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

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Occupational Diseases; Work Related Upper Limb Disorder

• Registration Number: NCT06993298
• Lead Sponsor: Universiti Teknologi Mara

Brief Summary

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

Detailed Description

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.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-05
• Study First Submitted: 2025-05-14
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-05-23
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-23
• Study First Posted: 2025-05-28
• Last Update Posted: 2025-05-28
• Study Start: 2025-09-01
• Primary Completion: 2026-02-01
• Study Completion: 2026-10-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 78

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Improvement in Ergonomic Knowledge	Baseline (T0) - Prior to training Week 1 Post-Training (T1) Week 6 Follow-Up (T6)	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.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Improvement in Self-Prevention Practices Toward Ergonomic Risks	Baseline (T0) - Prior to training Week 1 Post-Training (T1) Week 6 Follow-Up (T6)	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.