Avaliação rápida do membro superior (RULA) na investigação ergonômica: uma revisão abrangente / Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) in ergonomic assessment: A comprehensive review

INTRODUÇÃO: A avaliação rápida de membro superior (RULA) é um método de pesquisa desenvolvido para uso em investigações ergonômicas em postos de trabalho onde distúrbios de membros superiores relacionados ao trabalho são relatados. Existem diversas pesquisas disponíveis sobre o uso de RULA na avaliação distúrbio osteomuscular relacionado ao trabalho (DORTs). Porém, até o momento não há nenhuma revisão compilada disponível sobre a pesquisa abrangendo os usos de RULA em avaliações ergonômicas. OBJETIVO: Compilar artigos relacionados com o uso de RULA na avaliação de DORTs entre trabalhadores de diversas áreas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: A busca por artigos relacionados ao tema foi realizada nas bases de dados acadêmicas PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO e EBSCO. A coleta foi realizada até 22 de julho de 2019 usando as cinco palavras-chave, "ergonomia" "Musculoesquelético", "local de trabalho" e "avaliação rápida de membros superiores". Essas palavras-chave foram combinadas usando os operadores booleanos "AND", "OR" e "NOT". Adotou-se as recomendações do checklist PRISMA. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 263 artigos. Após a remoção de 161 artigos duplicados, sobraram 102 artigos para as análises. Destes, 21 artigos foram excluídos pelo título e resumo e 81 artigos completos foram avaliados. Novamente, 68 artigos foram excluídos por não atenderem aos critérios de inclusão e, finalmente, 13 artigos foram incluídos na análise qualitativa abrangente. CONCLUSÃO: A aplicação mais ampla do RULA foi confirmada a partir desta revisão abrangente.

INTRODUCTION: RULA (rapid upper limb assessment) is a survey method developed for use in ergonomics investigations of workplaces where workrelated upper limb disorders are reported. There are various researches available regarding the use of RULA in assessing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). But till date, there is no compiled review available regarding the comprehensive research on the uses of RULA in various ergonomic assessment. OBJECTIVE: To compile the availability of article related to the uses of RULA in assessing WRMSDs among workers from various fields. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The articles related to RULA in ergonomic assessment were searched using the reputed academic databases, including PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EBSCO from inception to July 22, 2019 using the five keywords, "ergonomics," "musculoskeletal," "workplace," and "rapid upper limb assessment." These keywords were combined using the Boolean operators "AND," "OR," and "NOT." RESULTS: A total of 263 articles (n=263) were identified. After the removal of 161 duplicate articles, 102 articles were screened for the analysis. Among then, 21 articles were excluded and 81 fulltext articles were assessed for eligibility. Again 68 articles were excluded due to not meeting the inclusion criteria and finally 13 articles were included in the qualitative comprehensive analysis. CONCLUSION: The wider application of RULA has been confirmed from this comprehensive review.

Percepción de desórdenes musculoesqueléticos y aplicación del método RULA en diferentes sectores productivos: una revisión sistemática de la literatura / Perception of musculoskeletal disorders and RULA method application in different productive sectors: a systematic review of literatura

RESUMEN Introducción: Los desórdenes musculoesqueléticos (DME) constituyen una de las principales causas de enfermedad relacionadas con el trabajo. Numerosos esfuerzos se han realizado a fin de prevenir su aparición; por tanto, múltiples instrumentos de evaluación ergonómica han sido usados. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo identificar la información disponible en bases de datos sobre evaluación del riesgo biomecánico (RULA) y percepción de DME en trabajadores de diversos sectores económicos (Cuestionario Nórdico), para el periodo 2004-2015. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de los estudios recientes enfocados en la evaluación del nivel de riesgo ergonómico y percepción de DME. Asimismo, fueron tenidas en cuenta las recomendaciones de la declaración PRISMA, tras obtener los artículos en las bases de datos Science direct, Scopus, Pubmed, Springer link, Embase y Ebsco. 13 estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de selección fueron incluidos; se identificaron dos tipos de estudios: de diagnóstico y de intervención. Resultados: Prevalencias altas en espalda alta-baja, cuello, tronco, hombros, mano/ muñeca y rodilla fueron evidenciadas, siendo el género femenino el más afectado. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren asociación entre índice de masa corporal, edad (≥ 25 años), antigüedad en el trabajo (≥ 3 años), trabajo por destajo, horas de trabajo diario ≥ 8 horas, número de pacientes atendidos, RULA (nivel 3 y 4) y DME en cuello, tronco, brazos, antebrazos, espalda baja y zonas corporales del grupo B.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are one of the main causes of work-related diseases; numerous efforts have been made in order to prevent its occurrence. Therefore, multiple ergonomic evaluation instruments have been used. This review aims to identify the available information in databases related to biomechanical risk assessment (RULA) and perception of DME in workers from various economic sectors, period 2004-2015 (Nordic Questionnaire). Materials and Methods: A Systematic review about the recent studies focused on the evaluation of the level of ergonomic risk and perception of DME was performed. The recommendations of the PRISMA statement were taken into account after obtaining the studies from the Science Direct, Scopus, Pubmed, Springer link, Embase and Ebsco databases. 13 studies that complied the selection criteria were included; 2 types of studies were identified: diagnosis and intervention. Results: High prevalence in upper and lower back, neck, trunk, shoulders, hand/wrist, and knee were evidenced, being the female gender the most affected. Conclusions: These findings suggest an association between body mass index, age (≥ 25 years), seniority at work (≥ 3 years), piecework, daily hours of work ≥ 8 hours, number of patients attended, RULA (level 3 And 4) and DME in the neck, trunk, arms, forearms, lower back and group B body areas.

Ergonomic risk factors and their association with musculoskeletal disorders among Indian dentist: A preliminary study using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment.

Context: Ergonomics is the scientific study of people and their work. The manufacturers typically do not design to accommodate the dimensions of the individual user. Work‑related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have emerged as major health problem among workers in both industrialized and industrially developing countries. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was developed to investigate the exposure of the individual workers to risk factors associated with work‑related upper limb disorders. Aims: The assessment of the posture using RULA, which is quick reliable tool to determine the posture, has not been done in the Indian dentist population, indicating the need for the same. Settings and Design: A total of 104 subjects were included from New Delhi/NCR. Subjects and Methods: The procedure was explained, and the questionnaire was distributed and assessment was done using RULA. The MSDs can be recorded using the standard Nordic questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were collected from 104 subjects out of the 192 evaluated and was statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The study sample included 70 male and 34 female dentists. The posture of the subjects and the MSDs are not associated with a significant difference as according to Pearson’s Chi‑square test (0.231). Conclusions: RULA can be used as a screening tool for postural risks following a short training session regardless of the assessor’s experience in postural risk assessments.

Occupational Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Nurses in Medical

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a hand disorder which indicates the presence of symptoms such as pain, numbness, and muscle weakness among the patient. CTS is an occupational related disorder which can occur in any profession. However, it can be prevented and managed. The aims of the research were to determine the prevalence of acquiring CTS among nurses who worked in the wards and occupational risk factors involving the upper limbs during nursing tasks performance. The specific aims were to determine the relationship between the prevalence of acquiring CTS and individual factors (age, gender, race, educational level, duration of work and medical history), relationship between the prevalence of acquiring CTS and occupational risk factors in nursing tasks. Nurses profession was chosen as they are performing multitask involving upper limbs especially the wrist joints. Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) was used to determine the level of severity in CTS. Occupational risk factors were assessed by using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). This research was a cross sectional mode which was carried out at a government university medical centre from November through December 2010. Eighty nurses were involved in the research. The respondents were required to fill in the socio-demographic information sheet. Those having CTS were required to fill in the BCTQ. Assessments were performed by observing of the job activity through RULA. The results showed that the prevalence for nurses acquiring CTS is 7.5%. The RULA assessment also indicated that the risk factor was in the highest level with a score of 7. No relationship was shown between the prevalence of CTS and race, gender, educational level and medical history. Significant relationship was indicated by the prevalence of CTS and occupational risk factors. In conclusion, a significant prevalence of CTS related to age of more than 30 years old, Malay races compared to Indian, working experience of more than 10 years and respondents with right hand dominant. Occupational risk factors also indicated among the active nurses. Therefore, it is important for us to modify the work environment, work flow, work methodology and ergonomic factors in order to prevent the nurses from acquiring CTS. Furthermore, education about the condition of CTS should be implemented and reinforced especially among the higher risk nurses.

LER/DORT: que métodos de avaliação do risco? / WRULMSDs: selection of risk assessment methods

O processo de seleção dos métodos observacionais de avaliação do risco de LER/DORT é complexo, mas fundamental para a gestão do risco. Em Setúbal, no período de 2004 a 2005, numa empresa portuguesa da indústria automobilística, onde a avaliação do risco foi previamente efetuada, reaplicou-se o método OCRA checklist (avaliação do risco de LER/DORT ao nível dos membros superiores) em postos de trabalho (n=152) montagem final e pintura classificados de risco moderado/elevado (OCRA ?16,5). Nas situações em que se reconfirmou a presença de risco (n=71), aplicaram-se três outros métodos: RULA, SI e HAL. Registraram-se sequências em vídeo da atividade de trabalho para avaliar a validade preditiva dos métodos. Revelam-se divergências entre os métodos na classificação dos postos de trabalho de risco elevado: OCRA 34 postos; HAL 35 postos; SI 31 postos; RULA 7 postos. A análise do efeito de cada variável independente (fator de risco) nos scores finais dos métodos (regressão linear multivariada) revela distintos contributos e processos de ponderação/avaliação do risco de LER/DORT. A análise dos registros em vídeo evidencia diversas validades preditivas relativamente aos fatores de risco integrantes dos métodos aplicados. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de uma seleção do método de avaliação do risco de LER/DORT adequada a cada situação (real) de trabalho, baseada no maior conhecimento dos métodos.

The process for selecting observational methods for evaluating work-related upper limb musucloskeletal disorders (WRULMSDs) is complex, but essential to risk management. In a Portuguese automotive industry plant (Setúbal, 2004-05), where all jobs had been previously analyzed, OCRA checklist was reapplied (final assembling and painting) in workstations (n=152) classified as moderate/ high risk (score 16.5 OCRA). In all risk confirmed cases (n=71) three other methods were applied: RULA, SI, and HAL. Sequences of working activities were recorded on video to estimate the predictive validity of the methods. The results show differences in the final scores of the methods in the same workstations: OCRA reveals 34 workplaces with high risk; SI only ranked 31 positions with high risk; HAL has 35 high risk workplaces, and RULA only 7. Analysis of the effect of each independent variable (risk factor) in the final scores of the methods, based on linear regression analysis, reveals different contributions and, consequently, different ways of assessing WRULMSD risk. The video analysis also highlights different predictive validities for the risk factors in each method. These results indicate the need to select the appropriate WRULMSD risk assessment instrument adequate to each real work situation.