Affiliations: [a]
School of the Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| [b] Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| [c]
Independent Researcher
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Zhao Wen Wong, School of the Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, 11800, Penang, Malaysia. E-mail: zhaowen.wong@student.usm.my.
Note: [1] As a disclaimer, this manuscript is based upon one of the author’s PhD thesis, which was validated by an expert holding certification as a Certified Industrial Designer.
Note: [2] https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5689-1189
Note: [3] https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5618-8370
Note: [4] https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4665-6489
Note: [5] https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3995-1519
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Pianists often suffered from postural related problems due to prolonged sitting and awkward postures. Despite that postural related problems are common among pianists, there is only one study found by the authors, which applied RULA to assess pianists’ postures, without any modification to the original RULA worksheet. None of the other existing literature has applied this postural assessment tool to assess the pianists’ overall posture. There is no existing Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) checklist that exactly fits into the context of piano playing, at least not without some modifications. OBJECTIVE:To propose a Rapid Upper Limb Assessment for Pianists (RULA-p) for postural assessment, which will allow pianists to identify awkward postures (if any) during piano playing, thus, achieving healthful playing for injury prevention. METHOD:This study modified (i) the muscle use score; and (ii) the force/load score, from the existing RULA as a rapid assessment for pianists’ posture. RESULTS:Proposed the modified RULA for pianists (RULA-p) in the worksheet format. CONCLUSION:Overall, this study is intended to further expand the existing literature on the early prevention of pianists’ PRMDs.
