Ergonomic Assessment Using RULA Technique in Determining the Relationship between Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomic Conditions for Administrative Jobs in a Military Center

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Health Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Statistics and Epidemiology Department, Faculty of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Occupational Health Department, Faculty of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Aims: This study has considered the relationship between RULA ergonomic assessment score and musculoskeletal disorder syndrome in the administrative personnel of a military center.

Methods: In this descriptive study, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among 145 male military personnel working in administrative departments were investigated using ergonomic evaluation RULA method and medical examinations. Analysis was conducted with SPSS 17 software.

Results: There was a significant relationship between the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic assessment factor of RULA (P=0.016) and also wrist disorders (P=0.049). In addition, the mean of BMI for the employees was 25.57, meaning that about 58% of them were overweight.

Conclusion: The RULA ergonomic Assessment techniques can be used to predict musculo­skeletal disorders and obesity among military personnel working in the office of military centers.

Keywords