7; 95%CI: 1.9 - 7.2, P &lt; 0.001), and inadequate ergonomic practices (OR: 1.9; 95%CI: 1.1 - 3.0, P = 0.014). Conclusions: A very high prevalence of MSDs was found among HCPs, with the lower back being the most commonly affected site. Significant predictors of inadequate ergonomic knowledge included the number of years worked, the availability of ergonomics training at the workplace, and inadequate ergonomic practices. This study underscores the need for ergonomic training programs and ergonomically friendly workplaces to equip HCPs with the knowledge and practices necessary to prevent MSDs.

Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome and Ergonomic Practices among Adults in an Urban Setting

Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome and Ergonomic Practices among Adults in an Urban Setting

Computer Vision Syndrome and Ergonomic Practices among Students and Professionals

Purpose: To investigate the frequency of Computer vision syndrome (CVS) and its association with ergonomic practices among students and professionals. Study Design: Cross sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Online survey. Methods: This study involved a pre-tested self-designed structured questionnaire distributed through Google Forms to gather responses from students and professionals regarding symptoms of CVS. The form was shared with approximately 2500 individuals, the response rate was 10.04%, resulting in 251 responses. After careful review, 237 responses were deemed suitable for inclusion in the study. The chi-square test was used and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The relationship between symptoms of CVS (headache, body fatigue or tiredness, burning sensation, blurred vision, and dry eyes) and various ergonomic practices (screen time, longest uninterrupted time, breaks during screen use, screen size, type of screen, font size, refresh rate, and screen resolution) was seen in 237 subjects. The study revealed increased frequency of CVS symptoms when using screens. There was a statistically significant effect of prolonged screen time (p&lt;0.05), smaller screen sizes (p&lt;0.05), lower refresh rates (p&lt;0.05), small font size (p&lt;0.05) and lower screen resolutions (p&lt;0.05) on the severity of CVS symptoms. Conclusion: These findings enhance our understanding of the complex relationship between ergonomics and visual discomfort, and they will guide future interventions aimed at improving visual comfort and ergonomics in screen-based environments.

Ergonomic awareness and practices to prevent musculoskeletal disorder among healthcare workers in UAE: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealth professionals are at a higher risk of developing WMSD due to the nature of their work. Ergonomic awareness and practice promote workers' general well-being and safety in the workplace. AimAssess the ergonomic awareness and practice among healthcare workers in the UAE, its relationship with demographic variables and determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in this population. MethodThis was a cross-sectional study among 307 healthcare workers from hospitals in Dubai, Ajman, and Sharjah in the UAE. A self-administered online questionnaire was used for data collection. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between variables. ResultsIn the present study, the majority were female (77.4%). Concerning the nationalities, non-EMR (71.4%) and EMR (28.6%). The majority fell within the age group of 30–39 (39%). Regarding work experience, 58% had over ten years of experience. Results showed that 89.3% had good ergonomic awareness, while 63.5% demonstrated good ergonomic practices. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) were reported by 89.6% of participants, with the most common areas of pain being the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Education level was significantly associated with ergonomic awareness (p < 0.05). Age (P < 0.05) and years of experience (P < 0.01) were significantly associated with ergonomic practice. A significant association was observed between MSD and ergonomic awareness (P < 0.01), with good awareness associated with reported pain. ConclusionA significant occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly in the neck, low back, and shoulders. The association was observed with education and ergonomic awareness, age and years of experience with practice and MSD and awareness.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Myopia in Computer Vision Syndrome Among Undergraduate Students in Pakistan

Background: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is prevalent among students due to extensive digital screen use, leading to various ocular and musculoskeletal symptoms.Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of CVS among undergraduate students in Pakistan.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 422 undergraduate students at the University of Lahore from March to April 2020. Participants were selected using non-probability convenient sampling. Data were collected through a structured, web-based questionnaire covering demographics, computer usage patterns, and CVS symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify significant associations, with p-values &lt;0.05 considered significant. Ethical approval was obtained, and the study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.Results: CVS prevalence was 70.4% among participants, with higher rates in females (45.6%) compared to males (36%) (p=0.03). Prolonged computer use (&gt;3 hours/day) was significantly associated with CVS (p=0.04). Regular breaks every 30 minutes reduced CVS prevalence significantly (p=0.01).Conclusion: CVS is highly prevalent among undergraduate students, especially among females and those with prolonged computer use. Interventions focusing on ergonomic practices and regular breaks are recommended.

Impact of Ergonomics Practices on Commercial Banks’ Employee Performance in Nepal: Evidence from Structural Equation Modeling

Background: Organizations today face multiple challenges to maintain the health and performance of employees. Ergonomics is a strategy to reduce occupational disease rates and improving general working conditions for employees in order to improve productivity. Despite the importance of ergonomics in workplace, research in this field is needed to be explored more. It is well practice in world but still new concept in Nepal. Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate “Impact of Ergonomics Practices on Commercial Banks’ Employee Performance in Kathmandu Valley”. Method: The Exploratory research design was adopted for the study with the foundation of Theory of Ergonomics. The population of this study consists of commercial banks’ employee in Kathmandu valley. Under the probability sampling technique, simple random sampling using structured questionnaire 203 responses are collected with the help of KOBO toolbox. SEM is used to analyse the impact of ergonomics practice in commercial Banks of Nepal. The data was statistically examined using descriptive and inferential analysis utilizing the structured questionnaire approach and the KOBO toolbox. Result: This study finds that ergonomics practice in Nepalese commercial bank as at infant stage. Physical ergonomics factor such as, work design area, thermal comfort, furniture, work hours, lighting has significant effect on employee performance respectively. Physical exhaustion, mental stress, back pain are most frequent problems faced by bankers. Mitigation over this problem by designing employee compatible workplace and adopting ergonomics intervention reduce mental stress, physical exhaustion, back pain and fatigue and motivates the employee and increase their performance. Conclusion: Ergonomics adoption on workplace to enhance the productivity level by reducing health related problem and building employee friendly work environment is milestone to enhance employee performance. Based on the finding and conclusion, the study recommends that work area design, thermal comfort, space, lighting should be considered while designing employee compatible workplace to enhance employee performance in Nepalese Commercial banks’ employee. Paper Types: Research Paper Keywords: Ergonomics, Employee Performance, Employee productivity, Employer health issue, Banks. JEL Classification: C13, C83, I12, J28, J81

South African Teachers’ Insights on Improving the Sensory Classroom Teacher Questionnaire (SCTQ) for Inclusive Education and ADHD Support

The Sensory Classroom Teacher Questionnaire (SCTQ) is a psycho-educational tool designed to empower teachers in creating sensory-rich, inclusive environments that promote diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity through the application of sensory ergonomics. Unlike other tools that focus on isolated strategies, the SCTQ takes a holistic approach by optimizing the overall classroom environment to meet the sensory and ergonomic needs of learners, particularly those with ADHD and sensory integration/processing challenges. This makes the SCTQ especially vital in diverse and under-resourced quintile schools, where creating sensory-optimized, inclusive environments is essential for fostering equitable learning experiences. By addressing sensory needs through thoughtful classroom design, the SCTQ not only strengthens learners’ cognitive development and socio-emotional well-being but also improves behavior regulation, physical comfort, and overall functioning. This manuscript is part of a larger exploratory mixed-methods study that validated the SCTQ using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Here, the focus is on the qualitative aspect, utilizing thematic analysis to explore data from 23 focus group interviews with 88 Grade 1, 2, and 3 teachers from various Quintile 1–5 schools in Gauteng, South Africa. Guided by the enactivism paradigm, the study emphasizes the crucial role teachers play in creating and adapting sensory environments. Their insights were key to refining the SCTQ, ensuring it is practical, developmentally appropriate, culturally, linguistically, contextually, and socio-economically relevant. Developed through collaboration among researchers, specialists, and teachers, the SCTQ supports sensory ergonomic practices, raises awareness of ADHD and sensory integration/processing challenges, and supports both learners’ potential and teachers’ well-being, contributing to a more sustainable and positive educational experience.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies for Retail Workers: Insights from a Case Study in Dungun

Manual handling activities contribute to 40% of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), leading to long-term discomfort, disability, medical costs, and financial hardships for workers, while employers face lower productivity and compensation costs. An ergonomic assessment was conducted among employees at ABC Hardware in Dungun to identify ergonomic risk factors, determine the likelihood of harm affecting workers' musculoskeletal health, and recommend control measures to improve workers' health and well-being. Utilizing a combination of interviews, observations, and questionnaires based on established ergonomics guidelines, the research highlights the prevalence of MSDs among workers engaged in manual handling tasks, emphasizing the need for ergonomic interventions and awareness to enhance workplace safety and employee well-being. Findings from the ergonomic assessment revealed significant discomfort and risk factors related to awkward postures, repetitive motions, forceful exertion, and static positions. Specific ergonomic issues identified include discomfort in the upper back, thighs, and knees among storekeepers, and neck and lower back pain among warehouse workers. Service desk representatives were found to experience discomfort related to static postures and repetitive motions. The study recommends advanced ergonomic assessments such as Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Occupational Repetitive Assessment (OCRA), and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), along with improvements in ergonomic practices and tools. Implementing job rotation, providing ergonomic equipment, and conducting training on proper lifting techniques are essential to address the identified risks. This research highlights the critical role of ergonomic practices in preventing MSDs and improving overall workplace safety.

The association between mobile phone usage duration, neck muscle endurance, and neck pain among university students

The mobile phone is essential in daily life, especially during the pandemic. Prolonged use can cause postural issues, leading to common neck pain. This study aims to determine the correlation between mobile phone use duration, addiction, neck muscle endurance, and neck pain in university students. The study included 62 participants (30 female, 32 male) aged 18–35 years. Inclusion criteria required participants to have experienced neck pain at least twice in the past year and to have no other concomitant issues, as well as to volunteer for the study. Demographic information and daily mobile phone usage time were collected. Neck pain was assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale, smartphone addiction with the Smartphone Addiction Scale, and cervical muscle endurance was evaluated. Correlation analysis reveals a moderate relationship between neck pain severity (NPS) and cervical extensor muscle endurance (CEME), a strong relationship between NPS and cervical flexor muscle endurance (CFME), as well as a strong relationship among daily phone usage time (DPUT), CFME, and NPS, with a moderate relationship between DPUT and CEME. Participants were divided into two groups based on their DPUT, revealing that those who used their phone for four hours or more showed significantly higher levels of pain (p < 0.05) and reduced endurance in cervical flexor muscles. Our study found a strong correlation between neck pain, muscle endurance, and daily phone usage. Participants using their phones for more than four hours daily reported increased neck pain and decreased muscle endurance. We suggest integrating phone usage duration into neck pain assessments, promoting ergonomic practices, and offering detailed usage guidelines for users.

Enhancing Employee Retention through Ergonomic Practices: Examining the Moderating Effect of Work-Life Balance

This study investigates the impact of various ergonomic and workplace factors on employee retention, aiming to understand how organizations can foster a supportive work environment to enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover. Using structural equation modeling, the research examines key variables, including workstation design, proper lifting techniques, task rotation, anti-fatigue mats, ergonomic tools and equipment, break scheduling, and work-life balance. The findings reveal that these ergonomic factors significantly influence employee retention, with proper lifting techniques and ergonomic tools showing the strongest positive associations. The analysis demonstrates that employees who experience a supportive ergonomic environment are more likely to stay with their organization, thus emphasizing the importance of these factors in retention strategies. Additionally, work-life balance is shown to moderate the relationship between ergonomic practices and retention, suggesting that employees who feel their organization values their personal well-being are more likely to remain committed. Fit indices, such as the RMSEA, CFI, TLI, SRMR, and GFI, confirm the robustness of the model, indicating a good fit with the observed data. The study’s conclusions highlight the need for organizations to invest in ergonomic improvements and work-life balance initiatives to maintain a stable and productive workforce. While the study offers valuable insights, its limitations include the cross-sectional design, reliance on self-reported data, and the specific organizational context, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research could expand on these findings by exploring additional variables and conducting longitudinal studies across diverse settings to provide a more comprehensive understanding of employee retention dynamics.

Ergonomic practices and interventions in plastic and reconstructive surgery: A systematic review

IntroductionErgonomics has significant implications for a surgical workforce that performs at the interface between human-operated equipment and patient anatomy to achieve operative results. This systematic review evaluated literature discussing ergonomics in plastic surgery to discuss current knowledge, evaluate trends, and identify gaps prime for future study. MethodsA systematic search strategy was developed with a licensed librarian and plastic surgeon to query all manuscripts evaluating ergonomics in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts, evaluated full texts, and extracted data. ResultsForty-six studies were ultimately included. The number of published studies increased significantly over time when evaluated by year (ρ = 0.660, p < 0.001), with 17 (36.9%) written since 2020. Studies more commonly discussed musculoskeletal pain/disorders (n = 23) compared to surgical instrumentation or technology (n = 18, p = 0.390), operative posture (n = 14, p = 0.041), surgical technique (n = 6, p = 0.002), peri-surgical practices (n = 5, p < 0.001), and surgeon physiology (n = 3, p < 0.001). Of the 19 studies including interventions, approaches more frequently involved novel instrumentation or technology (n = 14, 73.4%) compared to peri-surgical practices (n = 3, 6.5%, p < 0.001) or operative posture (n = 2, 4.3%, p < 0.001). ConclusionsErgonomics in plastic surgery has gained significant interest over time, with recent years representing a large proportion of published literature. Although most studies discuss musculoskeletal pain, the proportion of studies addressing posture and surgical practices are comparatively underrepresented, suggesting a welcome opportunity for future intervention.

Perception and Knowledge of Correct Ergonomics Among Health Care Professionals in Memon Medical Institute Hospital

Background: Ergonomics is the science of adapting the workplace to suit human physical capabilities and limitations. Proper ergonomic practices can prevent musculoskeletal disorders and improve workplace productivity and employee satisfaction. Healthcare professionals are particularly susceptible to ergonomic issues due to the physical demands of their jobs. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the perception and awareness of correct ergonomics among healthcare professionals at Memon Medical Institute Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Memon Medical Institute Hospital over three months. A total of 150 participants, including doctors, paramedical staff, and office workers, were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Exclusion criteria included individuals with a history of trauma or malignant conditions. Data were collected through a standardized questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 21. The chi-square test was employed to examine the relationship between ergonomic knowledge and practice, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Of the 150 participants, 56.7% were male and 43.3% female. 85 participants (56.7%) reported knowledge of ergonomics, while 65 (43.3%) did not. A significant relationship was found between ergonomic knowledge and its application (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The majority of healthcare professionals at Memon Medical Institute Hospital are aware of ergonomic principles and apply them effectively, which can help reduce musculoskeletal disorders and improve productivity.

Ergonomics and health risk awareness of workers involved in manual material handling at Sabon Gari Market in Zaria, Nigeria

This study assessed the manual handling of materials in a local market environment and evaluated workers’ awareness of ergonomics and health risks. Of 315 workers surveyed, 308 responded. The findings revealed a high prevalence rate of 96.4% for injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort, attributed to a low ergonomics and health risk awareness rate of only 6.8%. Consequently, 75% of workers resorted to self-medication or drug abuse for relief. The study also explored barriers to using engineering equipment, finding that 26.3% of respondents cited cost as a barrier, while 51% believed that the introduction of engineering equipment would lead to job loss. This research is valuable for practitioners and researchers as it highlights the current state of ergonomics and health risk awareness among workers who handle heavy loads. The study also highlights the need for improved ergonomic practices and health risk awareness to reduce injury rates and promote safer work environments.

Assessing CNN Architectures for Estimating Correct Posture in Cruise Machinists

Cruise machinists operate in dynamic and physically demanding environments where improper posture can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, adversely affecting their health and work efficiency. Current ergonomic assessments in such settings are often generic and not tailored to the unique challenges of maritime operations. This paper presents a novel application of artificial intelligence tools for real-time posture estimation specifically designed for cruise machinists. The primary aim is to enhance occupational health and safety by providing precise, real-time feedback on ergonomic practices. We developed a dataset by capturing video recordings of cruise machinists at work, which were processed to extract skeletal outlines using advanced computer vision techniques. This dataset was used to train deep neural networks, optimizing them for accuracy in diverse and constrained shipboard environments. The networks were tested across various computational platforms to ensure robustness and adaptability. The AI model demonstrated high efficacy in recognizing both correct and incorrect postures under real-world conditions aboard ships. The system significantly outperformed traditional ergonomic assessment tools in terms of speed, accuracy, and the ability to provide instant feedback. The findings suggest that AI-enhanced ergonomic assessments could be a transformative approach for occupational health across various industries.

Ergonomic Practice in Medical Laboratory Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore

Objective: To evaluate the ergonomics practice pattern among medical laboratory professionals to determine the ergonomic deficiencies to improve the workplace quality and safety at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in department of pathology, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore from November 2019 to January 2020. All the workers engaged in all the sections of the clinical laboratory were included in the study. The results were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which included demographic information, ergonomic practices, workplace layouts and equipment utilization pattern. Individuals were instructed to complete the questionnaires in accordance to their own specific time range and return it after filling. All the data was gathered from the surveys and then coded and securely stored in a database for further analysis and interpretation. Results: Average age of the participants was 26.80±5.70 years. Several participants reported appropriate bench heights (70.7%) and tools within arm’s reach (62.2%), deficiencies were noted in foot and knee clearance, with only 50.0% and 53.7% respectively. Limited provision of foot rails (11.0%) and floor mats (31.7%) for prolonged standing tasks was seen. Seated benches showed similar disparities, with notable deficiencies in adjustable armrests (32.9%) and footrests (29.3%). Microscope usage demonstrated challenges in maintaining neutral posture (65.1%), while pipette use and micro-manipulation tools highlighted the need for improved accessibility and ergonomic support. Conclusion: Study revealed the varying levels of ergonomic appropriateness across the workplace and equipment among medical laboratory workers, with significant inadequacies in foot and knee clearance, the presence of foot rails, floor mats, adjustable armrests, and foot rests. Difficulties in using a microscope, as well as concerns about pipettes and micro-manipulation equipment, underscored the need for improved accessibility and ergonomics.

An innovative integrated solution to support digital postural assessment using the TACOs methodology

The diversification of work as well as the challenges of modern industrial tasks make manual ergonomic assessment tools (i.e., checklist, excel-based worksheet) time consuming and strongly related to the ergonomist’s experience. Recent advancements in wearable sensors technology offer new perspectives in terms of integrating human-monitoring solutions with traditional ergonomics methods by movements’ digitization. Furthermore, digital posture assessment plays a critical role in the context of Industry 5.0, promoting worker well-being and productivity by identifying ergonomic risks and optimizing work environments. Also, leveraging advanced technologies for posture assessment enables proactive intervention strategies to mitigate musculoskeletal disorders and enhance overall workplace safety and efficiency. The present study proposes an innovative hardware and software solution which allows even non-expert designers or ergonomists to carry out a reliable postural ergonomic assessment according to well-known ergonomic methods, speeding up the analysis and providing accurate information. The setup consists of a wearable suit and its proprietary software tool specifically programmed to carry out the ergonomic assessment according to the Time-Based Assessment COmputerized Strategy (TACOs) method. The setup has been preliminarily tested in a controlled environment simulating a real industrial scenario and a comparison with standard ergonomic practices has been performed. The Mann-Whitney U test returned a p-value of [2.198e-11] < α [0.05] demonstrating how the solution proposes results which are numerically and qualitatively enhanced while showing the practical utility of the suggested technical setup and the validity of the suggested digital technique in retrieving and recognizing the workers’ posture.

Ergonomic Design as a Determinant for the Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office-Based Civil Servants in Ondo State, Nigeria

Several reformations in the Civil Service have transformed the day-to-day activities in the sector from paper to the use of computer sets. However, the use of computer is characterized with high sedentary lifestyles and repetitive tasks among office-based workers, but there are limited studies conducted to evaluate the effect of this new working condition among civil servants. This study was conducted to investigate ergonomic design as a determinant of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office-based Civil Servants in Ondo State, Nigeria. Ethical approval was obtained for this study. The study was a cross-sectional design using multistage sampling techniques to recruit 308 respondents. Structured and adapted questionnaires were used to assess ergonomic designs in offices and prevalence of pain. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20, descriptive statistics was used for sociodemographic of respondents and Spearman rho’s correlation coefficient was used to compare relationship between variables. Results were presented in tables and charts. Majority of the respondents were female, married and between the ages 30-34. The mean age of the respondents was 36.21±8.75 years. 35 of the respondents were confounders and were exempted from completing the study on pain. There was 92.7%, 59.1% and 19.4% of 12 months, one week and point pain prevalence respectively among the 273 respondents that participated fully in the study. Most respondents have poor knowledge of ergonomics (61.9%) but 96.7% have good ergonomic practices (96.7%). There was no significant relationship between ergonomic design and prevalence of WRMSD (r=0.090, p=0.136), but there was a significant relationship between ergonomic practice and ergonomic awareness (r=0.247, p=0.001). Also, there was significant relationship between office ergonomic practice and prevalence of WRMSD (r=-0.142, p=0.019). Ergonomic design is not a determinant for the prevalence of WRMSD. However, the knowledge and correct practice of ergonomic among office-based civil servants can help to reduce the prevalence of WRMSD. Therefore, it is recommended that government should ensure the implementation of correct ergonomic practices in Civil Service. Also, government should provide regular trainings such as seminars and conferences on ergonomics for their workers.

Assessing the Impact of Smartphone Use on Neck Pain and Related Symptoms Among Residents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The widespread adoption of smartphones has transformed global communication but raised health concerns like Text Neck Syndrome - a musculoskeletal condition arising from prolonged device use, causing discomfort in the cervical spine. This study investigates its prevalence and associated factors among smartphone users in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, focusing on usage patterns, symptoms, and awareness. This cross-sectional online surveywas conducted from June 1 to June 30, 2024. Data on demographics, smartphone habits, symptoms, and Text Neck Syndrome awareness were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The study included 421 participants, predominantly female (279, 66.3%) and Saudi nationals (397, 94.3%). The largest age group was 21-40 years (308, 73.2%), and most were single (251, 59.6%) with a college degree (236, 56.1%). Over 42.0% of participants used smartphones for more than five hours daily, with 39.4% adopting a 30-degree neck posture. The most prevalent symptoms reported were neck pain (272, 64.6%), headaches (203, 48.2%), and shoulder pain (178, 42.3%). Awareness of Text Neck Syndrome was reported by 197 participants (46.8%), but only 60 (14.3%) had been diagnosed. Concerns about long-term complications such as osteoporosis (105, 24.9%) and prolapsed intervertebral disc (120, 28.5%) were expressed. Despite these concerns, 97.9% of participants hesitated to reduce smartphone usage due to reported symptoms. This study highlights the significant musculoskeletal impact of smartphone use in Jeddah, underscoring the need for interventions promoting ergonomic practices and increasing awareness about associated risks. Public health strategies should focus on promoting ergonomic practices and educating users about preventive measures.