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

Overview

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.

Interventions

• Device 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)
• Behavioral 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 remind

Primary outcome measures

• Improvement in Ergonomic Knowledge [Time frame: Baseline (T0) - Prior to training Week 1 Post-Training (T1) Week 6 Follow-Up (T6)]

Secondary outcome measures (1)

• Improvement in Self-Prevention Practices Toward Ergonomic Risks [Time frame: Baseline (T0) - Prior to training Week 1 Post-Training (T1) Week 6 Follow-Up (T6)]

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

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Study design

Allocation

Non-randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Open label

Primary purpose

Prevention

Study locations

Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.

Publications

• 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

Identifiers

NCT: NCT06993298 · REC/11/2024 [PG/MR/550]

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗