Title: A user-centred ergonomic redesign of a university lectern significantly mitigates postural risk and enhances usability: evidence from REBA and SUS assessments

Authors: Samira Ranjbar Naserabadi; Naser Hashemi Nejad; Ali Karamoozian; Mostafa Mohammadian

Addresses: Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran ' Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran ' Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran ' Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Abstract: This study aimed to design, construct, and evaluate an ergonomic lectern reduce postural risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and improve usability for university instructors. Thirty-four instructors were randomly selected. Following a hierarchical task analysis, an ergonomic lectern was prototyped based on Iranian anthropometric data. Posture was assessed using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method, and usability was evaluated with the system usability scale (SUS), comparing the new lectern against conventional ones. Using the ergonomic lectern significantly improved instructors' postures (P < 0.05). Its usability score (mean = 82.84) was significantly higher than that of conventional lecterns (P < 0.001). The REBA score indicated a lower priority for corrective action (score of 3 vs. 4), confirming reduced ergonomic risk. A structured, anthropometrically-informed design process successfully produced a lectern that mitigates ergonomic risk factors and enhances usability. This study underscores the importance of tailoring educational workstations to user needs to promote occupational health.

Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders; posture; system usability scale; SUS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2026.154978

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2026 Vol.13 No.1, pp.1 - 17

Received: 17 Sep 2025
Accepted: 15 Dec 2025
Published online: 21 Jul 2026 *

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