Rapid Upper Limb Assessment

The RULA method (MCATEMNEY and CORLETT, 1993) is an adaptation of the OWAS method, plus other variables such as: a) Strength; b) Repetition; c) Range of joint movement. The postures are framed according to the angles between the limbs and the body, obtaining scores that define the level of action to be followed, similar to those adopted by the OWAS method. This method is indicated to analyze the overload concentrated on the neck and upper limbs, it uses diagrams to facilitate the identification of the amplitudes of movements in the joints of interest, as well as evaluates the static muscular work and the forces exerted by the segments in analysis. Due to the ease and reliability of the results obtained, this method is widely used in the ergonomic analysis of postures, activities and workstations. The RULA method is based on an evaluation of the upper and lower limbs, for which the body was divided into two groups, A and B. Group A consists of the upper limbs (arms, forearms and wrists). Group B is represented by the neck, trunk, legs and feet. The postures are framed according to the angles between the limbs and the body, obtaining scores that define the level of action to be followed. The joint movements were assigned progressive scores in such a way that the number 1 represents the movement or posture with the lowest risk of injury, while higher values, a maximum of 7, represent the highest risk of injury for the evaluated body segment. In the RULA application it is possible to generate reports in PDF format.