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

Universiti Teknologi Mara

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Occupational Diseases; Work Related Upper Limb Disorder

Treatments: Device: Augmented Reality Ergonomics Training (ARPE); Behavioral: Conventional Ergonomics Training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06993298

REC/11/2024 [PG/MR/550]

Details and patient eligibility

About

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

Full 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.

Enrollment: 78 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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78 participants in 2 patient groups

Conventional Ergonomics Training

Active Comparator group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Conventional Ergonomics Training

Augmented Reality Ergonomics Training

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Device: Augmented Reality Ergonomics Training (ARPE)