ARPE Training for Manual Handling Workers: A Quasi-Experimental Study on Ergonomic Knowledge and Practice

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT06993298

Universiti Teknologi Mara78 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this study is to evaluate whether an Augmented Reality-based ergonomic training module (ARPE) can improve ergonomic knowledge, self-prevention, and self-evaluation practices among adult manual material handling (MMH) workers in warehouses. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the ARPE training module improve workers' ergonomic knowledge? Does it enhance their ability to prevent and assess risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)? Researchers will compare an intervention group using the ARPE module with a control group receiving traditional training based on national ergonomic guidelines to see if the AR module leads to better outcomes. Participants will: Attend a briefing and use the ARPE training via the MAKAR XR app Complete self-assessment questionnaires at baseline, week 1, and week 6 Receive reminders and follow-ups through WhatsApp

This study is a quasi-experimental trial designed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the Augmented Reality Physical Ergonomics (ARPE) training module among manual material handling (MMH) workers in Malaysia. MMH workers face a high risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to frequent lifting, carrying, and handling of heavy objects. Traditional ergonomic training methods-such as lectures and printed materials-have been found to be less engaging and may not lead to effective behavior change. The ARPE module uses Augmented Reality (AR) technology through the MAKAR XR mobile app to provide immersive and interactive ergonomic training. The goal is to enhance the understanding of proper manual handling techniques, promote self-assessment, and encourage preventive behaviors in real work settings. Two groups will be included in the study: Intervention group: receives ARPE training using the MAKAR XR app Control group: receives conventional ergonomic training based on national DOSH (Department of Occupational Safety and Health) guidelines The study includes three phases: Introduction phase: Participants are briefed on their training, and baseline data is collected on ergonomic knowledge and practices. Intervention phase: Participants interact with their respective training (ARPE or conventional), with engagement monitored and supported via WhatsApp. Post-intervention phase (6 weeks later): Participants complete follow-up questionnaires to assess retention of ergonomic knowledge and application of safe practices. The main outcomes are improvement in ergonomic knowledge (primary), and changes in self-prevention and self-evaluation behaviors (secondary). Usability of the ARPE module will also be assessed using a validated mobile health app questionnaire (M-MAUQ). This study aims to demonstrate that AR-based training can be a more effective and engaging alternative to traditional methods, potentially reducing the risk of WMSDs and improving workplace safety.

Interventions

Augmented Reality Ergonomics Training (ARPE)DEVICE

Participants in this arm will receive an interactive training module using Augmented Reality (AR) delivered via the MAKAR XR app. The module aims to enhance ergonomic knowledge, self-prevention, and self-evaluation related to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)

Conventional Ergonomics TrainingBEHAVIORAL

Participants in this arm will receive conventional ergonomic training based on the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) guidelines for manual material handling (MMH) workers. The training includes lectures, printed materials, and standard instructional content focused on safe lifting techniques, proper posture, risk factor identification, and strategies to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This training is delivered in a one-time session with follow-up reminders, simulating current standard practices in workplace safety education.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 60 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Malaysian citizen Age 18 years and above Currently employed as a manual material handling (MMH) worker in a warehouse Regularly performs MMH tasks (e.g., lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding, or restraining objects weighing 14 kg or more) Works a minimum of 8 hours per day in a role involving MMH Owns a mobile phone capable of downloading and running the MAKAR XR app Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant Currently an intern or temporary worker Has undergone ergonomic training within the past six months

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Improvement in Ergonomic Knowledge

Description: Participants' ergonomic knowledge will be assessed using the Ergonomic Knowledge Domain Questionnaire, a validated 8-item multiple-choice instrument measuring understanding of ergonomic principles, awareness of risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), and correct manual handling practices. Scale Title: Ergonomic Knowledge Domain Questionnaire Score Range: 0 to 8 Scoring: 1 point per correct answer Interpretation: 0-3 = Low knowledge 4-5 = Moderate knowledge 6-8 = High knowledge Outcome Direction: Higher scores reflect improved ergonomic knowledge and better learning outcomes following the ARPE training module. The effectiveness of the intervention will be determined by comparing the scores across three time points between the intervention and control groups.

Time frame: Baseline (T0) - Prior to training Week 1 Post-Training (T1) Week 6 Follow-Up (T6)

Secondary Outcomes

Improvement in Self-Prevention Practices Toward Ergonomic Risks

This outcome will be measured using the Self-Prevention Domain Questionnaire, a validated 6-item self-assessment instrument using a 7-point Likert scale to evaluate participants' self-reported preventive behaviors and attitudes toward managing ergonomic risks at the workplace. Scale Title: Self-Prevention Domain Questionnaire Score Range: 6 to 42 Scoring: Each item is rated from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 7 (Strongly Agree) Interpretation: 6-21 = Poor self-prevention 22-31 = Moderate self-prevention 32-42 = Good self-prevention Outcome Direction: Higher scores indicate greater awareness and better self-preventive ergonomic practices. Scores will be compared between the intervention and control groups at three assessment points to determine changes in prevention practices after training.