• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.221-229
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• 2023

Background: In modern society, the use of computers accounts for a large proportion of our daily lives. Although substantial research is being actively conducted on musculoskeletal diseases resulting from computer use, there has been a recent surge in interest in improving the working environment for prevention. Objects: This study aimed to examine the effects of posture correction feedback (PCF) on changes in neck posture and muscle activation during computer typing. Methods: The participants performed a computer typing task in two sessions, each lasting 16 minutes. The participant's dominant side was photographed and analyzed using ImageJ software to verify neck posture. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to confirm the participant's cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius muscle activities. The EMG signal was analyzed using the percentage of reference voluntary contraction and amplitude probability distribution function (APDF). In the second session, visual and auditory feedback for posture correction was provided if the neck was flexed by more than 15° in the initial position during computer typing. A 20-minute rest period was provided between the two sessions. Results: The neck angle (p = 0.014), CES muscle activity (p = 0.008), and APDF (p = 0.015) showed significant differences depending on the presence of the PCF. Furthermore, significant differences were observed regarding the CES muscle activity (p = 0.001) and APDF (p = 0.002) over time. Conclusion: Our study showed that the feedback system can correct poor posture and reduces unnecessary muscle activation during computer work. The improved neck posture and reduced CES muscle activity observed in this study suggest that neck pain can be prevented. Based on these results, we suggest that the PCF system can be used to prevent neck pain.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.207-214
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• 2020

Background: Prolonged sitting at work can lead to adverse health outcomes. The health risk of office workers is an increasing concern for the society and industry, with prolonged sitting work becoming more prevalent. Objective: This study aimed to explore the variation in muscle activities during prolonged sitting work and found out when and how to take a break to mitigate the risk of muscle symptoms. Methods: A preliminary survey was conducted to find out the prevalence of muscle discomfort in sedentary work. Firstly, a 2-h sedentary computer work was designed based on the preliminary study to investigate the variation in muscle activities. Twenty-four participants took part in the electromyography (EMG) measurement study. The EMG variations in the trapezius muscle and latissimus dorsi were investigated. Then the intervention time was determined based on the EMG measurement study. Secondly, 48 participants were divided into six groups to compare the effectiveness of every break type (passive break, active break of changing their posture, and stand and stretch their body with 5 or 10 mins). Finally, data consisting of EMG amplitudes and spectra and subjective assessment of discomfort were analyzed. Results: In the EMG experiment, results from the joint analysis of the spectral and amplitude method showed muscle fatigue after about 40 mins of sedentary work. In the intervention experiment, the results showed that standing and stretching for 5 mins was the most effective break type, and this type of break could keep the muscles' state at a recovery level for about 30-45 mins. Conclusions: This study offers the possibility of being applied to office workers and provides preliminary data support and theoretical exploration for a follow-up early muscle fatigue detection system.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.326-330
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• 2016

Background: The Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire-50 (NOSACQ-50) was developed by a team of Nordic occupational safety researchers based on safety climate and psychological theories. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Persian version of NOSACQ-50 and assess the score of safety climate on a group of workers in a steel company in Iran. Methods: The Persian version of NOSACQ-50 was distributed among 661 employees of a steel company in Qazvin Province (Iran). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis were used to determine the dimensions of the questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach ${\alpha}$ coefficient. Pearson correlation test was applied to investigate the correlation between different dimensions. Results: The results of EFA showed that the Persian version of NOSACQ-50 consisted of six dimensions. The Cronbach ${\alpha}$ coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.94. The mean score of safety climate in all dimensions was 2.89 (standard deviation 0.60). Conclusion: The Persian version of NOSACQ-50 had a satisfactory validity for measuring safety climate in the studied Iranian population.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.334-338
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• 2018

Background: With global changes in the current state of work and employment, the role of health-adverse psychosocial work environments has received increasing attention in developed as well as in rapidly developing countries. Thus, there is a need to apply valid measurement tools for monitoring and preventive purposes. This study aims to examine the factorial structure and psychometric properties of the Persian version of the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) questionnaire, assessing one of the internationally leading concepts of stressful work. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study of a random sample of 202 white collar employees in an industrial company in Iran analyzes the ERI scales by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Moreover, aspects of construct and criterion validity are tested. To this end, correlations of ERI scales with subscales of organizational injustice, a complementary work stress model, and also the correlations of ERI scales with a questionnaire assessing psychosomatic symptoms are performed. Results: Internal consistency of the three ERI scales was satisfactoryy (Cronbach ${\alpha}$ effort: 0.76, reward: 0.79, overcommitment: 0.75). Fit indices of confirmatory factor analsis pointed to an adequate representation of the theoretical construct (e.g., adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI): 0.73, goodness of fit index (GFI): 0.78). Negative correlations with subscales of organizational injustice supported the notion of construct validity of the ERI scales, and positive correlations of ERI scales with psychosomatic symptoms indicated preliminary criterion validity. Conclusion: The Persian version of the ERI questionnaire has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used as a valid instrument in research on this topic.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.90-96
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• 2015

Background: The physical work demands of construction work can be reduced using ergonomic measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ergonomic measures related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among construction workers. Methods: A questionnaire was sent at baseline and 2 years later to 1,130 construction workers. We established (1) the proportion of workers reporting an increase in their use of ergonomic measures, (2) the proportion of workers reporting a decrease in MSDs, (3) the relative risk for an increase in the use of ergonomic measures and a decrease in MSDs, and (4) workers' knowledge and opinions about the use of ergonomic measures. Results: At follow-up, response rate was 63% (713/1,130). The proportion of workers using ergonomic measures for vertical transport increased (34%, 144/419, p < 0.01); for measures regarding horizontal transport and the positioning of materials, no change was reported. The proportion of workers reporting shoulder complaints decreased (28%, 176/638, p = 0.02). A relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and MSDs was not found; 83% (581/704) of the workers indicated having sufficient knowledge about ergonomic measures. Lightening the physical load was reported to be the main reason for using them. Conclusion: Only the use of ergonomic measures for vertical transport increased over a 2-year period. No relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and MSDs was found. Strategies aimed at improving the availability of ergonomic equipment complemented with individualized advice and training in using them might be the required next steps to increase the use of ergonomic measures.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.322-325
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• 2016

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common problem among carpet weavers. This study was undertaken to introduce affecting personal and occupational factors in developing the number of MSDs among carpet weavers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 862 weavers in seven towns with regard to workhouse location in urban or rural regions. Data were collected by using questionnaires that contain personal, workplace, and information tools and the modified Nordic MSDs questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by applying Poisson and negative binomial mixed models using a full Bayesian hierarchical approach. The deviance information criterion was used for comparison between models and model selection. Results: The majority of weavers (72%) were female and carpet weaving was the main job of 85.2% of workers. The negative binomial mixed model with lowest deviance information criterion was selected as the best model. The criteria showed the convergence of chains. Based on 95% Bayesian credible interval, the main job and weaving type variables statistically affected the number of MSDs, but variables age, sex, weaving comb, work experience, and carpet weaving looms were not significant. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that occupational factors are associated with the number of MSDs developing among carpet weavers. Thus, using standard tools and decreasing hours of work per day can reduce frequency of MSDs among carpet weavers.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2016

Background: Work Ability Index (WAI) is a well-known and valid self-report tool that has been widely used in various studies to identify and avoid early retirement and work-related disability. Nevertheless, very few studies have been carried out to evaluate work ability in Iran. We aimed to investigate the WAI and the effect of work-related stress on it among Iranian workers. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study was carried out among 449 workers from five working sectors in three big cities of Iran. Work ability and work-related stress were measured using the Persian version of WAI and the Persian version of Health and Safety Executive Stress Indicator Tool. Results: More than a third of the workers surveyed (34.70%) did not have an appropriate level of work ability (WAI < 37). There was a significant correlation between subscales of work-related stress and the mean score of WAI. Furthermore, the variables of body mass index, sleep quality, exercise activity, job tenure, and three subscales of work-related stress including demands, supervisor support, and role were significant predictors of WAI. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the interventional programs must be focused on improving supervisors support, eliminating ambiguity and conflicts in the role of workers in their job and organization, reducing job demands, improving sleep quality, and increasing exercise activity.

• Proceedings of the ESK Conference
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• 1992.10a
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• pp.63-67
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• 1992

인간이 역사를 이루며 살아오면서 피복은 인간의 생활 수단으로서 빠뜨릴 수 없는 존재가 되었다. 사외 생활을 하면서 인간은 자신을 보호하고 남에게 자신의 이미지를 전달하고 자신의 욕구를 표출하면서 만족시키는데 있어 의복은 가장 중요한 역활을 하고 있고 인간 역시 그러한 것들을 의복에 의존하고 있는 것이다. 그러나 정상인을 위한 의복만 취급되어지는 시장에서 신체장애자들은 정상인보다도 더 세심하게 기능들이 고려된 의복이 필요함에도 불구하고 의복의 기능들을 생각하면서 의복을 선택할 수가 없다. 이러한 사앙들이 대두되면서 현대에 들어 신체 장애자 의복에 있어서 불편함을 없애고 보다 적합한 의복을 만들기 위한 연구가 진행되었다. 신체 장애자의 의복 연구는 Ward가 이 부분에 관심을 표명한 이후 임상 의사들에 의해 연구가 이루어지기 시작했다. 우리나라에서도 1976년 심성식의 한국 신체 장애자의 의복에 관한 연구를 기점으로 이 분야의 관심도가 높아지고 있으나 아직까지는 전반적으로 부족한 실정이다. 특히 위생적인 분야에서는 자료가 매우 부족하다. 이에 본 연구에서는 휠체어를 사용하는 하지 마비자의 체표 면을 떠서 기성복 패턴과 비교를 통해 보다 편안한 바지 패턴을 제시하고, 여름철에 많이 사용하는 직물로 바지를 제작하고 착용시킨후 인체 생리 반응을 분석하여 여름철에 쾌적한 바지를 알아 보았다. 이 연구를 통해 일반인과는 생활 자세가 다른 휠체어를 사용하는 하지 마비자와 일반인이 입는 기성복 바지를 착용 했을 때 생기는 불합리한 요소들을 고려하여 미적이고 기능적 및 위생적인 측면에서 신체 장애자에게 보다 적합한 바지를 제작하기 위한 기초 자료를 제공하고자 한다.값은 $f^{m}$ (p-1)-1 이다. (n=2m)이 많고 흡연 등의 만성 자극 요인이 있으며 술후 음성 호전에 걸리는 기간이 길어 보다 복합적인 측면에서 치료에 임하여야 할 것으로 사료된다. with such configuration.trap with 2.88[eV] deep of injected space charge from the chathode in the crystaline regions. The origin of ${\alpha}$$_2$ peak was regarded as the detrapping process of ions trapped with 0.9[eV] deep originated from impurity-ion remained in the specimen during production process of the material, in the crystalline regions. The origin of ${\beta}$ peak was concluded to be due to the depolarization process of "C=0"dipole with the activation energy of 0.75[eV] in the amorphous regions. The origin of ${\gamma}$ peak was responsible to the process combined with the depolarization of "CH$_3$", chain segment, with the activation

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.764-770
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• 2009

This study was conducted to analyze the wearing condition on gloves for pilots and to suggest the developments for pilot gloves design. This survey was performed with 99 pilots and the questionnaires included items about discomfort, materials and problems when wearing pilot gloves. The respondents felt uncomfortable on the finger tip, the hollow area of the hand and the end of thumb when they move their hands with the gloves. They replied that the finger length, palm length, and circumference of the fingers did not match well. Also they complained there was severe abrasion in the tip of the thumb, finger tips and the middle of the palm of the gloves. The result of these analyses supports the following suggestions. It is necessary to improve durability by applying the additional materials to the severely worn parts. Punching on the glove materials could improve sweat rate and ventilation, and careful washing should be accompanied to prevent the occurrence of linters and transformation after laundering. And it is needed to prepare an accurate and more diversified size system and to design the gloves fitted to the individual hands. With these in mind, it is required to propose solutions for pilot gloves with reference to the survey results in order to design appropriate pilot gloves in terms of movement, size and material. It was concluded that an analysis of the wearing condition and developments are useful for ergonomics pilot gloves design.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.432-438
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• 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its associated agricultural work-related, biomechanical factors among this population. Methods: We analyzed initial survey data from the Safety for Agricultural Injury of Farmers cohort study involving adult farmers in Jeju Island. The prevalence of LBP was calculated with associated factors. Results: In total, 1,209 participants were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of LBP was 23.7%. Significant associations for LBP were the type of farming activity, length of farming career, prior agricultural injury within 1 year, and stress levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed three biomechanical factors significantly related to LBP: repetitive use of particular body parts; the inappropriate posture of the lower back and neck. Conclusions: Some occupational, and biomechanical risk factors contribute to LBP. Therefore, postural education, injury prevention education, and psychological support will be needed to prevent LBP.