The aim of the study was to investigate the posture and musculoskeletal discomfort of secondary school students
while working at computers in school. Students (n = 40) were observed while working at a computer during their
designated computer class. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment Tool (RULA) was used to assess posture. A
Body Discomfort Chart (BDC) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to record the area(s) and intensity
of musculoskeletal discomfort, if any, experienced by the students at the beginning and end of the computer
class. None of the students’ posture was in the acceptable range (Action Level 1) according to RULA. The
majority (65%) were in Action Level 2, 38% were in Action Level 3, and 5% were in Action Level 4. Poor
working postures were associated with reported discomfort in the spine and shoulder areas. Secondary
schoolchildren demonstrated poor working posture and had musculoskeletal discomfort during computer use.
RULA proved to be, in general, a suitable method for the evaluation of students’ posture. RULA scores
corresponded well with reported discomfort, indicating that poor posture in a particular area is associated with
discomfort in that area.