Objective
This study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ergonomic risks for Kerman University of Medical Sciences’ office workers.
Methods
The study sample comprised all office workers in the University and the sample included 129 women and 121 men. Data on MSDs were derived from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, while ergonomic data were collected through two direct observations via the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and the rapid office strain assessment (ROSA) method.
Results
The results showed that the highest prevalence rates of MSDs were in the lower back (72.4%) and neck (55.2). Results of the postural assessment revealed that 68.8% of the participants’ require “further investigation in order to modify their posture” and 27.6% need to “modify their posture soon.” From the workstation analysis, the majority of the office workers were at a medium (55.2%) and high-risk level (27.6%). Results also revealed a significant association between some of MSDs in the lower back and neck with the RULA and ROSA score.
Conclusions
Based on the results, for the prevention of MSDs, there should be ergonomics workshops for workers to be aware of ergonomics factors in the office. The ergonomics training must also be used in offices; the design of workstations should be improved.
Objective: Proper performance of Dachi in karate as a basic technique has a direct impact on the performance of other techniques. The aim of the present is to compare the maximum angular velocities of the hip, knee and ankle joints under different Zenkutsu-dachi movement patterns in karate athletes. Methods: Participants were 12 male karate athletes height= 175±5.5 cm; weight=75±5.5 kg, age=25±5.5 years, history=8±2.5 years). A three-dimensional motion analyzer with six synchronized infrared cameras at a video recording speed of 200 frames per second was used, and recordings were analyzed in Cortex 2.5.0 software. Zenkutsu-dachi forward movement was performed in six different patterns. The normality of the data distribution was confirmed by Shapiro-Wilk test. To test the study hypotheses, repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test were used in SPSS V. 25 considering the significant level of P<0.05. Results: There was a significant difference between movement patterns 3 and 4 and between patterns 5 and 6 in the hip joint (P<0.05), while no significant difference in the knee and ankle joints was reported. Each of the Zenkutsu-dachi movement patterns could change the position and range of motion of the hip joint and iliopsoas muscles. Conclusion: By bringing the front leg more forward and bending the back leg slightly, the involved limbs and muscles can be in optimal state and creates greater angular velocity in the hip joint.
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