The Effectiveness of Ergonomics Intervention Program to Reduce the Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age25-65
SponsorUniversiti Putra Malaysia
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
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.
Disqualifiers
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.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Educational intervention program to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
Other interventionThis 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.
Treatment groups
110 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Educational intervention programOther 1 intervention
Group B: No Intervention: Control groupNo intervention 0 interventions
Trial outcomes
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.
Time frame
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.Secondary outcomes
1
Improve in Mental Health
Will be measured with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), comprising 12 items on social dysfunction, anxiety, and confidence loss (4-point Likert scale; total score range 0-36, with higher scores indicating greater distress). This tool has been validated for Arab populations (El-Metwally et al., 2018).
Time frame
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.2
Improve in Physical Activity
Will be evaluated using the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ; Baecke et al., 1982), which includes 18 Likert items (1=Never-5=Always) across work, sports, and leisure domains. The total score will sum domain indices, with higher scores indicating greater activity (Adewale et al., 2016).
Time frame
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.3
Improve in Knowledge of Work-Related MSDs
Will be assessed with 30 trichotomous questions (Yes/No/I don't know) on risk factors, ergonomics, and prevention (scored 0-30; good/poor knowledge classified via median split) (Mulimani et al., 2018; Lietz et al., 2020).
Time frame
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.4
Improve in Attitude toward Work-Related MSDs
Will be measured using 25 items on a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree-5=strongly agree; total score range 25-125; positive/negative attitudes classified via median split) covering risks and interventions (Mulimani et al., 2018; Lietz et al., 2020).
Time frame
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov