Clinical trial NCT06993298: ARPE Training for Manual Handling Workers: A Quasi-Experimental Study on Ergonomic Knowledge and Practice
Official title: Development and Effectiveness of the Augmented Reality Physical Ergonomics (ARPE) Training Module for Manual Material Handling Workers: A Quasi-Experimental Study Protocol
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Occupational Diseases
Work Related Upper Limb Disorder
Keywords: Augmented Reality (AR)
Ergonomic
Work Related Musculo skeletal Disorder (WMSD)
Lead sponsor: Universiti Teknologi Mara
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-05-28
Enrollment: 78
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 20
Maximum age (years): 60
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: 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.
Primary purpose: PREVENTION

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.

Eligibility criteria: 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

Primary outcomes:
measure: Improvement in Ergonomic Knowledge
timeFrame: Baseline (T0) - Prior to training Week 1 Post-Training (T1) Week 6 Follow-Up (T6)
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Improvement in Self-Prevention Practices Toward Ergonomic Risks
timeFrame: Baseline (T0) - Prior to training Week 1 Post-Training (T1) Week 6 Follow-Up (T6)
Other outcomes:
measure: Improvement in Self-Evaluation of Ergonomic Practices
timeFrame: Baseline (T0) - Prior to training Week 1 Post-Training (T1) Week 6 Follow-Up (T6)
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Study officials:
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