A FUZZY DELPHI STUDY OF THE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH STATIC PHYSICAL WORKLOAD IN CHILDREN
Main Article Content
Keywords
Children, Posture, Musculoskeletal Development, Fuzzy Logic
Abstract
Background: Static physical workload refers to the strain that arises from maintaining fixed postures for extended periods. Without proper management, this type of workload can contribute to muscular fatigue, discomfort, and long-term health complications. As a multi-dimensional concept, static physical workload poses challenges for achieving valid and reliable evaluations. Children are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of imbalanced physical workload due to ongoing physical growth and development, prolonged sedentary activities, and diverse anthropometrically unmatched environments.
Objectives: The current research aimed to identify, classify and prioritize key factors influencing physical workload in children while being engaged in sedentary tasks, through an integrated Fuzzy Delphi technique.
Methods: First, an extensive literature review was performed to create an initial list of potential contributing factors. Next, a panel of fourteen experts from various academic and clinical domains evaluated the previously shortlisted factors. Last, Fuzzy Delphi method was employed to convert experts’ qualitative assessments into quantitative data, allowing for accurate ranking of factors.
Results: The analyses revealed that posture (0.73) and task duration (0.70) were the most significant predictors of static physical workload in children, followed by sitting type (0.64), anthropometric match (0.62) and sedentary behavior (0.59). On the contrary, demographic factors such as age (0.36) and gender (0.35) had a minimal impact on postural strain.
Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of addressing posture and time management, as well as proper seating arrangements for sedentary tasks, to reduce static physical workload in children. Interventions targeting these factors are crucial for preventing long-term musculoskeletal disorders and promoting healthier physical development.
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Reza Osqueizadeh
PhD candidate in Ergonomics, Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Ali Mohseni Bandpei
PhD in Physiotherapy, Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Hamid Reza Goudarzi
PhD in Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.
Nahid Rahmani
PhD in Physiotherapy, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abbas Ebadi
PhD in Nursing, Nursing Care Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.