Evaluation of Validity and Reliability of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) Method in Research Experiment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This research paper presents an evaluation of the validity and reliability of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method used in research, examination and experiment. A systematic review process is adopted in this evaluation approach. A range of scientific journals in which the RULA method is adopted in their respective research fields are selected for the systematic review and evaluation of the RULA method’s validity and reliability. The RULA method is used in the research area for the assessment of ergonomic risk levels using a defined evaluation scoring method with regard to different body postures adopted whilst working or performing certain tasks. It is important to systematically evaluate and examine the RULA method of assessment in the field of ergonomic study to ascertain its validity and reliability performance. In many research areas, ensuring validity and reliability are critical parameters with regards to the research methodology used, the test criteria, the hypotheses development, the assessment tools used and also the data collected and evaluated. Thus, in the research area where RULA method is adopted, it is primarily crucial to ensure that validity and reliability are upheld and achieved. Discussion of the test of validity and reliability is also pursued in this research paper to encompass the holistic evaluation of the RULA method. Finally, the final judgement is made by proving the hypothesis whether RULA method is valid and reliable for use for research and evaluation. The scoring of risk levels will be determined and concluded.