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

NCT06993298 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: REC/11/2024 [PG/MR/550]
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 78
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

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

Conditions

Occupational Diseases; Work Related Upper Limb Disorder

Keywords

Augmented Reality (AR); Ergonomic; Work Related Musculo skeletal Disorder (WMSD)

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• 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.

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

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Improvement in Self-Prevention Practices Toward Ergonomic Risks

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

Other Outcomes (1)

• Improvement in Self-Evaluation of Ergonomic Practices

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

Study Arms (2)

Conventional Ergonomics Training

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm will undergo conventional ergonomic training based on the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) guidelines. The training will be delivered through traditional methods such as lectures, printed materials, and visual presentations. The content includes safe manual handling techniques, identification of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors, and best practices for injury prevention.

Behavioral: Conventional Ergonomics Training

Augmented Reality Ergonomics Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm will receive an immersive Augmented Reality-based ergonomics training module known as ARPE, delivered through the MAKAR XR mobile application. The training content is aligned with ergonomic guidelines for manual material handling (MMH) tasks and includes 3D interactive simulations, visual demonstrations of proper lifting techniques, and safety practices. The training aims to improve ergonomic knowledge, encourage self-prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), and enhance self-evaluation of posture and manual handling behaviors. The module is self-paced and supported by weekly WhatsApp check-ins throughout the 6-week intervention period.

Device: Augmented Reality Ergonomics Training (ARPE)

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)

Augmented Reality Ergonomics Training

Conventional Ergonomics Training BEHAVIORAL

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.

Conventional Ergonomics Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• Pregnant
• Currently an intern or temporary worker
• Has undergone ergonomic training within the past six months

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universiti Teknologi Mara: lead

Related Publications (1)

• Norman FZ, Yasin SM, Mohamad M, Azzani M. Augmented Reality Physical Ergonomics (ARPE) Training for Manual Material Handling Workers: A Protocol for a Quasi-experimental Study. Cureus. 2025 Sep 14;17(9):e92302. doi: 10.7759/cureus.92302. eCollection 2025 Sep.

  PMID: 41111705 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Occupational Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: This is an open-label study with no masking. Both participants and researchers are aware of group assignments (intervention vs. control). Due to the nature of the intervention-an Augmented Reality training module versus conventional training-it is not feasible to blind participants or outcome assessors.
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Dr

Model Details: This study uses a quasi-experimental, two-arm, parallel-group design to evaluate the effectiveness of an Augmented Reality Physical Ergonomics (ARPE) training module among manual material handling (MMH) workers. Participants are non-randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which receives ARPE training via the MAKAR XR app, or the control group, which receives conventional ergonomic training based on national DOSH guidelines. The study spans six weeks with assessments at baseline, week 1, and week 6. The primary outcome is ergonomic knowledge, while secondary outcomes include self-prevention and self-evaluation behaviors. Usability of the AR module will also be assessed. This model emphasizes practical workplace relevance and digital health application in occupational training.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 14, 2025
• First Posted: May 28, 2025
• Study Start: September 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 1, 2026
• Last Updated: May 28, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05