Showing 13 results for Hand
Farshid Ali Arabian, Majid Motamedzade, Rostam Golmohammadi, Abbas Moghim Beigi, Fereshteh Pir Hayati,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (9-2013)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the major problems in hospitals
leading to high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the health staff
is associated with patients handling. This study was aimed to reduce
musculoskeletal disorders using ergonomic intervention among Nahavand
Alimoradian hospital staff.
Material and Methods: This study was conducted in four wards of
160-bed Nahavand Alimoradian hospital. The data collecting tool was Nordic
Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The
questionnaire was completed, before and after educational intervention, for 46
employees of the four wards which had the most complaints about musculoskeletal
disorders. Training classes were held
for the target group covering prevention of work-related musculoskeletal
disorders, proper techniques for patient handling and stretching exercises for
low back pain prevention.
Results: The main results tended to be the high
prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders especially in low back, shoulders and
wrists of the employees. Low back pain was the most prevalent disorder among
the personnel. The educational intervention had not significant effect on
lessening the musculoskeletal disorders in hospital staff (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: At
present, regarding enhancements in healthcare procedures, there is an urgent
need to ergonomic intervention in the design of environment, tools and
equipment concurrent with educational intervention.
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Teymour Allahyari, Sara Hedayati, Hamidreza Khalkhali, Fariba Ghaderi,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (9-2014)
Abstract
Background: Patient Manual handling is one of the major risk factors in musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate the mechanical force on the low back of the staff responsible for patient manual handling and to exam in the effect of patient manual handling by two people on the level forces exerted on HCWs ҆ low back.
methods: the participants of this study were 10 health care workersdoing patient manual handling individually and by two people . To determine the posture of these people, we filmed them both from front and side and force plate was used to determine the weight of the patient handling by HCWs. 3DSSPP was used to estimate theforces exerted on the their low back during patient manual handling.
Results: Results showed that among the four studied tasks, the maximum compression forces exerted on discs L4/L5 and L5/S1 were 3591 ± 863 and 3342 ± 827 respectively when the patient was seated on wheelchair. The Maximum shear force exerted on the disc L4/L5 and L5/S1 were 252 ± 122 432 ± 36 N respectively when patient was seated on the bed. No significant difference was seen in the average forces exerted on low back except seating patient on wheelchair. ( P> 0.05)
Conclusions: The comparison of exerted force on disks with recommended limits revealed that only the task of placing patient on wheelchair exerted force on low back exceed NIOSH recommended weight limit. patient manual handling by two people most tasks of this study does not created significant difference. Therefore to reduce exert force on low back need ergonomic intervention including bed design, beds appropriate stabilization, training.
Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: The weak design of hand
tools and their disharmony with the user's physical features comprise a major
risk factor for upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Hand-tool related
injuries comprise almost 9% of all work-related injuries. The present study was
conducted to examine the effect of hand tools' diameter on comfort and maximum
hand torque and to estimate the optimal diameter for hand tools.
Methods: Participants included
6 men and 6 women with a mean age of 24.7 and a standard deviation of age of
5.84 years. Participants started to load and rotate the grip of 7 hand tools
with different diameters with all their power and using a self-made tool for measuring
the torque. The test duration, maximum torque and comfort level of the tool
grip was then measured and the data obtained were analyzed using the ANOVA and
the t-test.
Findings: The mean maximum
torque value obtained was 1.88 (SD=0.95) newton meter, the time taken to reach
the maximum torque was 13.96 (SD=9.03) seconds and the mean comfort level was
3.27 (SD=1.48) at a scale from 1 to 7. There was a significant difference
between the maximum torque generated in the group of men and the group of women
(p<0.001). The mean maximum torque obtained was 3.034 newton meter and the
mean maximum comfort level was 4.67, achieved with a grip diameter of 38 mm.
Conclusion: The optimal hand tool
diameter recommended for maximum user comfort and torque is 38 mm.
Teimour Allahyari, Sholeh Jafari, Hamidreza Khalkhali,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
Background: Power and pinch hand grip strengths are major clinical and ergonomic parameters contributing to the hand muscle power. The data on hand grip strength measurements can have many benefits, including application in the design of hand tools. The present study was conducted to measure power hand grip strength among male and female students aged 19 to 36 using a Jamar Dynamometer and to compare their measurement data with the data obtained from other groups of the population.
Materials and Methods: The present cross sectional study was conducted on 234 male and female students aged 19-36 in Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Hand grip strength was measured using Jamar hand dynamometer and according to the Southampton protocol for adult grip strength measurement.
Results: The mean (±standard deviation of) hand grip strength calculated was 44.39 (±9.71) in the male students 20.48 (±5.86) in the female students. A high correlation was observed between the power hand grip strength in the left and right hands (r=0.94 and P<0.001) and a significant difference then between the power hand grip strength in the dominant and non-dominant hands.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study and similar studies about power hand grip strength in the Iranian population can be used by ergonomists and manufacturers to improve the design of hand tools and the performance of tasks requiring hand muscle power.
Hamid Salmani Nodooshan, Alireza Choobineh, Mohsen Razeghi, Taymaz Shahnazar Nezhad Khales,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the major causes of work-related disability in healthcare workers (HCW). One of the main causes of WDSDs is patient handling. This study aimed to identify hazardous conditions related to patient handling in hospital environments.
Material and Methods: Patient handling activities were evaluated in 23 wards of three hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect the required data through interviews with at least 23 HCW. Number of patient transfers per shift, patients’ ability to move to/from bed/stretcher, type and rate of personnel injuries, and necessity of transfer assist devices were surveyed.
Results: Over five manual patient transfers per shift were performed in 70% of the wards. More than 70% of the patients were completely or relatively unable to cooperate in their own transfer. In more than 80% of the wards, the staff involved in patient handling activities suffered from various WMSDs, mainly low back pain (48.78%). Almost all (95%) participants believed that transfer assist devices were necessary and helpful and could be beneficial to not only the patients, but also the HCW and the hospital.
Conclusion: Patients in most hospital wards need help when moving to/from bed/stretcher. Patient handling is generally performed manually by HCW. The high prevalence rate of WMSDs in the participating HCW highlighted the necessity of an ergonomic intervention, e.g. the use of transfer assist devices, for patient handling.
Mehrdad Ashrafi, Hamideh Razavi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Nine percent of all available packaging are jars with steel lids. However, some consumers have trouble with jar opening. The aim of the current research was to analyze the exerting force on jar lids regarding the torque input to the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of the consumers.
Methods: In this study, the force distributed on the fingers and the palm was examined using a special tester consisting of Force Sensing Resistors (FSR). This tester included 19 sensors, 14 of which were installed on the fingers and 5 on the palm. Each sensor was connected to a driver via 2 wires and then to a computer by a USB port. A full jar with 1100 g weight and 85 mm lid outer diameter was used and the forces exerted by 20 participants, including 10 male and 10 female students, was recorded. Next, the Minitab 17 software was used and the mathematical relationship between the torque and anthropometric and physiological characteristics was investigated.
Results: It was found that the force is mainly exerted by the index finger. The calculation of the torque based on the force measurements showed that the maximum torque applied by males was 10.63 Nm and by females was 7.66 Nm. Statistical F test for the torque (response variable) at a significance level of 0.05 resulted in P values equal to 0.011 and 0.008 for male and female participants, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the measured values are statistically significant.
Conclusions: Statistical analysis revealed that hand dimensions and grip strength play major roles in applying torque. Additionally, the results indicated that packaging conditions for the particular jar in this study must be adjusted such that the consumers with the lowest physical ability (5.11 Nm torque) could open them.
Soudabeh Asadollahi, Iman Dianat, Moein Nedaei,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Scissors are essential tools in different occupations including sewing and clothes making. Improper design of fabric cutting scissors can lead to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms among users. The aim of this study was to evaluate pinch force and wrist posture while working with three designs of sewing scissors and a traditional sewing scissors.
Methods: The first model of the scissor had a bent-handle (to improve wrist posture), the second model had a thumb-ring that was located closer to the pivot (to reduce thumb’s abducted position and range of movement), and the original oval ring in the third model was changed to a hook-shaped handle (to reduce hand and finger discomfort). Pinch force was measured using a pinch gauge and wrist posture was measured in two anatomical planes including flexion/extension and ulnar/radial deviation using the observational method.
Results: The results showed significant effects of scissors' design on pinch force exertions (P < 0.01) and ulnar/radial deviation of the wrist (P < 0.001). The lowest level of pinch force decrement between pre- and post-pinch force measurements was recorded for the second model (2.4%), while the highest level was recorded for the traditional model (7%). More neutral wrist postures in ulnar/radial direction (83%) were recorded for the first model compared to the other designs.
Conclusions: The second scissors, which was designed to reduce thumb’s range of motion and abduction, showed some improvement in pinch force compared to the traditional model.
Mohsen Taghizade, Iraj Mohebbi, Hamidreza Khalkhali, Parya Ahmadi-Arablu, Arezou Torfeh, Mohammad Hajaghazadeh,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2018)
Abstract
Background: The lack of fit between tools and human hand could result in musculoskeletal disorders and decrease efficiency. Designing hand tools, anthropometric data of target population is necessary. A few studies have reported the hand anthropometric dimensions of Iranians. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to measure the most important anthropometric dimensions of hand in a population of office staffs in Urmia.
Methods:In this study, 20 dimensions of dominant hand were measured in 345 participants (217 males and 128 females) using a digital caliper and a plastic tape. The important percentiles were reported by gender. Independent t-test was used to compare the mean of male and female hand dimensions. The length and width of hand were compared with the corresponding data from published literature.
Results: The values of 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles were calculated and tabulated by gender. The hand dimensions of men were larger than those of women. The mean of hand dimensions of men was statistically different from those of women (P=0.001). In contrast to women, the hand length and breadth of the men of this study were significantly different from those of the most of the other communities.
Conclusion: The results of this study could be used by designers or importers of hand tools and gloves. Considering the significant differences of hand dimensions between men and women, it is recommended to use hand dimensions of each gender for designing their related products.
Azar Soltani, Mohsen Aliabadi, Rostam Golmohammadi, Majid Motamedzade,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2018)
Abstract
Background: Exposure to hand-arm vibration is one of the most common physical harmful factors. The purpose of this study was Experimental study of the level of manual performance disability caused by exposure to hand-arm vibration among automobile casting workers.
Methods: This study was performed on 53 casting workers as case group and 28 controls as control group. The measurement of the vibration of the worker's arms and hands was carried out in accordance with the ISO 5349 standard. The level of manual performance disability was evaluated using skeletal-muscular, sensory-neural and vascular tests. Also, a questionnaire was used for the level of disability of the arm, shoulder and hand DASH. Data were analyzed using SPSS16 software.
Results: The 8-hour vibration exposure was 8.33 m / s2 (4.49), which is exceeded the permissible level. Skill and dexterity, fingers and grip strength of the dominant hand in the case group were decreased by 4%, 13.3% and 11%, respectively (p <0.05). The regeneration time of the dominant hand in the case group was 41.2% higher than the control group (p <0.05). Sensory-neurological complications increased in the case group compared to the control group, however, it was not statistically significant. The DASH score in the case group was 10.7 (13.4) and the control group was 4.1 (5.1).
Conclusion: Hand-arm manual performance disability in workers exposed to vibration decreased from 4% to 14%, which confirmed the DASH score. In addition, workers showed a higher level of vascular complications compared with sensory-neurological complications.
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Mehrane Shabani, Younes Lotfi, Fakhradin Ghasemi, Younes Mohammadi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the factors affecting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the lack of coordination and appropriateness of these tools. Designing a handy tool helps with a better performance, befitting and less fatigue. In this study, anthropometric data on the hands (right and left) of women and men were collected.
Materials & Methods: This research was descriptive and 576 people participated in this study; 10 anthropometric measurements of the hand according to the principles of measurement of Pheasant were measured by digital caliper under the same conditions. The measured anthropometric dimensions were the length of the hands and palms, the width of the hands and palms, the length of the fingers (m1-m2-m3-m4-m5) and the maximum power grip. Descriptive indices such as percentile 5, 50 and 95, maximum and minimum, mean and standard deviation were calculated using SPSS software.
Results: 290 women and 286 men participated in this study. Mean and standard deviation of age was (40.58 ± 9.95), height (1.66 ± 1.14) and BMI (26.85 ± 4.50). 90.8% were right handed and (9.2%) were left handed. The mean difference in length of hand, palm length, hand width, thumb length, middle finger length, small finger length, maximum power grip of women and men were statistically significant (P<0.01). All dimensions of the hand in men were larger than women.
Conclusion: Anthropometric dimensions are influenced by factors such as gender, age, genetics, and even type of nutrition, occupation, and other factors. The size of the dimensions of the hands of women and men are different. Anthropometric database of two communities should be used to design handheld devices that are commonly used by both women and men. The findings can be used to design and redesign any hand tools and improve the convenience of users.
Mahnaz Ahmadlu, Mostafa Pouyakian, Mohammad Ranjbarian, Soheila Khodakarim,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: There are various models of socket wrench in the market varying in the length and diameter of handle and weight. Each of these features alone can modify the force applied by the hand and affect how comfortable the user is. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dimensional properties and weight of several models of socket wrench with their usability index score.
Methods: 58 male technicians from maintenance units of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences performed the task of opening 12 bolts with 8 N/m of torque using 6 models of socket wrench with different physical properties. The sample size was selected based on proposed figures for usability studies. The System Usability Index (SUS) validated questionnaire was used to determine the usability score of each model after the experiment. The study was conducted in 2017. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis.
Results: The results showed that there was a significant relationship between usability index score and dimensional properties and weight of wrenches (P<0.001). Wrench models with longer handle and diameter size close to optimum range of diameter of hand tools for male users had a higher usability score, and participants reported a better test experience with these models.
Conclusion: Using the System Usability Index (SUS Questionnaire) to measure the quality of human-centered design of hand tools is a good way to evaluate and select the hand tools that are widely used by technical staff. The results of this study are valid for short-term applications of wrenches. However, for long time activities, epidemiological and physiological evidences such as EMG should also be used.
Azam Maleki-Ghahfarokhi, Iman Dianat, Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi, Mohamad Parnianpour, Mahmood-Reza Azghani, Maryam Khosravifar, Sina Samadi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: The comfort questionnaire for hand tools (CQH) is a subjective measure for exploring the starting points for improving hand tool design. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Farsi version of the CQH.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, which was conducted among 163 university students, the 17-question CQH was translated into Farsi with a translation back-translation procedure. Content validity was assessed by a panel of 10 experts. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was applied for determining construct validity. Cronbach’s alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were used for assessing internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. Ceiling and floor effects were also estimated for evaluating the feasibility of the measure.
Results: The CQH showed good content validity. Content validity index (CVI) ranged from 0.80 to 1.00 and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) ranged 0.62-1.00. EFA led to extraction of two factors from the data. The first one was mostly related to functionality and physical interaction and the second one, was generally about adverse body effects. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.74 and test-retest reliability was 0.74 (95% CI = 0.58 to 0.86) which both were satisfactory. There were no (0%) ceiling and floor effects.
Conclusion: The Farsi version of CQH is an acceptable and useful instrument for evaluating hand tools comfort.
Narges Adabi, Hassan Sabourimoghaddam, Abbas Bakhsheepour Roodsari,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Human factors are critical in the design and development of various products, but wideness and unclarity of different aspects of these factors make it difficult to extract demands of users. Studying emotional aspects of users' behavior in interaction with products, as well as interviewing them, is considered as an efficient tool in extracting design demands. This study aims to integrate the application of task analysis and the measuring of emotional aspects to determine the users’ emotional states in the different stages; and therefore extract the user satisfaction criteria.
Methods: This research has a descriptive/ exploratory approach. In this practical study, the use of two everyday tools for chopping onions is analyzed. 20 users of these tools were non-randomly selected to participate in the test and interview. Users performed the task with each tool, and the process was recorded by a camera. After performing the task, subjects completed self-assessment questionnaire and then, an interview was conducted about their experience of the tools usage. Parametric t test was used to evaluate results of the questionnaire and compare averages.
Results: Findings of the emotional questionnaire showed that the emotional states of people in different stages of task are significantly different from each other. The determined emotional states, showed the weaknesses and the advantages of the tools studied. By analyzing videos, interviews and surveys, users' demands were extracted. The extracted features were categorized based on the work steps.
Conclusion: Using this method can reveal precise details of users’ needs concerning product category, which can be used as a suitable tool for designers and researchers in the field of user experience.
