Ergonomic Evaluation of Working Postures and Analysis of Relationship between Physical Activities with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Men Barbers in Karaj (Iran)

Background Aims of the Study: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are considered as major occupational health problem in the developed and developing countries. The study was carried to the Ergonomic evaluation of working postures and analysis of the relation between physical activities with WRMSDs among men barbers in Karaj, Iran in 2016. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 participants were studied. Body postures were analyzed, using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method. In order to assess the prevalence of disorders and physical activities, standard Nordic questionnaire and Baecke physical activity questionnaire were used, respectively. Data were analyzed, using Shapiro-Wilk, Independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-Square statistical tests with SPSS-20. Results: The average and standard deviation of barbers age were 36.71±6.1. The highest of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among barbers were related to shoulder and waist (95%). Considering to the findings, 71.3% of the participants were at moderate risk level. There was also a significant relation between physical activity and the knee, wrist, waist, elbow and buttocks/thigh (P-value 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed most prevalence of disorders is related to the upper limbs. Also, barbers with higher levels of physical activity have lower levels of WRMSDs. Based on these facts, corrective actions such as chair and equipment re-design, work rest cycle, training and suitable physical practices is necessary.