搜索结果：Human Factors and Ergonomics

Nurse fatigue is a prevalent and multifactorial occupational health risk that increases the likelihood of work-related injuries and safety incidents, with implications for both workforce well-being and patient care. In fatigue-prone nursing environments, injuries such as slips, sharps injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders related to patient handling represent critical yet often underrecognized consequences of sustained physical and cognitive overload. This review synthesizes findings from occupational health, human factors engineering, sleep medicine, and healthcare quality improvement to examine injury prevention strategies targeting nurse fatigue. Shifting beyond individual-level resilience, the review focuses on system-oriented interventions embedded within work design and care delivery processes. Three interrelated domains are examined: (1) organizational and scheduling strategies, including fatigue risk management systems, shift optimization, protected rest, and acuity-responsive staffing; (2) engineering and ergonomic solutions, such as safe patient handling programs, assistive technologies, environmental optimization, and alarm management; and (3) behavioral and team-based practices, including microbreaks, fatigue-aware communication, training for high-risk tasks, and non-punitive fatigue-related reporting. Across healthcare contexts, implementation is constrained by resource limitations, alarm burden, and deficiencies in safety culture. Evaluation commonly relies on injury incidence, near-miss reporting, sleep quality, and workforce retention, though data standardization remains challenging. Overall, preventing fatigue-related injuries in nursing requires integrated, multidisciplinary, and context-sensitive strategies that align organizational design, engineering controls, and behavioral practices. Embedding fatigue management within healthcare safety culture and policy frameworks is essential to protecting nurses' health, sustaining workforce stability, and improving patient safety.

Occupational ApplicationThis study found that vendors were involved in nearly one-third of all observed flow disruptions during orthopedic surgery, with a disproportionate share linked to coordination issues and protocol failures, including breaches of the sterile field. While vendors provide critical technical expertise on equipment and implants, their involvement can unintentionally blur role boundaries and disrupt team coordination in high-stakes environments. For ergonomics and human factors practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of designing systems that support clearer role delineation, structured integration of non-clinical participants, and improved communication protocols in surgical teams. Practical applications include developing vendor orientation programs, establishing explicit boundaries on clinical versus technical responsibilities, and training OR staff to effectively leverage vendor expertise without over-reliance. Addressing these challenges can improve team resilience, reduce safety risks, and optimize workflow efficiency in surgical and other complex, multidisciplinary work settings. Background: Surgery demands coordination, yet flow disruption (FD) interruptions that divert attention are common and can undermine safety. Among the contributors to FDs is the surgical vendor, an external representative who provides expertise on the prosthetic device being implanted. Although vendors are valuable resources, their presence in the operating room (OR) has also been associated with safety risks.Methods: This study examines the nature and frequency of vendor-related FDs during orthopedic surgery. Trained human factors observers were embedded in orthopedic ORs and systematically documented FDs in real time. Disruptions were subsequently categorized using the RIPCHORD-TWA taxonomy and analyzed to quantify vendor involvement.Results: Of 1,387 observed FDs, vendors were involved in 425 (31%). Despite being one of several OR participants, vendors accounted for a disproportionate share of protocol-related failures, including 13 of 31 (42%) observed breaches of sterile field and other procedural deviations.Conclusion: Vendors provide essential technical knowledge while also representing a significant source of disruption. These findings highlight the need for clearer role delineation, structured integration of vendors into surgical teams, and enhanced training for both vendors and OR staff to minimize inappropriate task delegation. Addressing these issues through structured integration, role delineation, and team-centered process redesign can enhance human-system performance and occupational safety in high-stakes surgical environments.

BackgroundWhile numerous studies have explored motivational factors, few have applied a macroergonomic lens to public-sector administrative settings in non-Western contexts like Iran, where hierarchical structures and economic challenges uniquely shape workplace dynamics.ObjectiveThis qualitative study aimed to identify and explore the key macroergonomic factors influencing job motivation among administrative staff in a public health school, using the Work Systems Model (WSM) as a conceptual framework.MethodsA qualitative content analysis approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews with a total of sixteen full-time administrative staff during March to May 2024. Data were collected until saturation and analyzed through the lens of macroergonomics, categorizing findings into five core domains: organizational, environmental, technological, individual, and task-related factors.ResultsFindings revealed that motivational dynamics are shaped by a complex interplay of systemic factors. Key organizational factors identified by 5 major domains, 11 dimensions, and 38 subcategories from 426 codes, containing leadership style and reward systems; environmental influences encompassed office noise and temperature; technological factors involved the quality and availability of digital tools; individual factors addressed personality traits and internal motivation; and task-related aspects emphasized role clarity and task variety.ConclusionWSM provided a robust framework to uncover culturally specific barriers in Iran's public sector, offering actionable insights for systemic interventions like leadership training and technology upgrades to reduce turnover and boost performance. Results suggest that optimizing work environments through macroergonomic strategies can significantly contribute to employee well-being and organizational performance.

Occupational ApplicationsThis study protocol outlines a co-design approach to develop a workplace-based intervention for radiographers to prevent and manage work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and enhance overall well-being. By engaging radiographers, occupational health specialists, and other relevant stakeholders in the intervention design process, the resulting interventions will be tailored specifically to the physical, cognitive, and organizational demands of imaging work. Beyond radiography, the methodology offers a transferable, step-by-step framework for identifying occupation-specific risk factors and translating these findings into tailored, feasible solutions. The protocol advances ergonomics practice by shifting from a prescriptive, one-size-fits-all approach to a collaborative, context-specific design, thereby ensuring that any resulting intervention is both evidence-informed and operationally sustainable, and aligned with real-world workplace needs. Background: Studies consistently report a high prevalence of work‑related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among radiographers, highlighting a significant occupational health risk. The lower back, neck, and upper back are the most commonly affected regions, impacting radiographers’ physical and mental well‑being. While the burden of WRMSDs in this group is well documented, there is a scarcity of rigorously evaluated interventions, which hinders efforts to reduce their prevalence and impact. This study aims to co‑design a multicomponent worksite wellness intervention with radiographers and to implement and evaluate its effectiveness in reducing WRMSD‑related pain and functional limitations and in improving broader aspects of health and work‑related well‑being.Methods: The study is divided into three phases. Phase 1 will determine the prevalence of WRMSD‑related symptoms and identify associated individual and work‑related factors among radiographers employed in healthcare facilities. Phase 2 will collaboratively develop a multicomponent intervention that addresses key wellness domains using a participatory ergonomics and co‑design process. Phase 3 will evaluate the effectiveness of the co‑designed worksite wellness program, with primary outcomes being WRMSD‑related pain and functional limitations, and secondary outcomes including muscle function, body composition, physical activity, work participation, and quality of life, assessed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures.Conclusion: This protocol outlines a participatory ergonomics and co‑design study to develop and test a worksite wellness program for radiographers. If effective, the intervention could contribute to improvements in work ability, quality of life, and potentially healthcare productivity, and provide evidence to inform policies and self‑care practices aimed at reducing WRMSDs among healthcare professionals.Trial registration: Study is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI), CTRI/2024/09/073280 [Registered on: 03/09/2024].

The great variability of viola dimensions is known. Contrary to the violin, a lack of scientific knowledge remains on how dimensions, positioning, and biomechanical parameters contribute to the high incidence of medical complaints in violists. This project investigated how an instrument's dimensions affect objective and subjective levels of muscular effort in a player's left hand and arm, together with the instrument's position and biomechanical parameters. In a laboratory setting, a quantitative, intra-individual comparison between two violas, V1 and V4, predefined in dimensions and positions, and the participants' own instrument was carried out. Muscle activation (EMG) and perceived effort (BORG) of 31 violists (15&#x202f;m/16w, mean age 24.8&#x202f;years, SD&#x202f;=&#x202f;3.6) were recorded while playing a 16-s tune. Measurements with instruments V1 and V4 were conducted in standardized positions (A1, A2, B1, B2) without and with the players' own instruments with ergonomic aids. EMG/BORG data were associated with individual biomechanical parameters (BHM). Positional changes of the instruments' longitudinal and lateral axes significantly affect target parameter values. Between the extreme positions A1 vs. B2, the mean delta for EMG decreased 29% relative to A1 (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001), and for perceived effort (BORG) 28% (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). Comparing the instruments V1 and V4 shows significant differences for BORG (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05) but not for EMG at this data aggregation level. A key finding for biomechanics is the negative correlation between all arm length parameters with EMG and BORG (both p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). Results for the viola reconfirm that instrument positioning affects muscle activation and subjectively perceived effort, highly significantly. This expands possibilities to deduce individualized ergonomic solutions, benefiting playing posture, practicing, and performance. The prevention and solution of Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PRMDs) could be facilitated, permitting this group of musicians to thrive. Future sub-analysis aims to identify instrument build effects at the single-muscle level and for the hand positions under test. Further research in real-life settings will be needed to understand how longer durations of playing affect the same target parameters.

The integration of robots into industrial settings has rapidly advanced, aiming to reduce human involvement in demanding tasks while improving overall efficiency. As collaborative robots (cobots) become more prevalent, assessing the physical strain during joint tasks is essential to promote long-term well-being in the workplace. This study aimed to investigate how human-robot collaboration influences workers' postural control and musculoskeletal load during manipulation tasks performed in parallel. Fourteen healthy male participants performed manipulation tasks under 3 conditions: without robotic assistance, with a cobot providing load support (Robot Free [RF]) and a cobot constrained to horizontal movement (Robot Plane [RP]). Center of pressure trajectories were computed, and nonlinear recurrence quantification analysis indicators (recurrence rate [REC], determinism [DET], and their ratio) were calculated in the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and anteroposterior-mediolateral planes. Statistical analysis showed greater postural sway in robot-assisted conditions compared to Free. Mean distance increased from 1.7 (SD 0.6) cm in Free to 2.4 (SD 0.6) cm in RF (P<.001) and 2.3 (SD 0.6) cm in RP (P<.001). Mean velocity increased from 2.9 (SD 0.9) cm/s in Free to 4.3 (SD 1.4) cm/s in RF and RP. Confidence ellipse area increased from 7.6 (SD 4.1) cm2 in Free to 24.9 (SD 14.2) cm2 in RF and 23.1 (SD 13.4) cm2 in RP. Sway area increased from 1.5 (SD 0.7) cm2/s in Free to 2.9 (SD 1.2) cm2/s in RF and RP. Nonlinear metrics revealed lower recurrence rates in robot-assisted conditions, decreasing from 0.31 (SD 0.08) in Free to 0.2 (SD 0.08) in RF and 0.2 (SD 0.04) in RP in the anteroposterior-mediolateral plane (P<.001), from 0.33 (SD 0.08) in Free to 0.28 (SD 0.07) in RF (P=.02) and 0.16 (SD 0.03) in RP (P=.007) in the mediolateral direction, and from 0.36 (SD 0.07) in Free to 0.3 (SD 0.06) in RF (P=.009) and 0.26 (SD 0.03) in RP (P<.001) in the anteroposterior direction. Determinism remained stable (values close to 1), leading to higher determinism-to-recurrence ratios for robot-assisted conditions, increasing from 3.41 (SD 0.87) in Free to 5.41 (SD 1.69) in RF and 5.51 (SD 1.11) in RP in the anteroposterior-mediolateral plane (P<.001), from 3.11 (SD 0.63) in Free to 3.64 (SD 0.72) in RF (P=.02) and 3.92 (SD 0.48) in RP (P=.007) in the mediolateral direction, and from 2.82 (SD 0.48) in Free to 3.47 (SD 0.57) in RF (P=.009) and 3.46 (SD 0.45) in RP (P<.001) in the anteroposterior direction. No significant differences were found between the robot-assisted conditions. Interaction increases postural sway, indicating reduced stability and higher physical demand. This could reflect impaired balance or adaptation. Nonlinear analysis reveals that postural control remains structured. Results also suggest that the mere presence of the cobot is the primary driver of these postural changes.

To develop evidence-based practice guidelines for ergonomic optimization in laparoscopic surgery through evaluation of various instrument handle designs. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Searches of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were performed from database inception through February 2025. Studies evaluating laparoscopic instrument handle design-including needle drivers, graspers, and electrosurgical devices-and their impact on surgeon ergonomic outcomes were included. Outcomes were grouped into four domains: operative performance, muscle workload and fatigue, motion efficiency, and surgeon discomfort. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2) for randomized trials and ROBINS-I for nonrandomized studies. Evidence synthesis was performed narratively due to heterogeneity of study designs and outcomes. Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Most were simulation-based randomized crossover trials with small sample sizes and heterogeneous outcome measures. Evidence comparing laparoscopic needle driver handle designs was limited and insufficient to support superiority of any configuration. For graspers, inline or intermediate handle configurations may promote more neutral wrist posture and reduce forearm muscle activation compared with pistol-grip design, although findings were inconsistent. Studies evaluating electrosurgical devices suggest that ergonomic performance may be influenced by handle geometry, activation button placement, and surgeon-specific factors such as hand size; however, no device demonstrated consistent superiority. Current evidence supporting specific laparoscopic instrument handle designs for ergonomic optimization remains limited and heterogeneous. Conventional instruments remain appropriate for routine use, while alternative designs may be considered in select circumstances. Further prospective clinical studies using standardized ergonomic metrics are needed to guide evidence-based instrument development and reduce musculoskeletal strain for surgeons.

Occupational exoskeletons show promise in reducing physical strain in industrial work, yet their industrial adoption remains limited. For exoskeletons to be used when performing tasks in industrial settings, they first need to be set up, then fitted and donned, and finally doffed, disassembled and stored for future use. Exoskeleton setup and takedown procedures can significantly impact industry deployment, adoption, and use, yet we have limited knowledge of the complexities in setup and takedown procedures and the resulting deployment barriers. The goals of this study were to understand how task complexity (number of task steps, usability problems and part count) in setup and takedown of exoskeletons impact task completion time and success, and present barriers in deployment. Twenty nine participants completed setup (assembly and donning) and takedown (doffing and disassembly) of four exoskeletons. We measured task times, success rates, task complexity (task step counts, part counts and usability problems). Hierarchical task analysis and heuristic assessments were performed to assess task complexity. Setup tasks, especially assembly, took the most time and exhibited the highest failure rates, whereas takedown tasks were faster and more successful. Participant-level regression analyses (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;397 observations) showed that number of procedural steps was the strongest predictor, accounting for 66.9% of variance in completion times (&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.374, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001), with each additional step associated with approximately 22 seconds longer completion time. Usability problems also significantly predicted completion time (R&#xb2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.305, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001), while part count showed no significant association (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;.133). Our findings highlight that task complexity impact setup procedures significantly and can present a major deployment barrier. Moreover, our findings add new knowledge that number of steps, not part count, is the primary predictor of performance in setup procedures, and that usability problems differentially affect assembly and donning tasks.

Associations between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and awkward postures and repetitive movements have been established. Action levels for elevated arms, trunk flexion, and fast movements have been suggested. With today's prolonged working life, older workers in manual jobs may be at increased risk for WMSDs. The aim of this study was therefore to assess postural workload in older workers in four physically demanding occupational groups using technical measurements and compare the exposure of the groups with each other's and with the action level. Postures and movements were measured for the right upper arm and the trunk using inertial measurement units (IMUs) during 3 workdays in construction workers (n = 35), kitchen workers (n = 37), cleaners (n = 27), and assistant nurses (n = 25), all over 50&#x2005;years. Angle and angular velocity were computed, and time exceeding suggested angular cut-offs was assessed. Group mean and variance components within and between subjects were estimated in one-way random effect models. One-way ANOVA tests were conducted to compare exposure variables between the occupational groups. Construction workers spent more time with arms >60&#xb0; than other occupational groups (7.9% vs. 4.4-5.6%) and >90&#xb0; (2.8% vs. 1.0-1.3%). Across groups, a substantial share of days exceeded suggested action level for arm elevation >30&#xb0; (8.0-24.6%) and >60&#xb0; (6.3-22.7%). Cleaners had the highest 50th percentile trunk flexion (15.3&#xb0;), while construction workers spent the most time with trunk flexion >45&#xb0; (12.6%) and >60&#xb0; (7.4%); exceedances of recommended levels occurred in up to 39% of days. Kitchen workers and cleaners exhibited more time with fast arm movements (31.8-35.6% vs. 23.9-24.0%). Considerable variability was observed both within and between individuals. In the included occupational groups, in workers over 50&#x2005;years, arm elevation and trunk flexion may often exceed recommended levels. Since the physical capacity is decreasing with age, this indicates elevated musculoskeletal risks, and there is a clear need for targeted ergonomic measures to support sustainable working lives.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to examine how interpupillary distance (IPD) influences motor and sensory binocular vision functions at distance and near, and to examine associations between different motor and sensory binocular vision functions. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed involving 100 random participants of both genders, aged 20 to 38 years. Optically corrected and non-strabismic participants were selected from King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between June 2024 and June 2025. Distance and near IPD were assessed with a pupillometer. Motor binocular functions included horizontal phoria using the von Graefe technique and near point of convergence (NPC). Sensory binocular vision was assessed using crossed and uncrossed TNO and Random-dot E stereopsis tests at near and distance respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 (p &#x2264; 0.05). Results: IPD and phoria were not significantly associated at distance or near. However, moderate and significant correlations were found between IPD (distance and near) and NPC. Significant correlations were also found between IPD and both crossed and uncrossed stereopsis at distance, but correlations were weak or non-significant at near. A strong correlation was observed between NPC and stereopsis at distance. Conclusions: As interpupillary distance (IPD)increases, near point of convergence (NPC) receded, and stereopsis at distance declined, suggesting that anatomical variation influences binocular vision primarily at distance.

A semi-quantitative evaluation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among office workers and their impact on job tasks has not been performed in Iran. We aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of office ergonomics, the frequency of WRMSDs, and their association. 214 staff members from an organization (134 men and 80 women) were randomly selected to complete a questionnaire, incorporating baseline characteristics and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ). Workplace ergonomic conditions were assessed using Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA). Low back pain had the highest frequency (21.9%), followed by the knee (21.0%) and the neck (19.1%) before employment, shifting to the lower back (64.9%), neck (63.1%), and knee (58.9%) after employment. Severe pain was observed in the neck and back (16.8%) with neck (15.9%) and lower back (11.2%) impacting occupational activities. The mean total ROSA exceeded the average (2.34 &#xb1; 0.37). ROSA score was correlated with pain in the upper extremities (R = 0.845, R2 = 0.71, P = 0.001), neck and back (R = 0.845, R2 = 0.70, P = 0.001), and lower extremities (R = 0.850, R2 = 0.72, P = 0.001). The results of the present study highlighted the anatomical sites rarely addressed in prior research. The heightened occurrence of WRMSDs, compared to pre-employment status, emphasizes the substantial role of occupational conditions mainly ergonomic factors in their development. Given that WRMSDs can disrupt occupational activities, managers and policymakers need to prioritize workplace ergonomics.

Introduction Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Although 3D laparoscopy may improve depth perception, its effects on efficiency, ergonomics, and complication rates in comparison to 2D systems remain unclear. Methods In this prospective, single-blinded, randomized comparative study, 100 patients underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the Department of General and Minimal Access Surgery in a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India. Patients were randomized equally to 3D (Group A) or 2D laparoscopy (Group B). Exclusion criteria included prior major abdominal surgery, coagulopathy, or pregnancy. Total performance time, surgeon's subjective depth perception (scale 1-5), strain scores (eye, wrist/hand, neck/back, dizziness/headache), intraoperative complications, conversion rates, and hospital stay were documented through surgical records and postoperative questionnaires. Results The total performance time was significantly shorter in the 3D group (46 min) compared to the 2D group (50 min; p=0.0074). The median depth perception score was higher in the 3D group (5.0 vs. 2.0; p<0.001). Wrist/hand strain was lower in the 3D group (median 2.0 vs. 3.0; p=0.0117), while eye strain (4.0 vs. 3.0; p=0.0021) and dizziness/headache (4.0 vs. 2.0; p<0.001) were greater. There were no significant differences in neck/back strain (p=0.81), rates of gallbladder rupture (10% vs. 12%; p=0.76), liver bed bleeding (10% vs. 14%; p=0.76), biliary injury (none), conversion rates (2% in both), or hospital stay (2.06 days each; p=0.78). Conclusions 3D laparoscopy enhances operative efficiency and depth perception while reducing wrist/hand strain. However, increased eye strain and dizziness warrant further technological optimization to improve the overall ergonomic profile for surgeons.

Female urination in the supine position is a frequent bedside need, yet common workarounds (bedpans, diapers, improvised receptacles) can be uncomfortable, increase caregiver workload, and contribute to potentially avoidable urinary catheterization. We mapped the patent landscape of non-invasive female urine-collection technologies intended for supine use and derived actionable innovation and access priorities. We searched Espacenet (EPO), WIPO PATENTSCOPE, the USPTO database, Google Patents, and INVENES for January 2000-September 2025. Records were screened for functional relevance to female supine voiding and de-duplicated at the DOCDB family level. For each patent family we extracted priority/publication timing, jurisdictions, assignees, IPC/CPC codes, and forward citations; coded solution archetypes; and coded adoption-relevant attributes (workflow feasibility, infrastructure dependence, and single-use vs reusable design intent). A structured multi-domain appraisal (0-2 per domain; total 0-12) was applied to representative families to support consistent comparison. Twenty-six patent families met inclusion criteria. Innovation activity was sustained but low-intensity and uneven over time, with most filings clustered in 2010-2020; interpretation of late years was limited by publication lag. Most inventions followed single-use/disposable pathways (&#x2248;69%). The set covered 16 IPC subclasses, although >60% of families were concentrated in A61F 5/455. Passive external collectors showed the strongest maturity signals. Adhesive patch-type and intravaginal concepts were sporadic and heterogeneous. Suction/capillary approaches introduced stronger containment mechanisms but increased dependence on external infrastructure and proprietary consumables, limiting feasibility in home care and low-resource settings. The most consistent gap lies at the intersection of ergonomics, autonomy, and reusability-female-specific supine interfaces that contain leakage without adhesives or invasive elements, operate passively or with minimal infrastructure, and enable sterilizable/reusable pathways. Priorities for R&D include usability- and risk-informed evaluation, sustainability-by-design, and access-oriented IP strategies to support diffusion beyond high-resource settings.

Removing acetabular implants is time- and labor-intensive, prompting the development of powered and manual extraction systems. Comparative data on force requirements, ergonomics, and operative time remain limited. We compared a powered vs a manual system in novice and expert surgeons using an in vitro model. Composite foam blocks implanted with a 54-mm hemispherical acetabular shell emulated a well-fixed cementless construct and were mounted on a force sensor. Three board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons and 3 residents each performed 3 trials with a powered extractor and a manual extractor. Participants wore triaxial accelerometers on the back and both hands and an in-line force sensor. Outcomes were peak acceleration (proxy for vibration), peak applied force, and time to extraction. Relative to the powered device, the manual device was associated with higher back acceleration (estimate 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49-0.61; P < .001), greater applied force (5.75; 95% CI: 4.04-7.47; P < .001), and longer time to component removal (61.31 s; 95% CI: 48.04-74.58; P < .001). Surgeon experience did not affect force (estimate -1.03; P = .696) or time (estimate -1.03; P = .696). The powered acetabular extraction tool reduced vibration exposure, applied force, and extraction time compared with a manual device across both novice and expert operators. In a field with substantial work-related musculoskeletal injury and growing emphasis on surgeon well-being, powered extraction may improve efficiency while helping preserve surgeon health and career longevity. These data provide objective support for selecting powered systems when available and justify further study in cadaveric and clinical settings to confirm external validity.

To investigate the prevalence and predictors of upper quadrant work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among practicing optometrists in Jordan and to highlight potential occupational health implications. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to registered optometrists working in public and private health sectors in Jordan. A total of 138 optometrists (n=138) participated in the study. Standardized instruments were used, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Sociodemographic characteristics, work practices, and ergonomic factors were also collected. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints, while logistic regression analysis identified predictors of WMSDs across upper quadrant body regions. The 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was highest in the shoulders (73.9%), neck (70.3%), and upper back (62.3%), followed by wrists and hands (24.6%), while elbows had the lowest prevalence (15.2%). Several factors were significantly associated with increased WMSDs (p < 0.05). Notably, marital status showed a strong association with neck pain (OR &#x2248; 7.1), while other predictors included writing and typing during work, poor ergonomics during vision testing, cigarette smoking, poor sleep quality, and psychological stress. Upper quadrant WMSDs are highly prevalent among practicing optometrists in Jordan and may negatively affect occupational well-being and work performance. These findings highlight the need for targeted ergonomic interventions, improved clinical workstation design, and occupational health programs to reduce musculoskeletal strain and support healthier workplace practices among eye care professionals.

Workforce stability in the banana industry is critical for productivity, fruit quality, and long-term sustainability. Labour shortages and high turnover can also lead to harvesting delays and handling inefficiencies, creating significant food waste in horticultural supply chains. Despite increasing policy attention, limited research has explored how job-related factors, workplace ergonomics, and labour force perceptions influence motivation, satisfaction, and retention. This study addresses that gap by examining key socio-demographic and perceptual drivers affecting labour dynamics in the Australian banana industry. Using a survey of 1,202 participants across 10 urban and regional locations in Queensland, the study applies Economic Psychology and behavioural economics to explore how satisfaction, perception, and aspiration biases interact with physical work conditions. Q-Q plots and ordinal regression analysis reveal that training and development (&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.35, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01), indicating a strong positive effect on job satisfaction, ergonomic workplace design (&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.29, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01), suggesting improved physical comfort enhances satisfaction, and salary equity (&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.22, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05), reflecting the motivational role of perceived pay fairness, significantly enhance job satisfaction. Retention is strongly influenced by growth opportunities (&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.38, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01), implying that career progression reduces turnover intentions, and perceived industry stability (&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.31, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05), highlighting the importance of long-term employment confidence. These findings highlight the need for ergonomically supportive, employee-focused practices to align with workforce expectations. The study offers practical insights for stakeholders seeking to improve labour sustainability, reduce turnover, and enhance resilience within Australia's agricultural supply chains.

BackgroundUltra trail running is an increasingly popular, yet physically and psychologically demanding sport, associated with a high risk of injury and illness.ObjectiveUnderstanding the epidemiology of these conditions is essential to enhance both athlete safety and performance.MethodsA narrative search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies published in English between 2004 and 2024 using keywords including "ultra trail running," "ultramarathon," "injury," "illness," "epidemiology," and "risk factors.".ResultsA total of 18 were included. The findings were categorized into three primary areas. Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly involving the lower limbs, are the most frequently reported, often resulting from overuse, inadequate recovery, or suboptimal training adaptation. Medical complications such as acute kidney injury, gastrointestinal distress, and exercise-associated hyponatremia are also common, especially in prolonged or multi-stage events. Skin-related disorders, including blisters and abrasions, frequently contribute to performance decline or race withdrawal.ConclusionThe unique demands of ultra trail running, such as prolonged exertion, uneven terrain, extreme environmental exposure, and limited recovery time, contribute to the multifactorial nature of injuries and illnesses in this sport. A multidisciplinary approach involving individualized training, preventive strategies, and athlete self-management is essential. Improving our understanding of these challenges may help optimize prevention and management, ultimately enhancing both safety and endurance performance in ultra trail athletes.

Introduction Neck pain is a leading cause of musculoskeletal disability worldwide, significantly diminishing productivity and quality of life. Occupational risk factors such as prolonged static postures, repetitive upper-limb movements, and poor ergonomic practices are well documented. In hospital settings, laboratory technicians and clerical staff are particularly vulnerable due to sustained task-specific activities and extended periods of sitting. Despite this, these groups remain underrepresented in occupational health research. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of neck pain among laboratory technicians and clerical staff in a tertiary care hospital, while the secondary objective was to identify associated occupational and individual risk factors. Materials and methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted at R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar, from July to August 2025. The study population consisted of 100 participants, evenly divided between laboratory technicians (n = 50) and clerical staff (n = 50), each with a minimum employment duration of six months. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire designed to capture demographic information, occupational exposures, ergonomic practices, and history of neck pain. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while functional disability was assessed with the validated Neck Disability Index (NDI). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to identify independent predictors of neck pain, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results The overall 12-month prevalence of neck pain was 71% (71/100; 95% CI: 61.9%-79.1%). When stratified by occupational group, the prevalence was significantly higher among laboratory technicians (42/50; 84%) compared to clerical staff (29/50; 58%) (p = 0.002). The mean Neck Disability Index (NDI) score was 18.5 &#xb1; 8.2, indicating moderate functional impairment. Multivariate analysis identified female gender (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-4.5; p = 0.007), engagement in static postures exceeding four hours daily (aOR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.1-8.0; p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m&#xb2; (aOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.0-3.6; p = 0.04), and low ergonomic awareness (aOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2-4.1; p = 0.01) as significant independent predictors of neck pain. Conclusion The findings indicate a high prevalence of neck pain among laboratory technicians and clerical staff, with significant associations to prolonged static postures and poor ergonomic practices. Implementing targeted ergonomic interventions, encouraging regular breaks, and providing workplace health education programs may help reduce neck pain and improve occupational health outcomes.

Ergonomics awareness (EA) and knowledge (EK) among individuals play important roles in various occupational safety and health-related situations. Not knowing the best practice, or being unable to adjust for the optimal workstation, is associated with physical wellbeing issues among work-from-home employees. This study measured EA and EK among 3195 work-from-home employees in the US. For the survey sample, the mean EK was 8.1 (possible total of 16) and EA was 3.5 (scale of 1-5). However, among participants identified as Black/African American, the mean EK score was lower (7.7) compared to other racial groups. Participants between 25 and 54 years of age had higher EA than those in 18-24 and 55-64 brackets. Those working for small employers (<10 employees) demonstrated the lowest EA and EK scores. The variations in EA and EK based on demographics and employer size deserve further exploration, since such findings are not based on individual characteristics but likely on broader structural factors such as occupational stratification, unequal access to training, and variations in organizational support.