RULA method in the ergonomic analysis of an ophthalmic surgeon’s work: a case study
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) represent a widespread occupational health issue across many countries, leading to high organizational costs and constituting one of the main causes of work disability. Ophthalmic surgery requires a high level of concentration, precision, and physical...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Centro Universitário São Camilo
2025-06-01
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| Series: | O Mundo da Saúde |
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| Online Access: | https://revistamundodasaude.emnuvens.com.br/mundodasaude/article/view/1721 |
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| author | Teresa Alexandra Vaz Ferreira Cláudia Cristina Cabral de Carvalho |
| author_facet | Teresa Alexandra Vaz Ferreira Cláudia Cristina Cabral de Carvalho |
| author_sort | Teresa Alexandra Vaz Ferreira |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) represent a widespread occupational health issue across many countries, leading to high organizational costs and constituting one of the main causes of work disability. Ophthalmic surgery requires a high level of concentration, precision, and physical effort, often associated with the adoption of static and inadequate postures, which predispose these professionals to the development of WRMSDs. This study aimed to characterize the posture of an ophthalmic surgeon in the operating room using the RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) method. This is a descriptive case study conducted according to the Case Report (CARE) guidelines. The results revealed that the surgeon remains seated and static for extended periods, adopting potentially harmful postures. The application of the RULA method indicated an urgent need for ergonomic intervention, with recommendations including seat adjustments, arm support, and workspace reorganization. The importance of implementing regular breaks, stretching exercises, and strategies to reduce visual fatigue is also emphasized. The use of more comprehensive, complementary ergonomic assessment methods is recommended for a more complete analysis. It is concluded that ergonomic adaptation of the workstation is essential for promoting the surgeon’s health, safety, and performance, and that the RULA method is a valuable tool for identifying risks associated with WRMSDs. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-eb75f1e645cd49da86f6499f0a370473 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 0104-7809 1980-3990 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Centro Universitário São Camilo |
| record_format | Article |
| series | O Mundo da Saúde |
| spelling | doaj-art-eb75f1e645cd49da86f6499f0a3704732025-08-20T03:28:00ZengCentro Universitário São CamiloO Mundo da Saúde0104-78091980-39902025-06-014910.15343/0104-7809.202549e17212025P2253RULA method in the ergonomic analysis of an ophthalmic surgeon’s work: a case studyTeresa Alexandra Vaz Ferreira0https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3017-1188Cláudia Cristina Cabral de Carvalho1https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1063-8510Unidade Local de Saúde da Arrábida – ULSA. Setúbal, Portugal.Unidade Local de Saúde da Arrábida – ULSA. Setúbal, Portugal.Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) represent a widespread occupational health issue across many countries, leading to high organizational costs and constituting one of the main causes of work disability. Ophthalmic surgery requires a high level of concentration, precision, and physical effort, often associated with the adoption of static and inadequate postures, which predispose these professionals to the development of WRMSDs. This study aimed to characterize the posture of an ophthalmic surgeon in the operating room using the RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) method. This is a descriptive case study conducted according to the Case Report (CARE) guidelines. The results revealed that the surgeon remains seated and static for extended periods, adopting potentially harmful postures. The application of the RULA method indicated an urgent need for ergonomic intervention, with recommendations including seat adjustments, arm support, and workspace reorganization. The importance of implementing regular breaks, stretching exercises, and strategies to reduce visual fatigue is also emphasized. The use of more comprehensive, complementary ergonomic assessment methods is recommended for a more complete analysis. It is concluded that ergonomic adaptation of the workstation is essential for promoting the surgeon’s health, safety, and performance, and that the RULA method is a valuable tool for identifying risks associated with WRMSDs.https://revistamundodasaude.emnuvens.com.br/mundodasaude/article/view/1721musculoskeletal diseasesophthalmologic surgical proceduresoccupational health nursingergonomics |
| spellingShingle | Teresa Alexandra Vaz Ferreira Cláudia Cristina Cabral de Carvalho RULA method in the ergonomic analysis of an ophthalmic surgeon’s work: a case study O Mundo da Saúde musculoskeletal diseases ophthalmologic surgical procedures occupational health nursing ergonomics |
| title | RULA method in the ergonomic analysis of an ophthalmic surgeon’s work: a case study |
| title_full | RULA method in the ergonomic analysis of an ophthalmic surgeon’s work: a case study |
| title_fullStr | RULA method in the ergonomic analysis of an ophthalmic surgeon’s work: a case study |
| title_full_unstemmed | RULA method in the ergonomic analysis of an ophthalmic surgeon’s work: a case study |
| title_short | RULA method in the ergonomic analysis of an ophthalmic surgeon’s work: a case study |
| title_sort | rula method in the ergonomic analysis of an ophthalmic surgeon s work a case study |
| topic | musculoskeletal diseases ophthalmologic surgical procedures occupational health nursing ergonomics |
| url | https://revistamundodasaude.emnuvens.com.br/mundodasaude/article/view/1721 |
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