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Volume 14, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics-In Press 2026)
Iran J Ergon 2026, 14(2): 0-0 |
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Hajialikhani F, Shahbazi F, Mahdavi N. Investigating the Association Between Hand Tool Discomfort and Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disabilities Among Artisans in Isfahan, 2025. Iran J Ergon 2026; 14 (2)
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1138-en.html
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1138-en.html
1- Department of Health, Safety and Environment management, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
2- Department of Epidemiology, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3- Department of Ergonomics, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. ,n.mahdavi@umsha.ac.ir
2- Department of Epidemiology, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3- Department of Ergonomics, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. ,
Abstract: (46 Views)
Background and Objective: Handicraft artists in Isfahan Province are at heightened risk of developing upper‑extremity musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work, which involves repetitive movements and awkward postures. This study was conducted to examine the influence of hand‑tool characteristics on upper‑extremity musculoskeletal discomfort among these artisans.
Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 191 artisans (70 women and 121 men) working in the fields of enameling, turquoise inlaying, miniature painting, and metal engraving were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Quick version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire, and the Comfort QH (CQH) tool comfort questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata version 17, and a significance level of less than 0.05 was considered for all statistical tests.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the Quick-DASH score were estimated at 28.89 and 4.91, respectively. The highest Quick-DASH score was related to the engravers, with a mean of 30.89 and a standard deviation of 2.91. Work experience was a factor influencing the Quick-DASH score (P = 0.003). The mean CQH questionnaire score for artists was 1.09 with a standard deviation of 0.26. Turquoise inlay workers and engravers had the most discomfort from the tools, with a mean (standard deviation) of 1.04(0.23). No significant correlation was observed between upper limb disability and tool comfort.
Conclusion: The handicraft artists of Isfahan, who routinely perform highly repetitive and fine manual tasks, are exposed to a considerable risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Although no statistically significant association was found between musculoskeletal disability and discomfort related to hand tools, both univariate and multivariate analyses highlighted the substantial impact of hand‑tool comfort on upper‑extremity musculoskeletal discomfort.
Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 191 artisans (70 women and 121 men) working in the fields of enameling, turquoise inlaying, miniature painting, and metal engraving were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Quick version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire, and the Comfort QH (CQH) tool comfort questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata version 17, and a significance level of less than 0.05 was considered for all statistical tests.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the Quick-DASH score were estimated at 28.89 and 4.91, respectively. The highest Quick-DASH score was related to the engravers, with a mean of 30.89 and a standard deviation of 2.91. Work experience was a factor influencing the Quick-DASH score (P = 0.003). The mean CQH questionnaire score for artists was 1.09 with a standard deviation of 0.26. Turquoise inlay workers and engravers had the most discomfort from the tools, with a mean (standard deviation) of 1.04(0.23). No significant correlation was observed between upper limb disability and tool comfort.
Conclusion: The handicraft artists of Isfahan, who routinely perform highly repetitive and fine manual tasks, are exposed to a considerable risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Although no statistically significant association was found between musculoskeletal disability and discomfort related to hand tools, both univariate and multivariate analyses highlighted the substantial impact of hand‑tool comfort on upper‑extremity musculoskeletal discomfort.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Received: 2026/02/28 | Accepted: 2026/06/22 | ePublished: 2026/06/22
Received: 2026/02/28 | Accepted: 2026/06/22 | ePublished: 2026/06/22
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
