The Effectiveness of Ergonomics Intervention Program to Reduce the Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal

NCT07447219 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: UPM-PhDFALHAMMADI
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 110
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study evaluates an ergonomics intervention to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental healthcare workers in Dubai government hospitals, where up to 90% prevalence affects the lower back, neck, shoulders, and upper extremities due to repetitive tasks and postures. Using a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) across three hospitals (55 participants per intervention/control group), it assesses MSD prevalence/severity, mental health, physical activity, and KAP scores at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Analyses include logistic regression, ANOVA, and GEE. Expected outcomes: identify predictors and demonstrate intervention efficacy via education, environmental, and behavioral changes, informing UAE occupational health policies.

Conditions

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Musculoskeletal Disorders

  Will be assessed via the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ; Hedge et al., 1999). Participants will self-report frequency (Never-Always), severity (Slight-Extreme), and interference (Likert scales) across body regions (neck, shoulders, back, limbs). The total score will be calculated as frequency × severity × interference.

  T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Improve in Mental Health

  T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.

• Improve in Physical Activity

  T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.

• Improve in Knowledge of Work-Related MSDs

  T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.

• Improve in Attitude toward Work-Related MSDs

  T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.

• Improve in Practice regarding Work-Related MSDs

  T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.

Study Arms (2)

Educational intervention program

OTHER

The intervention group will receive an educational intervention program to reduce and changes in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), Mental Health, Physical Activity, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Work-Related MSDs.

Other: Educational intervention program to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

No Intervention: Control group

NO INTERVENTION

The control group will not any educational intervention program

Interventions

Educational intervention program to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) OTHER

This intervention is based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), while enhancing ergonomics, mental health, and physical activity among dental healthcare workers in Dubai government hospitals. This program will include educational booklets, lectures, workshops, demonstrations, practical exercises, and stretching sessions over multiple weeks. The course will include six weekly teaching units (lectures, discussions, and hands-on practice, 45-60 minutes each): Topic 1: Understanding MSD causes and risk factors in dental practice. Topic 2: Ergonomic principles and proper postures. Topic 3: Optimizing equipment and operator-patient positioning. Topic 4: Recognizing early MSD symptoms and prevention strategies. Topic 5: Incorporating rest breaks and time management. Topic 6: Promoting physical activity and stretching routines.

Also known as: Educational intervention program

Educational intervention program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Dental healthcare workers currently active in their professional roles.
• Minimum of one year of professional experience to ensure adequate occupational exposure.
• Age range between 25 and 65 years to focus on the working-age population most at risk.
• Consent to participate in the study.

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals on extended leave or not currently practicing.
• History of upper limb injuries unrelated to work.
• Presence of neurological or rheumatological conditions.
• Severe systemic diseases such as multiple sclerosis or stage II hypertension.
• Recent surgeries involving the neck or shoulder.
• Pregnancy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universiti Putra Malaysia: lead

Study Sites (1)

Irniza Rasdi

Serdang, Selangor, 43300, Malaysia

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• IRNIZA RASDI, PhD

  Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia

  STUDY CHAIR

Central Study Contacts

FARAH ALHAMMADI, Master

CONTACT

+971 56 324 2666; gs69164@student.upm.edu.my

IRNIZA RASDI, PhD

CONTACT

+603 9769 2602; irniza@upm.edu.my

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 25, 2026
• First Posted: March 3, 2026
• Study Start: March 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: April 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 30, 2027
• Last Updated: March 3, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

MY (1)