RULA Score Research Articles

Designing an adjustable ergonomic laptop desk and its evaluating by RULA and NERPA methods.

Using a computer may lead to pain in wrists, neck, and back. In addition, adopting various body postures like sitting cross-legged, semi-fowler's position, and putting the laptop on the leg may lead to the development of persistent and irreversible discomfort. The purpose of this research is to design and build an adjustable ergonomic laptop desk based on the anthropometric characteristics of students in the age range of 20 to 30 years and to evaluate its efficiency using RULA and NERPA methods. This cross-sectional study conducted on 108 students, in which an adjustable and portable ergonomic desk designed and built based on 10 anthropometric dimensions of students and the length and width of 10 different laptop models. Two assessment methods, RULA and NERPA, were used. Wilcoxon statistic test and SPSS version 26 software used for data analysis. The dimensions of the desk were calculated in three positions, and the desk was made with the ability to adjust height, width and tilt, each with two degrees of freedom. The statistical analysis comparing score of RULA and NERPA in two situations without using a desk and using an ergonomic laptop desk had a significant difference (P-value < 0.001). Comparison of RULA and NERPA scores showed that NERPA evaluated the low ergonomic risk level better than RULA method. Due to the ability to adjust the designed desk, the changes in RULA and NERPA score in all three modes, it indicates the effectiveness of the table in improving the body posture of users when using a laptop.

Relationship between Improper Working Posture among Maintenance Workers using Different Assessment Methods

The purpose of ergonomics is to take advantage of human ability limits in order to implement an efficient and comfortable interface to use. When the worker is performing an improper posture, it may cause the worker to feel discomfort when doing the work and may lead to getting musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). According to past research, there is a relationship between improper working posture and MSDs. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between improper working posture at maintenance workers using different assessment methods. CMDQ, RULA, REBA and ENBORA were conducted among 34 maintenance workers around Parit Raja, Johor. The selected maintenance workers were interviewed via CMDQ and RULA, REBA and ENBORA were conducted based on their working posture at the time of the interview. The data were analysed and compared based on similar observed body parts. Among the respondents, lower back discomfort was most prevalent (70.59%), followed by right and left shoulders (58.82% and 55.88%, respectively) as well as right wrist (29.47%) and left wrist (55.88%). The mean RULA Score for the respondents was 4.76 (SD=1.37), which indicates a medium risk level. The mean REBA Score for the respondents was 7.41 (SD=2.26), which indicates the average REBA risk level was high. The mean value for the ENBORA Final Score was 33.56 (SD=11.98), indicating that the respondents overall have a negligible risk of getting MSD based on their working posture. The body parts compared in CMDQ, RULA, REBA and ENBORA were neck, upper arm, lower arm, wrist and trunk. Based on findings, ENBORA has the highest Pearson Correlation to CMDQ followed by RULA and REBA. In conclusion, the maintenance workers were found to be exposed to ergonomic risk factors (ERFs) and ergonomics improvement were needed in future.

Effect of Ergonomic Training and Exercise in Esports Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of exercises given with ergonomics training on sleep, neck, and upper extremity functions in esports players. Fifty professional or amateur esports players were randomly divided into two groups: an exercise group that received exercise and ergonomics training and a control group that received only ergonomics training. The exercise program was applied three days a week for eight weeks. Before and following the study, the participants were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), the Neck Disability Questionnaire (NDI), the Rapid Upper Extremity Assessment (RULA), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Following the implementation of an intervention, there were notable declines in both the NDI and RULA scores in both groups. Conversely, while a reduction in the DASH and PSQI scores was observed in the exercise group, this was not evident in the control group. The decline in NDI and DASH scores in the exercise group following the intervention period was found to be statistically significant when compared to the control group (p &amp;lt; 0.01). The application of physical exercise improving thoracic and shoulder mobility, nerve stretching, and hand/wrist strength and mobility, along with ergonomics training, has been shown to have a positive impact on the neck, upper extremity functions, and sleep quality of the esports players.

Design of Table and Chairs for Packaging Tempe Chips Work Station for Reducing the Risk of Occupational Diseases in Putra Tunggal Home Industry Wonosobo

Home Industry Putra Tunggal Wonosobo is a tempeh chip industry whose production process is manual, so it can have a negative impact on worker ergonomics. Preliminary research was conducted by interviewing pain complaints and assessing work posture using the OWAS method. The tempeh chips packaging workstation was the workstation that had the most pain complaints at 67.86% (19 of 28 body parts) and the highest OWAS score at 4, so this was at high risk of experiencing musculoskeletal disorders. The next study used the NBM questionnaire to analyze the level of pain due to work and RULA for work posture. CATIA software was used to design tables and chairs, as well as assess the posture of the design results using the RULA method. Worker performance will be compared before and after using tables and chairs based on the level of body pain due to work (NBM) and work posture (RULA). The research results showed a decrease in the risk of work-related diseases by 80 and 78 to 40 and 44 (from high to low-risk levels) as well as a decrease in the RULA score from 7 (dangerous posture) to 2 (good posture).

An Ergonomic Risk Assessment System Based on 3D Human Pose Estimation and Collaborative Robot

Human pose estimation focuses on methods that allow us to assess ergonomic risk in the workplace and aims to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The recent increase in the use of Industry 4.0 technologies has allowed advances to be made in machine learning (ML) techniques for image processing to enable automated ergonomic risk assessment. In this context, this study aimed to develop a method of calculating joint angles from digital snapshots or videos using computer vision and ML techniques to achieve a more accurate evaluation of ergonomic risk. Starting with an ergonomic analysis, this study explored the use of a semi-supervised training method to detect the skeletons of workers and to estimate the positions and angles of their joints. A criticality index, based on RULA scores and fuzzy rules, is then calculated to evaluate possible corrective actions aimed at reducing WMSDs and improving production capacity using a collaborative robot that supports workers in carrying out critical operations. This method is tested in a real industrial case in which the manual assembly of electrical components is conducted, achieving a reduction in overall ergonomic stress of 13% and an increase in production capacity of 33% during a work shift. The proposed approach can overcome the limitations of recent developments based on computer vision or wearable sensors by performing an assessment with an objective and flexible approach to postural analysis development.

Effect of Work-Based Exercise Program Among Industrial Workers having Non-Specific Neck Pain Using ICF Core Set: A Pre-Post Experimental Study

Unfortunately, there are many causes of neck pain, the most prevalent ones are long periods of sitting, bad workplace ergonomics and keeping an unnatural neck posture. Studies show that small-scale industries lack awareness of and comprehension of ergonomics. Unpredictable schedules, long hours, hazardous workplaces, and all these problems, including inadequate vocational training, may negatively impact employees’ HRQOL and restrict their capacity to take part in and carry out activities. Progressive resisted training, neuromuscular training exercises, stretching, and ergonomic recommendations are all recommended. To enhance the quality of life of industrial workers, fitness programs must be implemented. The aim is to ascertain how a work-based exercise program affects industrial workers with nonspecific neck discomfort in terms of activity limitation and participation restriction. To determine the risk of nonspecific neck discomfort among industrial workers, the RULA scale was administered to 92 individuals in the study who had VAS values ranging from 3-6. Neck ROM was also recorded. An ICF documentation form was used to ascertain the engagement and involvement. Over the course of two weeks, the subjects received a work-based exercise program on alternate days. ROM, RULA, and ICF documentation were among the outcome variables that were assessed both before and after the intervention. The result was that there was a noteworthy distinction noted between the RULA, ROM pretest and post-test scores as well as ICF codes. Differences between the pre and post-test of VAS were significant difference (Z=8.3290, p=0.0001). To conclude the study found that industrial workers lacked knowledge about ergonomics. Therefore, exercises and ergonomics helped manage neck pain and improve the range of motion.

Physical Ergonomic Assessment in Cleaning Hospital Operating Rooms Based on Inertial Measurement Units.

Workers involved in hospital operating room cleaning face numerous constraints that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed to perform physical ergonomic assessments on hospital staff by combining a continuous assessment (RULA) based on inertial measurement units with video coding. Eight participants performed cleaning tasks while wearing IMUs and being video recorded. A subjective evaluation was performed through the Nordic questionnaire. Global RULA scores equaled 4.21 ± 1.15 and 4.19 ± 1.20 for the right and left sides, respectively, spending most of the time in the RULA range of 3-4 (right: 63.54 ± 31.59%; left: 64.33 ± 32.33%). Elbows and lower arms were the most exposed upper body areas with the highest percentages of time spent over a risky threshold (right: 86.69 ± 27.27%; left: 91.70 ± 29.07%). The subtask analysis identified 'operating table moving', 'stretcher moving', and 'trolley moving' as the riskiest subtasks. Thus, this method allowed an extensive ergonomic analysis, highlighting both risky anatomical areas and subtasks that need to be reconsidered.

Ergonomic interventions and endodontic treatment outcomes: An analysis of dentist working posture and error rates

PurposeDentists spend a long time the day in the position. It is possible that this leads to discomfort that may translate to procedural errors during treatment, such as root canal treatment. This study aims to investigate the relationship of working posture and procedural errors in endodontic manipulations. Materials and Methods32 dentists (17 men, 53.13%, and 15 women, 46.88%) from the University Dental Polyclinic of Uzhhorod National University (Uzhhorod, Ukraine) were included in the study. REBA, RULA, frequency of procedural errors were analysed using regression. ResultsThis study revealed a surprising trend where a decrease in errors during endodontic treatment was associated with higher RULA and REBA scores, contrary to the expected increase in errors with higher ergonomic stress. Additionally, the research highlighted the significant impact of a dentist's handedness and tooth position in the dental arch on treatment ergonomics and efficiency, as observed and analyzed through ergonomic assessments and statistical methods. ConclusionsThe study conclusively demonstrated that optimal positioning and alignment during dental procedures significantly contribute to a reduction in procedural errors, underscoring the importance of ergonomics in clinical dentistry.

Ergonomic Embedded in Designing Welding Assembly Tool for Automotive Manufacturing Process

Ergonomics focuses on understanding how workers interact with their work environment, tools, and equipment. The proper ergonomics consideration in tool design will impact worker safety and productivity. Ergonomics-embedded knowledge is critical in designing welding assembly tools for automotive manufacturing. The study aims to improve the ergonomic issues faced by the automotive assembly welders. The methodology involves studying the existing welding assembly process in automotive manufacturing regarding RULA scores and simulating the postures using CATIA analysis. Based on the simulation, critical ergonomics issues should be identified and analyzed. Finally, the welding process is improved by designing the hand support for the workers to assemble parts. The results revealed that the RULA scores have improved from 7 (high risk at the existing condition) to 3 (medium risk) for both worker's hands after the support of the assembly tool. In conclusion, ergonomic embedding in welding assembly tool design has improved the automotive assembly worker's well-being. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of knowledge on integrating ergonomics into automotive manufacturing processes, providing valuable insights for industry practitioners and researchers alike.

Analisa Postur Kerja terhadap Keluhan Musculoskeletal Disorder Operator Hand Stacker Menggunakan Rapid Upper Limb Assessment di PT. AFS, Makassar

Musculoskeletal Disorders is one of the injuries that workers often experience in material handling activities, namely injuries to muscles, nerves, bones, joints caused by work activities. PT. AFS as a company that focuses on catering services to serve the "airlines catering" and for the needs of companies in Makassar. A warehouse as a place to store raw materials that will continue to operate on a daily basis. In addition to the fact that the production process will continue to be connected to the warehouse, also because the raw materials that continue to come in will cause operators to continue working to organize raw materials as production supplies. An aid used to move raw materials is a hand stacker that can only be operated by one person. The use of this aid makes the operator who must be assisted by other operators to pull the hand stacker. Based on the Nordic Body Maps questionnaire, the highest pain complaints were in the lower neck, left shoulder and right shoulder. This condition is dangerous for the operator as shown by the results of RULA (score 7) with a level of category 4 (this condition is dangerous and necessary to make changes immediately).

Exploring the influence of individual factors on the perception of mental workload and body postures

Studies have revealed that physical and mental demands, psychosocial factors, and individual factors can contribute to the development of WMSDs. Yet, much is still unknown regarding the effects of individual characteristics on WMSDs susceptibility. Previous studies discovered people assumed more awkward body postures to perform an activity when the perception of mental workload is higher. This research study explored if individual characteristics such as age, sex, personality, and anxiety help explain changes or differences in the perception of mental workload and body postures assume when performing activities. The study provided evidence that these individual characteristics have a modifying role on perceived mental workload and body postures. The results suggest that perceived mental workload is influenced to a higher extent by individual characteristics such as anxiety, sex, and personality traits. Women have a higher (18.7%) mental workload perception than men. Likewise, NASA-TLX scores are 22% higher for feelers than thinkers. In general, higher perceptions of mental workload were observed in participants with higher anxiety levels. On the other hand, body postures seem to be influenced by different individual factors depending on the nature of the activity. RULA scores increased on average by 13.1% between baseline and time constraint conditions. Larger differences were observed in certain individuals (e.g. introverts (19.7%) and intuitors (13.8%)) across conditions.

Analisis Postur Kerja dengan Menggunakan Perbandingan Metode RULA REBA dan OWAS pada Pegawai PT. Surya Segara Safety Marine Paper

PT Surya Segara Safety Marine is a marine equipment trading and maritime security equipment servicing company in Indonesia that has four branches in Balikpapan, Makassar, Banyuwangi, and Bali. In their work, there are workers who have not implemented ergonomic working positions. This research aims to determine the action level value from the comparison scores of the RULA, REBA, and OWAS methods. From the research that has been carried out, it is known from the NBM questionnaire that 77% of workers experience back pain and 70% experience low back pain. Regarding the scoring results, a RULA score of 7 is very high risk, a REBA score of 9 is high risk, and an OWAS score of 2 is moderate risk. Based on the data obtained, the RULA method is most suitable because of the complaints felt by workers in the upper body. So a proposal to improve a table that can rotate and a chair that can be adjusted in height was made, which received a RULA score of 2 out of 7, where this value was better than the initial score before the improvement proposal was given.

Ergonomic Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal System Problems in Women Producing Traditional Handicrafts

The study aimed to determine the ergonomic risk level, musculoskeletal system problems, and variables affecting ergonomic risk scores in women producing traditional handicrafts.&#x0D; Women who regularly produce traditional handicrafts were included in the study. The participants underwent a musculoskeletal system and RULA ergonomic risk assessment and were asked to answer pain questionnaire. &#x0D; A total of 197 women aged 46.15±0.71 years who have been producing traditional handicrafts for 25.78±0.84 years were included in the study. The posture evaluation of the participants revealed that most of them (61.9%) had an anterior head carriage. Participants most pronouncedly experienced musculoskeletal pain in their dominant forearm (36%), wrist (34%), and shoulder (30.5%). Participants also experienced the most severe pain in their heads (21.8%), dominant hand wrists (18.3%), and forearms (17.8%), respectively. The final RULA score of the participants was found to be 3.29±0.05. Deterioration in posture and worsening of musculoskeletal complaints affected the ergonomic risk scores of the participants (adjusted R2 value=0.436). &#x0D; Postural changes and musculoskeletal pain are common in women who produce traditional handicrafts. The participants had low to moderate ergonomic risks, and their postural changes and musculoskeletal pain were found to affect their final RULA scores.

Applying ergonomics for beyond the earth: Integrating participatory ergonomic design for sending a human to space.

The aviation industry is a complex socio-technical system that has various parts which can be optimized by human factors and ergonomics. The aim of this study was to provide insight into the collaborative ergonomic design process for an astronaut workstation within a small spaceship. Having defined the project goals and other quantitative information such as anthropometric dimensions, the Catia software was then used for 3D modeling. Following the initial modeling, the RULA method was used to conduct the initial ergonomic analysis. Following the creation of a simple product prototype, other ergonomic analyses such as mental workload, perceived physical exertion, and usability were carried out. The results of the preliminary ergonomic analysis indicated that the RULA score was acceptable (the final scores were 2 and 3 for the nearest and the farthest controls). Furthermore, the secondary ergonomic analyses were all satisfactory. The mental workload, SUS, and Borg scores for Bedford were, respectively, 2.2, 85.1, and 11.4. The proposed product initially received an acceptable ergonomic store; nevertheless, in order to continue producing this product, ergonomic concerns must be taken into consideration.

ASSOCIATION OF RULA AND UPPER LIMB MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN FINE ARTS STUDENTS

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between RULA and upper limb musculoskeletal pain in fine arts students. The research was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, and involved 250 students from various universities, including NCA, BNU, PU, and GC University. To assess ergonomics, RULA was used, while the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate pain. The data was analyzed using SPSS v20, and the Chi-square test was used to determine the association between RULA and upper limb musculoskeletal pain. The results revealed that shoulders were the most common area of pain reported by students in the last 12 months (68%) and last 7 days (60%), followed by wrist/hand pain (66% and 55.2%, respectively). The Chi-square value showed a significant association between RULA Score and Shoulder Pain (p-value 0.04) and RULA Score and Wrist Pain (p-value 0.05); however, there was no significant association between RULA and Elbow pain (p-value 0.861). Statistical significance was set at p-value ≤ .05. In conclusion, this study found a significant association between RULA and upper limb musculoskeletal pain in fine arts students.

Does the introduction of a cobot change the productivity and posture of the operators in a collaborative task?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the main occupational diseases and are pathologies of multifactorial origin, with posture being one of them. This creates new human-robot collaboration situations that can modify operator behaviors and performance in their task. These changes raise questions about human-robot team performance and operator health. This study aims to understand the consequences of introducing a cobot on work performance, operator posture, and the quality of interactions. It also aims to evaluate the impact of two levels of difficulty in a dual task on these measures. For this purpose, thirty-four participants performed an assembly task in collaboration with a co-worker, either a human or a cobot with two articulated arms. In addition to this motor task, the participants had to perform an auditory task with two levels of difficulty (dual task). They were equipped with seventeen motion capture sensors. The collaborative work was filmed with a camera, and the actions of the participants and co-worker were coded based on the dichotomy of idle and activity. Interactions were coded based on time out, cooperation, and collaboration. The results showed that performance (number of products manufactured) was lower when the participant collaborated with a cobot rather than a human, with also less collaboration and activity time. However, RULA scores were lower-indicating a reduced risk of musculoskeletal disorders-during collaboration with a cobot compared to a human. Despite a decrease in production and a loss of fluidity, likely due to the characteristics of the cobot, working in collaboration with a cobot makes the task safer in terms of the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Ergonomic risk assessment during massage among physiotherapists: Introduction of generic postures notion.

Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among physiotherapists. They perform many repetitive tasks in awkward postures that require a high muscle load. This issue was often addressed through subjective analysis (questionnaire) but rarely using postural evaluation combined with an ergonomic assessment. The aim of this article was to decompose draining lymphatic massage performed by physiotherapists in generic postures (GP) to quickly assess the musculoskeletal disorder risk. Based on numeric video recorded in frontal and sagittal planes, 3360 postures were defined from 20-minutes lymphatic drainage massage performed by 7 physiotherapists over a period of 6 months. A hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to define the GP. Seven GP were identified, which were described by their average joint angles, variability and relative frequency. GP6, GP4 and GP2 had the highest frequencies (17.6%, 16.9% and 16.8% respectively). Trunk and neck were essentially flexed (neck: 17.0±10.0° for GP1; trunk: 20.4±8.7° for GP4). Shoulder flexion and abduction ranged from 15° (GP7) to 60° (GP4). Mean and variability of RULA score completed the analysis. The highest scores were computed for GP2 and GP3 (respectively 5.5±1.3 and 5.8±1.2, p < 0.05). GP4 had the lowest (4.0±1.1, p < 0.05). The results suggest that massages have to be monitored. Attention should be paid to the postures used to prevent the occurrence of MSDs. The massages could be described as a combination of generic posture for a rapid ergonomic assessment.

Digital human modeling (dhm) for computer-aided ergonomics analysis in the horticulture industry

In Indonesia, the production of water spinach increased by 9,24% from the last year, which was reasonable because water spinach was one of the most sought-after and popular types of vegetables. The farmers have exposure risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) owing to poor watering of plant workstations using manual methods. This journal aims to explore the application of computer-aided ergonomic analysis and digital human modeling techniques in optimizing the workstations of farmers in water spinach plantations. This paper compares ergonomic scores for body posture farmers before and after improvement. Improvement was done by replacing the manual ball valve with motor operated valve (MOV), controlled (opens and closes) by farmers’ phones. Before and after improvement, body posture farmers are converted to digital human modeling and analyzed by CATIA and RULA analysis tools. The result of this paper comparing before and after improvement results in a percentage reduction in RULA Scores of 75% from a 4 to 1 value.

Ergonomic Sofa Intervention in Improving Mother's Posture in Kangaroo Mother Care

Posture that is not ergonomic when the mother performs the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has the potential to cause musculoskeletal complaints and fatigue. The purpose of this study was to analyze differences in body posture (RULA scores) between mothers who used an ergonomic sofa during PMK (intervention group) and mothers who used chairs available at XYZ Hospital during KMC (control group). The study design is an experimental controlled group design which aims to assess the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable by involving the intervention group and the control group. The research subjects consisted of 54 people consisting of 30 people in the intervention group and 24 people in the control group. The research was conducted in the kangaroo method treatment room at X Hospital. Based on the Mann-Whitney test, the results obtained were p value = 0.000. Because the p value ≤ 0.05, it can be concluded that there are differences in body posture between mothers who use PMK ergonomic sofas (intervention group) and mothers who use chairs available at the hospital (control group). The role of ergonomic interventions is proven to provide benefits for improving posture in doing KMC

Comparison Analysis of Rula Scores on Improvement Workplace Design in Concrete Brick Manufacturing SMEs

Paving block is constructions material usually used for form wall on building or construction jobs. Quality C dan D paving block manufacture on SMEs Scale in Tasilkmalaya Village does not have proper workplace design so that molder operator work in squat position. Squat position in manufacture paving block process is increasing RULA Score and ergonomic risk for musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs). In previous research, improvement has been applied to workplace, it has successfully increased productivity, but it is not sure can decrease ergonomic risk musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) and RULA Score. This research aim to identify and compare the RULA Score before and after improvement. Analysis methods is used Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) with CATIA on moves element which has break down with Theblig methods. The result of research is workplace improvement has successfully decreased levels of ergonomic risk 43%.