ORIGINAL PAPER
Using of the ROSA method to assess
the musculoskeletal load on computer workstations
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Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Zakład Fizjologii Pracy i Ergonomii / Department of Work Physiology and Ergonomics)
Online publication date: 2019-11-14
Corresponding author
Zbigniew Jóźwiak
Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera,
Zakład Fizjologii Pracy i Ergonomii, ul. św. Teresy 8, 91-348 Łódź
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2019;70(6):675-99
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ABSTRACT
Background: The aim of the study was to compare the musculoskeletal system load assessed using the rapid office strain assessment
(ROSA) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) methods in computer operators, and to determine the correlation of the obtained
results with the occurrence and intensity of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in these individuals. Material and Methods: In
a group of 72 persons (38 women and 34 men) working with a computer for > 4 h/day, the ROSA and RULA methods were used
to assess the load, while a questionnaire modeled on the Standardized Nordic Questionnary was used to assess the frequency and
severity of MSCs. Results: Musculoskeletal complaints occurred in about 66% of the investigated women and 62% of the investigated
men within the previous year. The results of the ROSA and RULA methods were not convergent. The final result of the ROSA
method (scale 1−10 pts) was 2−6 pts (M = 3.51±1.09), while the final result of the RULA method (scale 1−7 pts) ranged 2−4 pts
(3.00±0.17). The values of partial and final scores in the ROSA method were correlated with the number of concurrent ailments and
intensity of complaints in various regions of the musculoskeletal system. The assessment of the position of particular parts of the
body during work, performed using the RULA method, in people with or without MSCs was almost identical. Conclusions: The use
of the ROSA method has shown that it is a useful and easy-to-use tool for assessing computer workstations and can be successfully
disseminated. Med Pr. 2019;70(6):675–99