RULA Method Research Articles

Musculoskeletal Problems in Iranian Hand-Woven Shoe-Sole Making Operation and Developing Guidelines for Workstation Design.

Background:Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among important health problems in working population. Because of performing difficult physical activities, hand-woven shoe-sole makers are at risk of developing various types of MSDs.Objective:To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in different body areas of hand-woven shoe-sole makers, assess workers′ postures and workstations, evaluate ergonomic and individual factors associated with MSDs, and develop guidelines for designing hand-woven shoe-sole making workstation.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence of MSDs symptoms and their risk factors were studied among 240 hand-woven shoe-sole makers. Working posture and workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The data were collected through interviewing and using Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and by direct observation of posture using RULA method. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors associated with MSDs symptoms.Results:The prevalence and severity of MSDs symptoms were high among the study population. Ergonomic factors including daily working time, working posture, and force exertion, as well as individual factors, such as age, job tenure, and education were significantly associated with MSDs symptoms.Conclusion:It seems that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originate from poorly designed workstation. Some general guidelines for designing shoe-sole making workstation are presented.

Postural and musculoskeletal disorder risk assessment in bakery industry using Rula method

Ergonomics assessment of women workers were carried out on a sample of purposively selected 30 respondents in normal health who were engaged in packaging activities in a Bakery industry, Jorhat. An attempt was made to identify the working postures and musculoskeletal disorders prevailing among the women workers in the industry. RULA method was applied to analyze the working postures and musculoskeletal pain scale was developed to observe acuteness of pain among the workers in bakery Industry. From the observation and analysis of the result it was concluded that the women workers were highly affected by adopting awkward body posture while performing the activities. Twisting, bending and static repetitive tasks are the resultant of poorly designed workstation. These actions force them into a non-neutral position that increases the overall discomfort and pains at the knees, feet, legs, arms and shoulders. Moreover, lack of proper illumination and ventilation at work site also exerts an additional adverse effect on the performance of the workers.

Three Wheel Bike as Physical Therapy Equipment for Post-Stroke Patient

Three wheel bike as a physical therapy equipment for post-stroke patients was designed with length of 1937 mm, 1010 mm in width and height of 905 mm. The bike is designd ergonomic and can be driven by rider foot or hand simultaneously. By using CATIA software the strength of material bike frame was analyst to support 100 kg of load. The design is realized into a prototype. The performance of bike prototype is tested, and the result sows that the function of bike mechanisme is fulfilled. By 10 respondents, who have a standard body mass index, the pedal test was conducted, and the result indicates that, the higher the speed of the pedal, the higher the energy consumption to pedaling. Leg tension muscles is measured by leg-dynamometer before and after pedaling, and the result shows the tension muscle is proportional to the increase of pedal speed. In order to evaluate the ergonomic aspect of bike design, the risk angle of extrem position of body during cycling are measured by goneo-set. By RULA method the risk of injury value of rider body is calculated while pedaling, and the result showed that 70% of respondents have a value of risk injury 2, while 30% had a value of 3. It means that, the bike design is ergonomic and comfortable to ride. In oder to evaluate the benefits of disigned bike, the pedal test is conducted by 4 post-stroke patients for 30 days periodical once every 3 days. The result shows that during 1 month exercise, the average number of cycling to pedal increase up to 100%. This means that the ability of post-stroke patients to pedal the bike increase significantly. That result showed that the bike design is useful as a tool for physical therapy post-stroke patients.

Prevalence of Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists: Symptoms and Risk Factors.

Aim. The purpose of the present research was to examine the factors that lead to musculoskeletal disorders in dentists by assessing their posture using RULA method. Materials and Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 130 dentists (84 male and 46 female) participated. The posture of the subjects during their normal workload was recorded by using the RULA method, and the range of musculoskeletal pains by using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and individual and professional data was assessed by a demographics questionnaire. All tests were performed at the P < 0.05 level. Results. Assessment of the physical status of the subjects showed that 82.8% of subjects were at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The majority of musculoskeletal pains were in the neck (55.9%) and the shoulder (43.8%). Moreover, 68.9% of the subjects had experienced pain at least once over the last year. Significant relationships were observed between musculoskeletal pain and daily work hours (P = 0.07) and number of patients (P = 0.02), but the pain was not significantly associated with BMI and experience. Conclusion. The present findings showed that unsuitable posture of dentists during work has a considerable effect on musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, further investigation is required to avoid the detrimental effects of wrong posture.

Fuzzy Logic and RULA Method for Assessing the Risk of Working

Productivity is today one of the most important aspects of a business, the productivity concept not only implies higher profits, but use their resources efficiently, based on the purpose or goal of the organization. One of the most important resources is the human resource, which is why when talking about productivity, it is vital to consider the environment or workspace in which the operators perform. Ergonomics talk is talk of a tool for increasing productivity, as this, to bring the physical conditions of the work area, allows workers feel more comfortable and the risk is diminished by poor posture, resulting an increase in production since the worker gets healthier and safer working conditions. In the northern state of Veracruz, Mexico, is located a company Ironmonger industry and construction, which has about 376 people. It has been found that operators do not have the area right job, so a study was done through the RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) method for the assessment of risk by maintaining inadequate by the poor design of workspace views. The Rula method provides a useful tool for evaluating working postures that may create a risk tool, however when you have a large number of workers, this process becomes tedious. Fuzzy Logic is an extension of traditional logic, but uses similar concepts belonging to the human way of thinking, the concept of fuzzy logic was introduced by LA Zadeh in 1965, who described that Fuzzy logic does not use exact values as 1 or 0 but if you use values between 0 and 1 (inclusive) that may indicate intermediate values. The use of fuzzy logic in this case study aims to minimize the valuation work for every operator with Rula method, indicating, through fuzzy sets, the levels of risk that may arise in representative areas of the Hardware Store in where work is carried out with similar positions, regardless of the area from which it comes. Allowing this, assign values to assess accurately if no or a risk index.

How to Redesign Ergonomic Workstations, Using Neural Networks and the Rula Method in Catia V5

This paper presents the combined application of Artificial Neural Networks and the RULA method in the process of redesign ergonomic workstations.Artificial Neural Networks excel in gathering difficult non-linear relationships between the inputs and outputs of a system. We used, in this work, a feed forward neural network in order to ranking a workstation. The neural network is simulated with a simple simulator: SSNN. The design experiment presented in this paper was realized at University of Pitesti, at the Faculty of Mechanics and Technology, Technology and Management Department, using CATIA V5 software.

Application of a motion capture data glove for hand and wrist ergonomic analysis during laparoscopy

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the surgeons’ hand spatial configuration during the use of two different instrument handles for laparoscopy, by obtaining information from the data glove CyberGlove®, and establishing existing risk levels for wrist disorders. Material and methods: Fifty surgeons participated in this study and were distributed into three groups (novices, intermediate and experts). Each subject carried out suturing and dissection tasks on a physical simulator, using axial-handled or ring-handled instruments, respectively. Hand and wrist positions were registered by the CyberGlove® and a modified RULA method was applied to establish appropriate risk levels for wrist disorders. Results: We found statistically significant differences in seven of the eleven glove sensors when comparing both tasks. RULA method showed that all subjects, with the exception of the experts using an axial-handled instrument, assume a prejudicial wrist posture during the practice of suturing and dissection tasks on the simulator. Conclusions: Data glove CyberGlove® allows for the distinction between two laparoscopic exercises performed with different instruments. Also, laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing when performed with an axial-handled needle holder entails a more ergonomic posture for the wrist joint. Previous minimally invasive surgical experience is a positive influencing factor on the surgeons’ wrist postures during laparoscopy.

Design of Multi Gender Bicycle - As an Alternative Bike Design to Fulfill Appropriate Requirement for Urban Society in Indonesia

In the present work, a multi-gender bike, which can be used by men and women, was designed. The integrated design method is used to develop a bicycle frame. As a human transportation the frame is must be light, strong, and comfortable for rider. The frame of bicycle is built with the material of aluminum alloy T-6061 and is produced as prototype for a multi gender purpose. With 100 kg load the strength of material is calculated, and the result shows that the frame critical strength is smaller than material ultimate strength. The prototype was tested by 5 respondents who have an average weight of 68.2 kg, and height 169.4 cm. Pedal test is conducted with 5 level of speed such as 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 mph in 6 minutes of cycling respectively. The paddle energy during cycling was determined. The results show that the paddle energy increase and follow the increasing of speed. However since 10 mph of speed the paddle energy tends to be fixed with average value of 40 kcal. Therefore the tension leg muscles before and after cycling is going together by increasing the speed. The RULA method is used for determining the ergonomic of multi-gender bicycle, and the result shows that the value of risk injury is 3, that mean the developed bike is ergonomic.

Comparison of Working Postures among Students in School Workshop: A CAD Environment Analysis

School furniture was known to be among main contributor of students back pain and bad postures. However, most studies focused only on the furniture in classroom compared to other facilities in school. Therefore, this study took the initiative to assess students working postures in school workshop. The objective of this study was to evaluate postural stress of students using RULA method in CATIA. Actual working process was recorded and tasks performed were translated into human model for ergonomic analysis. This evaluation was done in CAD environment via Human Activity Analysis. Result showed the male students have a higher average RULA score compared to the female students. This study discovered that the current workstation was unsuitable for both genders. Both genders have an average scores of more than 5, which indicated changes are required soon. This paper also presented a recommended design of a workstation to reduce musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptom and contribute to total back pain prevention for growing adolescents.

Assessment of Muscle Skeletal Disorders and Analyze Working Posture of Karaj Medical Science School's Staffs with RULA Method by Using ErgoIntelligence-UEA Software and Nordic Standard Questionnaire

Assessment of Muscle Skeletal Disorders and Analyze Working Posture of Karaj Medical Science School's Staffs with RULA Method by Using ErgoIntelligence-UEA Software and Nordic Standard Questionnaire

879 MAGNETIC TRACKING TECHNOLOGY USED TO COMPARE ERGONOMICS OF SINGLE SITE AND CONVENTIONAL LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

You have accessJournal of UrologyTechnology & Instruments: Surgical Education & Skills Assessment (1)1 Apr 2013879 MAGNETIC TRACKING TECHNOLOGY USED TO COMPARE ERGONOMICS OF SINGLE SITE AND CONVENTIONAL LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS Ioannis Georgiopoulos, Loukas Rentzos, Iason Kyriazis, Panagiotis Kallidonis, Evangelos Liatsikos, and George Chryssolouris Ioannis GeorgiopoulosIoannis Georgiopoulos Patras, Greece More articles by this author , Loukas RentzosLoukas Rentzos Patras, Greece More articles by this author , Iason KyriazisIason Kyriazis Patras, Greece More articles by this author , Panagiotis KallidonisPanagiotis Kallidonis Patras, Greece More articles by this author , Evangelos LiatsikosEvangelos Liatsikos Patras, Greece More articles by this author , and George ChryssolourisGeorge Chryssolouris Patras, Greece More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.02.450AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Minimal invasive urologic surgery may benefit from ergonomic motion analysis, as the surgeonÆs joints are often in non-optimal positions, leading to premature fatigue. We propse to examine and compare the ergonomics of simulated single-site surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery. METHODS A laparoscopic box trainer is used to simulate surgical conditions. To simulate conventional laparoscopic surgery, two instruments are inserted bilaterally and the camera in the center position. Single site surgery is simulated by inserting an Endocone® (Karl Storz, Germany) in the center position and inserting a double bent grasper, a straight grasper and the camera through it. Standard laparoscopic training tasks (object transfer, knot tying) are performed and ergonomic data is captured. Magnetic tracking technology is used to obtain position and orientation data for the operatorÆs wrists, elbows and shoulders at a rate of thirty times per second. The data is inserted into an algorithm which calculates the ergonomic scores for each posture throughout the execution of the laparoscopic task. At the end, the algorithm can compare the ergonomic performance of different laparoscopic methods using the analyzed scores. The analysis is based on the RULA method (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment). RESULTS Preliminary analysis of the data show that joints are in non-optimal positions in single site surgery, as compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. This is demonstrated by the higher arm and wrist RULA scores obtained for tasks conducted through the single port systems (Test 10) in comparison to tasks conducted through a conventional laparoscopic setup (Test 1). CONCLUSIONS Ergonomic motion analysis may yield results that lead to the improvement of minimal invasive surgical techniques and equipment. © 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 189Issue 4SApril 2013Page: e363 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Ioannis Georgiopoulos Patras, Greece More articles by this author Loukas Rentzos Patras, Greece More articles by this author Iason Kyriazis Patras, Greece More articles by this author Panagiotis Kallidonis Patras, Greece More articles by this author Evangelos Liatsikos Patras, Greece More articles by this author George Chryssolouris Patras, Greece More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

25 Magnetic tracking technology used to compare ergonomics of single site and conventional laparoscopic surgery: Preliminary results

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Minimal invasive urologic surgery may benefit from ergonomic motion analysis, as the surgeonAEs joints are often in non-optimal positions, leading to premature fatigue. We propse to examine and compare the ergonomics of simulated single-site surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: A laparoscopic box trainer is used to simulate surgical conditions. To simulate conventional laparoscopic surgery, two instruments are inserted bilaterally and the camera in the center position. Single site surgery is simulated by inserting an Endocone (Karl Storz, Germany) in the center position and inserting a double bent grasper, a straight grasper and the camera through it. Standard laparoscopic training tasks (object transfer, knot tying) are performed and ergonomic data is captured. Magnetic tracking technology is used to obtain position and orientation data for the operatorAEs wrists, elbows and shoulders at a rate of thirty times per second. The data is inserted into an algorithm which calculates the ergonomic scores for each posture throughout the execution of the laparoscopic task. At the end, the algorithm can compare the ergonomic performance of different laparoscopic methods using the analyzed scores. The analysis is based on the RULA method (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment). RESULTS: Preliminary analysis of the data show that joints are in non-optimal positions in single site surgery, as compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. This is demonstrated by the higher arm and wrist RULA scores obtained for tasks conducted through the single port systems (Test 10) in comparison to tasks conducted through a conventional laparoscopic setup (Test 1). CONCLUSIONS: Ergonomic motion analysis may yield results that lead to the improvement of minimal invasive surgical techniques and equipment.

Associations between neck musculoskeletal complaints and work related factors among public service computer workers in Kaunas

Information technologies have been developing very rapidly, also in the case of occupational activities. Epidemiological studies have shown that employees, who work with computers, are more likely to complain of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between neck MSD and individual and work related factors. The investigation which consisted of two parts - a questionnaire study (using Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire) and a direct observation (to evaluate ergonomic work environment using RULA method) was carried out in three randomly selected public sector companies of Kaunas. The study population consisted of 513 public service office workers. The survey showed that neck MSDs were very common in the investigated population. The prevalence rate amounted to 65.7%. According to our survey neck MSDs were significantly associated with older age, bigger work experience, high quantitative and cognitive job demands, working for longer than 2 h without taking a break as well as with higher ergonomic risk score. The fully adjusted model working for longer than 2 h without taking a break had the strongest associations with neck complaints. It was confirmed, that neck MSDs were significantly associated with individual factors as well as conditions of work, therefore, preventive actions against neck complaints should be oriented at psychosocial and ergonomic work environment as well as at individual factors.

An ergonomic study on the biomechanical consequences in children, generated by the use of computers at school

This research deals with the influence of the computer use in schools related to the children posture, in an ergonomic point of view. The research tries to identify probable causes for the children early postural constraints, relating it to the sedentary behavior and the lack of an ergonomic project in schools. The survey involved 186 children, between 8 and 12 years old, students of a private school in Rio de Janeiro-Brasil. An historical and theoretical school furniture research was conducted as well as a survey with the students and teachers, computer postural evaluation, ergonomic evaluation (RULA method), and observations in the computer classroom. The research dealt with the student's perception with respect to the furniture utilized by him in the classroom during the use of the computer, his body complaint, the time he spent working on the school computer and the possibility of the existence of sedentariness. Also deals with the teachers' perception and knowledge regarding ergonomics with reference to schoolroom furniture and its Regulatory Norms (RN). The purpose of the research work is to highlight the importance of this knowledge, having in view the possibility of the teachers' collaboration in the ergonomic adaptation of the classroom environment and in their conscientious opinion during the purchasing of this furniture. A questionnaire was utilized and its results showed some discontent on the part of the teachers with relation to the schoolroom furniture as well as the teachers' scant knowledge of Ergonomics.We conclude with a survey that despite the children had constraints in postural assessments and school furniture needs a major ergonomic action, the time that children use the computer at school is small compared with the time of use at home and therefore insufficient to be the main cause of quantified commitments, thus the study of computer use at home as a development and continuity of this research.

Ergonomic evaluation in a values transportation company in Venezuela

The objective was to analyze the work activity and identify risk factors that could account for musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremities, shoulder and neck of workers of a transport values company in Venezuela. The methods used were: collective interview, tasks observation, evaluation of posture with RULA method and evaluation of repetitive motions with the OCRA method. Five workstations were evaluated. Main problem perceived by workers was: exposure to chemical and biological hazards when handling paper money and coins; inadequate chairs and close supervision. The postures level risk was 1 or 2 for the RULA scale. Only two workstations showed ligth and medium risk level by OCRA method. The factors identified that could explain the musculoskeletal changes were: wrist repetitive flexion and extension, shoulder elevation, lifting weight above shoulder height, elbow repetitive flexion and extension, neck flexion, extended work journey, work overload, high responsibility and strict supervision by a video camera.

Ergonomic evaluation of postural stress in school workshop

The objective of this study is to compare the evaluation of postural analysis between a self-report questionnaire and physical assessments methods for students aged 13 to 15 years old in school workshop. 336 students were volunteered as participants to fill in the questionnaire and being observed in the workshop. Total of 104 positions were selected and analyzed while students performing their tasks. Questionnaire data was examined to specify the prevalence of postural stress symptoms. The relationship of postural stress by physical assessment methods (RULA and REBA methods) was defined to identify the risk level of students' working posture. From the results, comparison of four factors categorized from total of 22 questions among ages, the mean values were lower for 13 years old students meaning that they were faced higher posture problems while using the workstation. The obtained results from both physical assessment methods and questionnaire analysis have identified 13 years old students faced higher risk exposure. Analysis results emphasized the fact that self-reports questionnaire method has almost accurate as postural evaluation methods to identify physical risks in workplace. The result also shows that an intervention is needed to overcome the posture problems.

Ergonominių rizikos veiksnių tyrimo metodų apžvalga ir jų taikymo Lietuvos statybos industrijoje ypatumai

Lietuvoje nėra didelės ergonominių rizikos veiksnių vertinimo metodų taikymo praktikos, ji tik kuriama. Šios srities specialistų ir tiriamųjų darbų nėra daug, todėl tai ypač aktualu. Tyrimas atliktas naudojant aprašomąjį ir anketinės apklausos metodą, o rezultatai apdoroti statistiniais metodais. Nustatyta, kad dažniausiai taikyti metodai yra: REBA ir RULA, anketiniai tyrimai, LST EN 1005-2, LST EN 1005-4, LST EN 1005-5, fizinio darbo intensyvumo tyrimas taikant Brouha ir Rohmerto kriterijus, MAC, NIOSH-KRS, OCRA (OCRA rodiklis, OCRA patikros lapas). Galima daryti išvadą, kad REBA ir RULA metodai yra dažniausiai naudojami, nes lengvai pritaikomi, gaunamas konkretus balas ir pateikiamos gautų balų vertės. Taikant kitus metodus, sugaištama daugiau laiko, reikia atlikti daugiau matavimų, tyrėjui paliekama didesnė laisvė interpretuoti.

MODELO DE DISEÑO ERGONÓMICO PARA PUESTOS DE TRABAJO EN PYMES. CASO DE ESTUDIO EN BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA.

This article is framed into a macro project of collaboration between the Universidad del Norte and the private sector. The project looked for the modernization of an export oriented SME related with the industry of processing glass, steel and aluminum products to be used in architecture (e.g.: doors and windows), automotive industry (e.g.: tempered glass) and other industries (e.g.: cool logistics). The purpose of this article is to feature the activities and results achieved by the identification, definition and characterization of the micro system Person - Machine (P-M) of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) of the processing glass industry in Barranquilla-Colombia. The case study was the development of methods to establish a work dynamic to ensure optimum labor conditions in an ergonomic framework at the company Tempro S.A. The diagnosis was done from the ergonomic global valuation of 21 workplaces applying the LEST method, which allowed determining the factors of risk of workers. Besides, the RULA method was used for the detection of the critical workplaces that need more detailed valuations on postures and efforts. This study was based on previous information about the loads of work, requirements, responsibilities, efforts and conditions of work and risk, in a general form. As a result, the diagnosis allowed the identification of 11 critical postures. A single description of the microenvironment was performed for every posture under ideal conditions, redefining his characteristics and looking for requirements of use, function, structure, production, information and formals. A virtual computed simulation was designed to perform the ergonomic testing to analyze the critical tasks according to the diagnosis of valuation of postures and efforts.

시설화훼용 견인형 방제기의 작업자세 및 성능 분석

This study was conducted to develop a pull-type sprayer which performs the safe spraying with improved ergonomic postures while pesticide spraying of roses in floricultural facilities. The performance of the ergonomically designed sprayer was analyzed with a comparison of a conventional spray method. The pull-type sprayer, consisting of power pump, hose and nozzle parts was designed to manually pull and spray to upward and horizontal directions. From the analysis of postures with the RULA method, the labor load to arm and wrist using the pull-type sprayer was less than that with conventional power sprayer, so that the intensity of labor reduces. Working capacity with pull-type sprayer was two-fold greater than the conventional power sprayer. After performing pesticide spraying with the pull-type sprayer, the operating cost was reduced to \585,000/yr, which is 79% less than that of cost (\2,197,500/yr) for using conventional power sprayer.

A postura no trabalho dos operadores de checkout de supermercados: uma necessidade constante de análises

As condições de trabalho nas quais os operadores de checkout de supermercados realizam suas atividades têm sido uma preocupação dos especialistas nos últimos tempos. Essa pesquisa foi realizada em oito supermercados de duas cidades do Brasil com o objetivo de conhecer as condições em que os operadores realizam suas atividades, detectando os fatores de risco para propor medidas que eliminem ou minimizem o aparecimento de efeitos adversos nos trabalhadores. Foi aplicado um questionário e o método RULA a uma amostra de 80 trabalhadores. O estudo mostrou que o mobiliário não está adaptado às características antropométricas da população, a maioria das posturas analisadas é inadequada, não existem revezamento nem pausas que poderiam ajudar a minimizar a situação, existência de sobrecarga, mental e física, entre outras. Conclui-se que a atividade pode representar riscos à saúde dos operadores de caixa de supermercados.