Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Introduction: Leptin, generated by the obesity gene, acts as an anti-obesity hormone that plays a key role in regulating weight. We aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of selected aerobic training on serum leptin levels, anthropometric indices and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in obese men.

Methods: Twenty healthy elderly men were selected by convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to control (n = 10) and experimental (n = 10) groups. The program training included 45 minutes per session, three times per week for eight weeks of participation in aerobic exercise classes with 55-60% HRR. Pre- and post-aerobic exercise, serum leptin levels, anthropometric indices and VO2max were evaluated. To make intra and intergroup comparisons, t-test for dependent and independent samples were used. For all statistical comparisons, the level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: Eight weeks of aerobic exercise led to a significant increase of Vo2max (P = 0.01). The amount of leptin (P = 0.007), weight (P = 0.002), BMI (P = 0.003), body fat percentage (P = 0.002) and WHR (P = 0.013) in sedentary obese men in the experimental group significantly reduced. The variations of weight, BMI, BFP, WHR and Vo2max in the two groups had differences.

Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the selected aerobic training had a favorable influence on improvement of serum leptin levels and VO2max in obese men.

Background and Objectives: One of the most important aspects of ergonomics is physiologic balance between human characteristics and their jobs. This study aimed to investigate the physiological characteristics of janitor, safety guard and facility workers of a work organization and determine their physiological fit.
Methods: A total of 70 staff were evaluated using Queen's college step test, N20 body composition analyzer, SECA scale, RS800CX Polar pacemaker. Descriptive statistics and analytical tests including ANOVA and Pearson correlation were used. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.
Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) and fat percentage (Fat%) of employees were beyond the optimal range, but Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) were in the range. Also, the average Maximum Volume of Oxygen consumption (VO_2max) were 42/1±62/33 mL/kg/min and the average of working capacity (maximum Physical Work Capacity: PWC_max) were 16/63±4/46 kcal/min.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the level of some physical characteristics is inappropriate, physical fitness is poor and individual capabilities and job requirements are not in balance. Using standardized recruitment tests, providing the possibility of sports activities (by organizations) and finding integrated indicators that simultaneously take into account the physical, mental, social and environmental capabilities of individuals to determine work capacity (by researchers), can be facilitating steps to establish an ergonomic balance in the workplace.