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

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

78 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-09-01

Study Completion Date

2026-10-01

Brief Summary

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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

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Detailed Description

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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.

Conditions

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Occupational Diseases Work Related Upper Limb Disorder

Study Design

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Allocation Method

NON_RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

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 Study Purpose

PREVENTION

Blinding Strategy

NONE

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.

Study Groups

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Conventional Ergonomics Training

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.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Conventional Ergonomics Training

Intervention Type 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.

Augmented Reality Ergonomics Training

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.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Augmented Reality Ergonomics Training (ARPE)

Intervention Type 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)

Interventions

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Augmented Reality Ergonomics Training (ARPE)

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)

Intervention Type DEVICE

Conventional Ergonomics Training

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.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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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