1. Postural analysis is a process of assessing the position and alignment of the body in different postures
or movements. It involves observing and analyzing the various components of posture, including joint
angles, muscle activation, and movement patterns.
2. Postural analysis is important because poor posture can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal disorders,
such as back pain, neck pain, and repetitive strain injuries. By identifying and addressing postural issues,
individuals can reduce their risk of developing these types of injuries and improve their overall
musculoskeletal health.
3. Posture refers to the alignment and positioning of the body in relation to gravity. Static posture refers
to the body's alignment while standing, sitting, or lying down, whereas dynamic posture refers to the
body's alignment during movement, such as walking or lifting.
4.
a. The Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) is a tool used to assess the postures of
workers in various occupational settings. It involves categorizing different postures based on the degree
of strain they place on the body and identifying potential hazards associated with each posture. OWAS
can help identify and address ergonomic issues in the workplace, which can improve worker safety and
productivity.
b. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) is a tool used to assess the risk of upper limb
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with different work postures. RULA involves observing and
scoring different postures based on factors such as joint angles, muscle activity, and duration of
exposure. The tool can help identify high-risk postures and guide interventions to reduce the risk of
MSDs.
c. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) is a tool used to assess the risk of musculoskeletal disorders
associated with whole-body postures. REBA involves scoring different postures based on factors such as
joint angles, muscle activity, and duration of exposure. The tool can help identify high-risk postures and
guide interventions to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.