Work-A Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation最新文献

BackgroundSecondary traumatic stress (STS) is a significant concern for firefighters due to their repeated exposure to traumatic events. In Saudi Arabia, cultural and organizational dynamics may amplify the risk of STS among firefighters' work performance. This heightened risk stems from culturally rooted stigma surrounding mental health, a lack of structured psychological support systems, and rigid hierarchical work environments that often discourage emotional expression or help-seeking behavior.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the prevalence of STS among Saudi firefighters, its impact on work efficiency and performance, and the moderating effects of personal, social, and organizational factors.MethodsA mixed-methods design was employed. The quantitative component included a cross-sectional survey of 304 male firefighters from different regions of Saudi Arabia, while the qualitative component involved semi-structured interviews with 22 participants Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, and stepwise regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis guided by an inductive approach.ResultsThe results indicate a notable prevalence of psychological distress among Saudi firefighters. Significant associations were found between STS and several variables, including educational level, marital status, region of work, trauma exposure frequency, and the desire to transfer to another role. The study also highlighted the moderating influence of personal, social, and organizational factors on stress outcomes.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the pressing need for targeted mental health interventions and systemic organizational reforms to support firefighters' well-being and enhance occupational resilience.

BackgroundPhysical Capacity Profile (PCP) testing involves a series of physical fitness tests to assess physical capabilities of newly-hired workers for specific job requirements. Studies have found a higher incidence of work-related lower-back injuries in employees with PCP scores below their job level as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor.ObjectiveThis study evaluated associations between demographics, history of lower-back pain (HxLBP), and associated surgery (HxLBP+Surgery) with PCP results of newly hired workers from a large database.MethodsThis retrospective, cross-sectional study used data collected from 150 test sites between March 19, 2015 and December 31, 2018. Regressions were conducted for overall PCP score as well as individual tests for spinal range of motion (ROM) and dynamic strength, controlling for demographics, anthropometrics, and medical history.ResultsPCP data from the first 100,000 consecutive subjects entered into a database were assessed (mean age 33.2 ± 12.4 years, 32,926 [32.9%] female) of whom 12,246 (12.2%) had HxLBP and 531 (0.5%) had HxLBP + Surgery. Higher age predicted increased odds of HxLBP (OR = 1.02/year; p < 0.001) and HxLBP + Surgery (OR = 1.03/year; p < 0.001). Males had lower odds of HxLBP compared to females (OR = 0.45; p < 0.001). Overall PCP scores and each ROM and dynamic strength test were significantly reduced with HxLBP; all but overall PCP and one dynamic strength test (squats) were also significantly decreased with HxLBP + Surgery.ConclusionsHxLBP is common in employees, moreso among females and older workers, and predicts slightly decreased PCP performance. Future work should explore the suitability of PCP in predicting injury rates in the context of multiple comorbidities.

BackgroundWhile physical and mental health training guidelines have received much attention and scientific scrutinisation for traditional sports, these guidelines have not yet been developed for electronic sports (eSports). One important factor for developing these guidelines is to find appropriate ways to objectively measure performance and wellbeing of eSport participants through a combination of behavioural and physiological measurements.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of perceived discomfort on stress levels and task performance during racing simulation (eRacing) activities using physiological and behavioural measurements.MethodsDiscomfort and stress were analysed using questionnaires, electro-encephalography, electrocardiography, and galvanic skin response while 17 participants engaged in off-line Assetto Corsa racing simulation competitions.ResultsDiscomfort slightly increased with prolonged seating, and perceived task difficulty significantly increased stress and self-assessed task performance. While significant differences could be observed in electro-encephalographic (EEG) alpha-, beta-band activity and galvanic skin responses (GSR) data, these were not correlated to perceived stress, discomfort, or performance.ConclusionsThis study showed the potential for using physiological measurements to monitor eSport player performance before, after and during eRacing activities. While no significant correlations with behavioural assessments were found, further studies could build on the suggested physiological markers to determine effects of competitive environments on eSport participants' wellbeing.

BackgroundIn recent decades, electronic devices have been used increasingly for many purposes such as studying and working.ObjectiveThis research aimed to investigate and compare the usability, cognitive workload, and ergonomic postural risks of using laptops and tablets for online learning.MethodsThis research involved 30 students, 86.75% female and 13.25% male, who were randomly assigned to study online via either laptops (15 students) or tablets (15 students). Instruments used to collect data were the general information questionnaire, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Mental Workload Index assessment (NASA-TLX), and System Usability Scale (SUS). The SUS, NASA-TLX, and RULA scores were compared by using Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsFindings showed that a significant portion of the students (83.3%) spent more than eight hours per day using electronic devices. The analysis of the comparison between these two groups of students revealed significant statistical differences (at the 0.05 level) in the usability and ergonomic postural risks of laptops and tablets. However, no significant differences in cognitive workload were found.ConclusionsBesides serving as a guideline for designing online education management, the findings of this study can also be applied in the workplace, such as working, meeting, training and controlling machinery through computer devices. Recommendations for further study include exploring more difficult academic lessons, and other tasks such as different kinds of work. In addition, authorities regulating online learning and working through electronic devices should mandate that learners or online workers select appropriate devices for user health and efficiency.

BackgroundSleep quality is essential for maintaining health and work performance. However, it remains understudied among healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, who are exposed to occupational demands that may impair sleep, even without night shifts.ObjectiveThis pilot study aimed to assess sleep quality among physiotherapists and explore its associations with occupational and lifestyle factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 22 physiotherapists employed at the Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Institute for Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina Novi Sad, Serbia. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a custom questionnaire collected data on age, gender, work tenure, sport participation and commuting habits. Non-parametric statistical methods (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman's correlation) were used. All participants provided informed consent, and ethical standards were followed.ResultsThe median age was 39.8 ± 10.9 years; 81.8% were female, with a mean work tenure of 15.7 ± 11.5 years. The average PSQI score was 7.0 ± 2.8, indicating poor sleep quality. Poorer sleep quality was significantly associated with longer work tenure (p = 0.003) and commuting by bicycle (p = 0.027). Gender and sport participation showed no significantly association with sleep quality (p > 0.05).ConclusionsDespite the absence of night shifts, physiotherapists in this study exhibited poor sleep quality. Longer work tenure and active commuting may contribute to this issue. Further research with larger samples is needed to clarify causal relationships and inform sleep-related interventions targeting healthcare professionals.

BackgroundTurboprop aircraft offer the possibility of lower emissions for regional travel in comparison to jets. Future low-carbon aircraft concepts include propeller-generated thrust powered from fuel cells, hydrogen, biofuel, battery or hybrid power. The noise and vibration experienced in a turboprop cabin is different to that experienced in a jet, with signals characterised by tonal components related to the propeller blade pass frequency. These components have been associated with noise and vibration discomfort. There are few published studies of aircraft cabin vibration measured on the seat surface according to ISO2631-1; none report data for the whole flight.ObjectiveThe objective was to measure and evaluate the vibration experienced by passengers for complete turboprop flights and compare vibration data with standards associated with vibration comfort.MethodsVibration data was measured on the surface of three occupied seats during two turboprop aircraft flights. Measurements were made on full flights, and covered the entire duration from gate-to-gate.ResultsData showed that the vibration is highly tonal, and is affected by position and flight phase. Frequency-weighted vibration showed magnitudes below thresholds for health risk. The highest magnitudes of vibration occurred at the blade pass frequency and its harmonics. These frequencies are rejected by standard comfort assessment methods that use frequency weightings.ConclusionsWhole-body vibration exposure in the turboprop tested in this study did not approach health risk thresholds using ISO2631-1. Analysis of the vibrational comfort requires use of band-limited vibration assessment methods to include the dominant vibration components in analysis.

BackgroundHeavy loads are carried out manually by rice mill workers, which causes a considerably high compressive force on the spine, particularly in the L4-L5 region.ObjectiveTo assess the posture and discomfort experienced by the rice mill workers in manual materials handling (MMH) tasks. To estimate the moment and back compressive force (BCF) at L4-L5 using digital human modeling (DHM).MethodsThe posture of 12 males was measured for three MMH tasks and three modes of load carrying. The measured posture was analyzed using the Kinovea software. A manikin was developed using CATIA software to estimate the moment and BCF. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) discomfort score was estimated on the developed manikin. A survey was carried out using a modified Nordic questionnaire to assess the discomfort among the workers.ResultsThe torso flexion varied from 39.6° to 52° and 3.4° to 7.7° for load carrying on back and on head, respectively. The moment and BCF at L4-L5 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for load carrying on back as compared to load carrying on head. The BCF at L4-L5 during load carrying on back was higher than the threshold limit of 3400 N. The RULA score during load carrying on back was 5 on 7-point scale. The mean discomfort score was relatively higher on the lower back and upper back.ConclusionsRULA score and BCF suggest the need for intervention to reduce discomfort and compressive force at L4-L5 among rice mill workers.

BackgroundIn recent years in-chair movements (ICM) have gained attention in comfort and discomfort studies, but the role of these movements in preventing and/or alleviating discomfort remains unclear. Furthermore, differences in study design and terminology make cross-study comparisons difficult.ObjectiveThis study aims to synthesize current research on ICM, particularly the categorization of different ICM types. It also aims to provide an overview of ICM over time, focusing on their progressions, characteristics, and possible patterns.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted based on the PRISMA framework using Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Data from the included studies were extracted and organized according to three ICM descriptors: frequency, amplitude, and posture change.ResultsEighteen out of 230 identified papers met the inclusion criteria. Substantial heterogeneity in terminology and measurement partly explains inconsistencies in findings. Across most studies, ICM frequency increased over time, although a minority reported decreased movement or a "stiffening effect". Findings regarding ICM amplitude were inconsistent, while a shift or change toward more slumped posture appears to be especially common during driving activities. These variations suggest that ICM patterns are influenced by task demands, seat characteristics, and individual differences.ConclusionICM patterns are not solely time-dependent but are shaped by seat characteristics, task demands, and individual factors. While several studies suggest correlations between ICM strategies and discomfort, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Developing a comprehensive ICM framework that integrates movement strategies, and active or dynamic seating approaches will benefit cross-study comparability and provide directions for future ICM research.

BackgroundIn-depth studies highlight that trust is essential for the effective interaction with autonomous vehicles, which, have not yet gained public trust.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and validate a comprehensive questionnaire to evaluate people's trust in autonomous vehicles.MethodsAfter identifying influential factors in trust by interviews and brainstorming sessions, 75 questions across 5 dimensions were developed, which were then narrowed to 69 in 3 dimensions using "thinking aloud". This version was assessed by 24 experts, resulting in 19 responses and the exclusion of 22 questions based on CVI and CVR. Finally, the reliability was determined using Cronbach's Alpha after an experiment with 24 participants.ResultsA 47-item questionnaire, with 3 dimensions including personal, social, and technical factors, and 21 sub-dimensions was developed. The lowest CVI (0.63) was for "mental complexity" and the highest (0.90) belonged to "personality". The least CVR (0.56) for "meaningfulness attitude" was acquired, while the highest CVR (1.00) was recorded for 9 questions. Total Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (0.93) showed satisfactory reliability.ConclusionsThis validated instrument offers a comprehensive tool for evaluating trust in AVs for future studies.

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is one of the common self-reported of musculoskeletal pain among working the population. Nonetheless, its influence on work productivity specifically absenteeism and presenteeism among Malaysian academics remains unknown.ObjectiveTherefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of LBP on work productivity among academics.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study assessing the association of LBP on work productivity (absenteeism and presenteeism) among academics. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the study information. Data was analyzed using linear regression and reported in term of unstandardized coefficient (B) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsA total of 411 academics participated with median age 40.5 years. The mean prevalence of absenteeism and presenteeism due to LBP is 2.3% and 19.89% respectively. Occurrence of LBP and its severity were not significantly associated with absenteeism. Nonetheless, LBP severity and anxiety symptoms were significantly associated with increased presenteeism.ConclusionThe prevalence of presenteeism due to LBP among academics is notably higher than absenteeism. Increases in LBP severity and anxiety were significantly linked to higher rates of presenteeism. Therefore, academic institutions should implement interactive and sustainable workplace wellness programs to enhance their employees' health and well-being, which may lead to improve their work productivity.