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Table 1 Overview of paper-based assessment method for postures (whole body), expanded from Takala et al. [19]

From: Classification of body postures using smart workwear

Method, Year of publication

Metrics

Observation strategy

Associated with MSD

Intra-/Inter-observer Reliability

Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS), 1977 [14]

Frequency of postures

Sampling over time

Yes [22]

Good/Good

Arbeitswissenschaftliches Erhebungsverfahren zur Tätigkeitsanalyse [Occupational science survey method for activity analysis], 1979 [23]

Characterization of the postures

-

-

-/-

Posture targetting, 1979 [24]

Frequency of postures

-

-

-/-

Plan för identifiering av belastningsfaktorer (PLIBEL) [Method for the identification of ergonomic stress factors], 1995 [25]

Yes-/No-Questions; Characterization of the postures

Selection according to knowledge about the activity and observations

-

-/Moderate

Posture, activity, tools and handling (PATH), 1996 [26]

Time in certain postures

Sampling over time

-

Moderate-Good/Moderate-Good

Quick exposure check (QEC), 1999 [27]

Total weighted posture score

“Worst case” of posture

Yes

Moderate/Moderate

Rapid entire body assessment (REBA), 2000 [28]

Total weighted posture score

Typical postures, with load or over a long period of time

-

-/Low-Moderate

Washington State ergonomic checklists, 2000 [29]

Yes-/No-Questions about typical work

Screening by task classes

Yes

-/Moderat

Chung’s postural workload evaluation, 2002 [30]

Evaluation of postural complaints

-

-

-/-

The European Assembly Worksheet (EAWS), 2012 [31]

Total score from (repetitive) work, postures, and forces

Evaluation of typical activities

-

-/-