Postural Analysis and Improvement of Laptop Users with Human Factor Engineering in an Academic Environment Using DMAIC Approach

Abstract

Sudden shift from face-to-face to distance learning during COVID-19 has increased the use of laptops in academic institutes causing an increase in the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to awkward sitting postures. This research article aims to use DMAIC approach to assess the risk of MSDs. A novel Ergo-DMAIC framework has been developed to evaluate the working postures ergonomically using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire (NMDQ), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and HumanCAD®. The NMDQ results revealed that about 90% of the selected population (approximately 500 participants) has symptoms of MSDs. Similarly, the average RULA and REBA scores are 4.4 and 7, respectively, indicating a medium risk level that needs action. RULA and REBA scores are validated using HumanCAD® biomechanical stress analysis. The stress analysis results for both genders give an average stress ratio value greater than 1 for the head, arm, and thorax regions, indicating the danger zone. The thorax is the most affected region, with the highest average stress ratios calculated 8.2 and 10.3 for males and females, respectively. The improved workstation design results indicate a significant stress ratio reduction (i.e., > 50%) by achieving the neutral sitting posture. Furthermore, academicians, practitioners, and researchers may contribute to exploring the applied framework in other working organizations, as this study considered only educational institutes.