Rapid Upper Limb Assessment Scores Research Articles

Comparative Ergonomic Posture Analysis of CNC Milling Machine Workers through Digital Human Modeling and Artificial Neural Networks

Objectives: To analyze the critical postures of the CNC milling machine operators by RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) scores and develop an ANN (Artificial Neural Network) prediction model. Methods: The methodology includes a postural analysis of 40 male CNC milling machine operators across Bangladesh, employing both manual (using manual RULA assessment worksheet) and digital (using CATIA V5R21 software) RULA methods complemented by an ANN prediction model. Finally, Digital RULA scores through DHM (Digital Human Modeling) and ANN predicted RULA scores would be compared. Findings: Digital RULA analysis reveals that lifting, carrying, and positioning are the most crucial ergonomic postures, and the most prominent high-risk category limbs are wrist and arm. The overall initial RULA score for lifting, carrying, and positioning are 7, 6, and 7, respectively, and reduced to 3, 3 and 4 respectively for ergonomically designed posture. The ANN model, structured with input, hidden, and output layers of 7, 10, and 1 nodes, significantly refines ergonomic risk prediction by aligning predicted scores closely with actual outcomes during the first stage, emphasized for training. It demonstrates a perfect correlation (R=1) in training, testing, validation, and overall performance for using manual RULA scores. The model's accuracy is further evidenced by minimal prediction offsets across all datasets for digital RULA score in the second stage, with correlation coefficients of 0.87003 (training), 0.93676 (validation), 0.89113 (testing), and (0.88395) for overall. This study contributes significant advancements in ergonomic risk assessment, highlighting the adoption of improved postures to reduce musculoskeletal disorders. Novelty: Employing both manual and DHM methods for RULA score calculation combined with ANN model, which can predict postural risk as floating number and fit a wider range of parameters. Keywords: ANN, CNC, Digital Human Modeling (DHM), Ergonomics, RULA

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomics Risk Assessment among Sewing Machine Operators and Tailors

Background: Sewing machine operators and tailors in Faisalabad, Pakistan, frequently endure prolonged periods of sitting or standing, performing repetitive tasks that contribute to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). This study aims to fill the research gap in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and workstation evaluations within this group. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of MSDs and evaluate the ergonomic conditions of workstations among tailors and sewing machine operators in the local and textile sectors of Faisalabad. Methods: A cross-sectional study design utilized non-probability sampling to include 810 participants from both local tailor shops and textile factories. Data collection involved a self-structured questionnaire focusing on demographic and job-related factors, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) to evaluate ergonomic risks. Results: High levels of discomfort were reported in the upper limbs, particularly the right and left forearms (3.40±0.97), and in the lower limbs, particularly the right knee (3.90±0.47). The mean RULA scores were 4.8±0.51 for textile workers and 4.9±0.53 for local tailors, indicating poor workstation setups. Additionally, CMDQ results showed significant associations between musculoskeletal discomfort and variables such as age, residence, marital status, lifestyle, and smoking habits. Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among textile workers and tailors, particularly affecting the left foot and left knee of local tailors. The RULA scores highlight a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders, necessitating further investigations and modifications in the working environment.

Ergonomic Analysis of Dental Work in Different Oral Quadrants: A Motion Capture Preliminary Study among Endodontists.

Dentists, including endodontists, frequently experience musculoskeletal disorders due to unfavourable working postures. Several measures are known to reduce the ergonomic risk; however, there are still gaps in the research, particularly in relation to dental work in the different oral regions (Quadrants 1-4). In this study (of a pilot character), a total of 15 dentists (8 male and 7 female) specialising in endodontics were measured while performing root canal treatments on a phantom head. These measurements took place in a laboratory setting using an inertial motion capture system. A slightly modified Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) coding system was employed for the analysis of kinematic data. The significance level was set at p = 0.05. The ergonomic risk for the entire body was higher in the fourth quadrant than in the first quadrant for 80% of the endodontists and higher than in the second quadrant for 87%. For 87% of the endodontists, the ergonomic risk for the right side of the body was significantly higher in the fourth quadrant compared to the first and second quadrant. The right arm was stressed more in the lower jaw than in the upper jaw, and the neck also showed a greater ergonomic risk in the fourth quadrant compared to the first quadrant. In summary, both the total RULA score and scores for the right- and lefthand sides of the body ranged between 5 and 6 out of a possible 7 points. Considering this considerable burden, heightened attention, especially to the fourth quadrant with a significantly higher ergonomic risk compared to Quadrants 1 and 2, may be warranted.

Evaluation of the effect of corrective exercise intervention on musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue and working memory of office workers

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of corrective exercise intervention (corrective exercise reminding and training software) on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), fatigue, posture and working memory among office workers. Methods: A total of 66 office workers participated in the present study. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires (including the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, multidimensional fatigue inventory and Borg rating scale), direct observations of work postures using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and rapid office strain assessment, and the n-back test. Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups (intervention and control) in terms of the severity of musculoskeletal discomfort after the intervention. There was a significant decrease in the mean score of trunk posture and the total RULA score in the intervention group after the intervention. The severity of perceived discomfort in all areas except the knee declined during the intervention. There was also a significant difference in physical and mental fatigue scores before and after the intervention. There was a significant difference in the accuracy score of office workers after the intervention compared to before the intervention. Conclusions: Overall, the results confirm the effectiveness of this low-cost, simple and easy-to-use ergonomic intervention.

Work posture risk comparison of RULA and REBA based on measures of assessment-score variability: A case study of the metal coating industry in Thailand

This study examines the work posture risk comparison of RULA and REBA based on measures of assessment-score variability. During the metal coating process, chemicals were frequently employed, necessitating a heightened level of caution among the employees. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) revealed the manifestation of physical discomfort among employees. In this study, the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) were used to identify ergonomic concerns related to the work of employees in the black oxide coating department of a metal coating firm. The sensitivity of risk assessment between the two methods was investigated, considering the mean and variability of the assessment scores. Consideration was given to the diverse and crucial work positions of employees at each station, focusing exclusively on the standing working posture. In the black oxide coating section, there were 12 steps that 20 workers had to complete. Under the same working postures, the overall average RULA score was determined to be at a high-risk level, whereas the overall average REBA score was at a moderate-risk level. As a result, the RULA method had a greater capacity for risk warning than the REBA method. Levene's test was also applied to determine whether the variances of the risk scores computed using the two techniques were equal. The results of the analysis showed that the variances in the scores using the two methods were not significantly different.

Comparison of Ergonomic Assessment Results in the Automotive Polymer Industry: Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) Methods

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) encompass injuries to muscles, nerves, joints, and connective tissues, affecting the neck, back, and limbs. The polymer automotive industry, particularly in manufacturing automotive components using plastic injection tools, involves workers with diverse postures. Non-ergonomic postures can lead to muscle tension and health issues, emphasizing the importance of safety and ergonomics. This study employs the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) methods to assess working postures. In the production sector, the average RULA score is 3.8 (31.67%), indicating moderate risk and suggesting further investigation. Conversely, the non-production sector's average RULA score is 3.4 (28.33%), indicating a lower risk but still necessitating changes. CMDQ analysis on 12 respondents reveals posture variation. In the production sector, the average CMDQ score is 2.5 (20.83%), signaling moderate risk and advocating for further investigation. This study lays groundwork for downstream polymer industries to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.

Association of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders among school teachers

Objective: To find the association between ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among school teachers. Methods: 40 subjects were selected for the study, to assess the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) with the standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) and evaluate for ergonomics in class and while working on computers/smart phones, and awareness of the same was noted with the help of checklists and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper limb Assessment (RULA) tools. Results: REBA scores revealed that majorly, teachers were at medium risk levels of getting MSDs, with 72.72% of primary teachers, and 75.86% of secondary teachers for tasks performed, whereas RULA scores concluded that 48.27% of secondary teachers and 45.45% of primary teachers were in the medium risk level of getting MSDs. Conclusions: The research revealed an association between ergonomics and the prevalence of MSDs in school teachers, and demonstrated the sites involved in the MSDs.

Understanding Musculoskeletal Loadings among Supermarket Checkout Counter Cashiers: A Biomechanical Analysis

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are highly prevalent among supermarket cashiers. These disorders are frequently related to the adoption of awkward postures and manual materials handling. This study aimed to analyze musculoskeletal loadings in supermarket cashiers, considering the handling of different products and different checkout conditions. To accomplish this, we employed an inertial motion capture system to measure full-body kinematics while simulating 19 cashier tasks. The study included five female cashiers from a supermarket in Northern Portugal, ranging in age from 19 to 61 years old. Using joint angles, material load, and muscle function as input parameters, we conducted the musculoskeletal loadings assessment using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) methods. Results showed that RULA scores were higher for the microtasks that involved product scanning. Regarding microstasks analyzed by REBA, the replacement of paper rolls for the receipt machine at the checkout counter yields the highest scores. Based on these findings, there is a compelling need to redesign supermarket checkout workstations to alleviate the physical demands placed on cashiers and to ensure organizational sustainability.

Managing ergonomic risk assessment among assembly operators in the small‐scale fabrication sector

AbstractIn the small‐scale fabrication sector, employee health and safety are the most important aspects for improving productivity and quality. There is a lack of risk assessment and limited information on human handling and ergonomic approaches in the working environment of the small‐scale fabrication sector. This study aims to analyze the association of human handling risk factors with work‐related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) symptoms among assembly operators and to evaluate the proposed ergonomic intervention for a high‐risk work task using ergonomic risk assessment tools such as Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). A questionnaire survey and observation were conducted across seven work categories. The analysis using RULA and REBA revealed that cleaning, fitting, and assembling have a high‐risk level that requires ergonomic intervention. The virtual design of the proposed ergonomic workstation for high‐risk work tasks was created using CATIA software and evaluated using RULA and REBA analyses. Job and organizational factors were found to be the main contributors to WMSD, while individual factors, awareness levels, and ergonomic risk assessment had insignificant effects on WMSD. Based on RULA and REBA scores, the proposed ergonomic intervention significantly reduces risk by 30%–47%, improving overall health and safety for operators in diverse work activities.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk Assessment during Manual Lymphatic Drainage with Compressive Bands among Physiotherapists.

Complete decongestive therapy is the standard treatment for lymphedema. Manual lymphatic drainage and short-stretch multilayer compression bandaging are two daily stages of complete decongestive therapy during which physiotherapists work with patients. The aim of this study was to assess the risks of musculoskeletal disorders to which physiotherapists are exposed during these two phases. Five physiotherapists performed five 20 min manual lymphatic drainages, followed by the compression bandaging phase. From the video recordings, 8477 postures defined by 13 joint angles were grouped into clusters using hierarchical cluster analysis. The risk of musculoskeletal disorders in physiotherapists' postures was assessed using ergonomic tools. Seven clusters, called generic postures (GP), were identified and defined throughout the mean joint angle values and standard deviation. Four seated GPs were found for the drainage phase, and three standing GPs were identified for the bandaging phase. This phase corresponded to a quarter of the total duration. The GP's ergonomic scores ranged from 4.51 to 5.63 and from 5.08 to 7.12, respectively, for the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). GP1, GP3, and GP4 presented the highest ergonomic scores (RULA scores: 5.27 to 5.63; REBA scores: 6.25 to 7.12). The most affected areas were the neck (flexion > 20° for all GPs), trunk (flexion between 25 and 30° for GP2, and GP7 during the bandaging phase and GP4 during the drainage phase), and shoulder (flexion and abduction >20° for all GPs except GP5). These results highlighted that the two complete decongestive therapy phases could be described as a combination of GP. Ergonomic assessment showed that compression bandaging as well as drainage phases expose physiotherapists to moderate musculoskeletal disorder risks that require "further investigation and change soon".

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Apple Farmers in Türkiye: Prevalence and Risk Factors’

Objective: The strenuous nature of apple growing can be the cause of a number of physical problems. This study was conducted to identify the prevalence of Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and ergonomic risks among apple farmers in Turkey.
 Material-Method: Data on WRMSDs were obtained from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Extended Version (NMQ-E), while risk factors were collected using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Prevalences were established by frequency analysis.The relationships between WRMSD of 9 body regions and age, weight, working hours (per day/per week), working experience and RULA score were analysed.
 Results: A total of 51 volunteers participated in the study including 42 males and 9 females. The kness (53.8%) were most commonly reported WRMSDs, followed by the neck (46.2%), lower back (44.2%), and shoulders (38.5%) over a lifetime. The participants were working in a medium (40.4%) and high (42.3%) risk posture according to the RULA assessment. Age, weight, working hours (per day/per week), working experience and RULA were associated with WRMSDs in one or more body regions (p

The Effect Of Automated Component Impaction On The Surgeon’s Ergonomics, Fatigue And Stress Levels In Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) surgery is physically and cognitively challenging. Sub-optimal posture during component impaction may influence surgeon’s ergonomics and fatigue. Methods Thirty THA procedures were executed for 3 days. Only during the first day, manual impaction (MI) was performed. Postural risk was evaluated with Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) score. Three cognitive tasks (Simon, pattern comparison and pursuit rotor test) and five physical tests (isometric wall-sit, plank-to-fatigue, handgrip, supra-postural task, and shoulder endurance) assessed surgeon’s psycho-physiological load in the morning, midday, and afternoon. Surgeon’s cortisol concentration and sound level of the broaching process was also recorded. Results RULA and REBA scores were 1.7 to 3 times lower with automated impaction (AI). Physical exhaustion was lower with AI: isometric wall-sit test (10.6% vs. 22.9%), plank-to-fatigue (2.2% vs. 43.8%), supra-postural task (-0.7% vs. -7.7%), handgrip force production (dominant hand -6.7% vs. -12.7%; contralateral +4.7% vs. +7.7%), and in shoulder endurance (-15s vs. -56s). After AI, the cognitive performance showed faster response times and lower error rates for all cognitive tests compared to MI. The salivary cortisol level decreased during the AI-days by 51% in comparison to a 38% increase following the MI-day. Mean broaching time with AI was 7’3’’ compared to 6’20’’ with MI. The mean sound level with the AI-device was 64.3 dBA compared to 68.2 dBA with manual impaction. Conclusions Automated THA component impaction improved the surgeon’s ergonomics which resulted in reduced hormonal stress levels and lower physical and cognitive exhaustion.

Impact of Laptop Usage, Typing Skills, and Ergonomics on Musculoskeletal Pain among Medical Resident Doctors – An Observational Study

Background: In today’s era of digital learning, the utility of laptops has drastically been increased. Sustained postural strain resulting from poor ergonomics while using laptops may lead to musculoskeletal discomforts (MSD). This study aimed to determine touch-typing skills of medical students, quantitative assessment of their postural ergonomics, and implications of their efforts while typing on the prevalence of MSD. Methods: Sixty medical students were asked to take an online typing test (www.ratatype.com) and their typing speed in words per minute (WPM) and accuracy (%) were noted. The lateral pictures of the students were taken while performing the typing test and objective ergonomics analysis using craniovertebral angle (CVA) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) scoring system. Results: None of the students demonstrated touch typing proficiency. The average typing speed (WPM) and accuracy (%) were observed to be 27.893 and 94.768, respectively. The mean CVA was 33.17, much lower than the average norm. The mean final RULA score was 5.62, indicating a high degree of MSD risk. Moderate-to-severe laptop users (≥4 h/day) showed higher prevalence of MSDs (P < 0.05) as compared to normal-to-mild users. A significant negative correlation was found between CVA and RULA scores. Conclusion: The study concluded average typing speed and accuracy, poor ergonomics (low CVA), and moderate-to-high MSD risk (based on RULA score) were seen among students. A high MSD prevalence was reported in laptop usage of ≥ 4 h/day, which can be ascribed to postural strain from improper typing habits and poor ergonomics.

Postural prevalence, time of day and spent time activities during smartphone weekday use among students: A survey to prevent musculoskeletal disorders

The long time spent on smartphones in awkward postures exposes young users to the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to investigate 1) how the duration of smartphone use varies by the time of day and activities and 2) the risks of MSDs based on an analysis of the postures used when interacting with smartphones. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 263 university students. The duration of smartphone use during a typical weekday was investigated over four times of the day and seven activities. After checking for normality, a nonparametric Friedman test was used to study the differences in the time spent using a smartphone according to the time of day and activity. Postural prevalence during weekdays was analyzed using a taxonomy called SmarTaxo, consisting of 41 postures. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) ergonomic score was chosen to assess the MSD risks associated with each posture.Smartphone use was the highest in the evening (301.1 min; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 277.4–324.8 min, p < 0.05). Texting (170.8 min; 95 % CI: 152.0–189.6 min) and watching videos (163.6 min; 95 % CI: 146.3–180.9 min) were the most common activities. Three sitting and two walking postures were primarily used in the morning (29.3–36.9 %), afternoon (27.0–44.4 %), and evening (28.9%–38.9 %). Standing postures were preferred in the morning and afternoon (36.9 % and 42.2 %, respectively), while one lying posture was widely reported in the evening (39.2 %). The RULA scores for these postures ranged from 3 to 4. However, four lying postures, often observed during the evening (frequency between 20.5 % and 37.6 % of the time), had RULA scores of 6. In conclusion, the study identified an existing MSD risk among smartphone users, especially with long durations of daily use. Special emphasis should be placed on addressing the reclining postures adopted during evening smartphone use, as they subject students to a significantly elevated risk of MSDs.

Evaluation of Workers’ Working Postures based on RULA and MCDM: An Application to a SME Producing Kitchenware in Indonesia

Currently, it is obvious that occupational health and safety culture in companies is on the rise including a focus on workers’ working postures. However, the implementation of these initiatives tends to be notably deficient, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This research aims to introduce a framework for evaluating workers’ working postures taking into account ergonomic factors and other influential factors. In this study, the developed evaluation model was applied to an SME producing kitchenware situated in Indonesia using rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), and the method was combined with multi criteria decision-making (MCDM). There were five criteria identified, namely RULA score (C1), the activity’s level of importance (C2), duration (C3), work station environmental condition (C4), and supportive equipment (C5). These five criteria were considered to evaluate five working postures on the production floor. The result indicated that based on the RULA score, five postures were categorized as high risk. Besides, by considering the criteria, working posture in assembly activity (posture 3) has the highest risk level which requires immediate corrective action. This research is applicable as the evaluation of work posture is assessed by considering ergonomic factors and the level of importance for each activity.

Care for Mechanics: Development of Motorcycle Workbench Based on ADDIE Model to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders

In a developing country like Indonesia, where the majority of the population is working in the informal sectors, there is a need for ergonomic tool intervention, which is low cost, and easy in terms of manufacturability with locally available materials. The rapid growth of motorcycle sales in Indonesia has stimulated the growth of motorcycle repair workshops. However, some of the non-authorized repair workshops ignore the occupational safety of the mechanics. This study aims to develop a motorcycle workbench as a tool for maintenance work to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The present study used Research and Development (R&amp;D) with the ADDIE model combined with an ergonomic approach. The research subjects were 4 mechanics from one private workshop. Data was collected using interview, observation, and questionnaire techniques. The MSDs data was analyzed using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). The ergonomic risk factors were analyzed using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Ovako Work Posture Analysis System (OWAS). The result showed an improvement in the work posture of mechanics. The MSDs complaint decreased based on NMQ Score. Furthermore, the RULA score and OWAS score also decreased. Thus, the development of the motorcycle workbench succeeded in reducing the MSDs complaint and improving mechanics’ occupational safety.

Ergonomic risk assessment of working postures of nurses working in a medical faculty hospital with REBA and RULA methods.

The aim of the study is to reach objective results about the ergonomic risks of nurses' working postures not only by using questionnaires but also by using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) methods, which are risk assessment methods used in engineering fields. This study is a cross-sectional study. First of all, 383 nurses were evaluated with a survey. 91.4% of the nurses were women and 6.5% were men. Average age (female: 38.20; male: 31.5), average weight (female: 65.60 kg; male: 81.50 kg), average height (female: 162.7 cm; male: 176.80 cm) and average body mass index (female: 24.80; male: 26) were calculated. In the hospital, which we grouped into in the hospital, which we divided into eight workstations, the REBA and RULA scores of the three nurses working at each workstation were calculated and the average REBA and RULA scores of the workstations were determined. The percentage of those who experienced musculoskeletal pain in the last 1 year at each workstation and the mean REBA-RULA scores were as follows; ward (92%; 6.92-5.69), operating room (98%; 10-7), emergency department (100%; 6.08-5.33), outpatient clinic (75%; 5.5-5.16), intensive care (94%; 6.21-5.57), administrative affairs (94%; 5-5), laboratory (95%; 5.80-5.2) and interventional procedure (92%; 6.4-5.4). In these stations, the highest scores were seen in the operating room. In the questionnaire, 92.46% of the nurses reported having complaints in at least one part of the musculoskeletal system in the last year. The hospital weighted mean score was REBA 6.86 and RULA 5.71. When REBA and RULA measurements were evaluated, it was determined that the risk in the departments where the nurses worked was generally at the medium risk level. REBA and RULA scores indicate that ergonomic changes and adjustments should be made. For this determination, the risks of working postures should be determined with quantitative methods.

Ergonomic risk level prediction framework for multiclass imbalanced data

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are a common concern in the manufacturing industry and are mostly induced by postural load requirements of job tasks that affect the neck, trunk, and upper extremities. Ergonomics assessment, such as Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and risk prediction can help industries prevent and evaluate the risk of WMSDs. The real-world practice consists of multiple human activities that cause difficulties to assess with a common learning approach. In particular, the issue of imbalanced class distributions can degrade classification accuracy significantly. This study aims to propose a three-stage framework for predicting the risk of WMSDs that handles imbalanced data. The first stage is data preparation which consists of collecting and processing data. The second stage is the evaluation of our RULA score calculation. In the last stage, we predict the risk level in two steps. The first step is to oversample the imbalanced class with an extended approach by considering relevant activities, called KD-SMOTE. The second step is to predict the risk level using our proposed network, called HyNet-CB, which is a classifier based on hybrid neural network architecture that combines Convolutional Neural Network and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (HyNet-CB). We evaluate the framework using a collected dataset of an assembly process. Our framework achieved a 92.43% F1-score, and it can classify all classes with more than 80% F1-score.

The correlation between smartphone use and musculoskeletal symptom

Several issues arise from using smartphones while sitting and lying down, such as poor posture and physical discomfort. Therefore, this research aims to assess the ergonomic risk level of smartphone users and determine the correlation between self-reported musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ergonomic risk level. Data were collected from 90 participants, aged 18 to 24, through video recording while seated and using a smartphone. MSDs were measured using the Modified Standardised Nordic Questionnaires (SNQ) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to evaluate ergonomic risks in the posture of smartphone users. Furthermore, the correlation between MSDs and the ergonomic risk levels was evaluated using Chi-Square and Fisher's exact tests. Most smartphone users had RULA scores between 6 and 7 for both the left and right sides, suggesting a need for immediate investigation and improvement. The results showed a strong correlation between the right sided RULA total score and MSDs in the neck and upper back. Other results showed there was a significant correlation between RULA B and RULA D scores with neck MSDs, as well as between the RULA score of the right upper arm and MSDs in the right shoulder, and between the RULA score of the neck and MSDs in the neck. The trunk RULA score also had a significant correlation with upper back MSDs. The research showed that smartphone users face significant ergonomic risks.

Neck and upper extremity musculoskeletal problems in cosmetologists caused by work-related ergonomic risk factors in Denizli, Turkey.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the neck and upper limbs are a common health problem among cosmetologists. Hairdressing requires bending, twisting, static postures, prolonged standing, repetitive motions, and vigorous movements of the hands and fingers. In order to determine the proper ergonomic measures, identifying the factors and hairdressing jobs that increase the risk of work-related neck and upper limb disorders is needed. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSDs in the neck and upper extremities of cosmetologists and to investigate the association with ergonomic risk factors and hairdressing work. The cross-sectional study was conducted on cosmetologists in Denizli, Turkey province (n = 504). Data collected through a survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, work organization, equipment, and hairdressing work, items on work posture, the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire. Work posture in hairdressing was assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). The prevalence of MSDs of the neck and upper limbs in the previous twelve months ranged from 7.7-55.8%. There was high, or very high, risk in 56.1% of work postures, and the median RULA score was 5.0 (4.0-6.0). The significant predictors of pain were work experience, gender, marital status, risk perception, awkward posture, psychological demand, and hair coloring. It is necessary to take control measures in hairdressing salons promptly to adopt more suitable working posture and to design workplaces ergonomically.