CompletedNot Applicable

Experiential Learning vs Traditional Ergonomic Training in Logistics Workers

70 participantsStarted 2015-01-19

Plain-language summary

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are common occupational health problems among industrial workers, particularly manual material handlers involved in repetitive lifting and physical tasks. Ergonomic education and postural awareness interventions are frequently used to prevent these disorders, but long-term follow-up data regarding their effectiveness remain limited. Purpose: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the 12-month effectiveness of an intensive ergonomic education and postural awareness program on musculoskeletal symptoms, ergonomic risk levels, handling posture, and knowledge levels among manual material handlers. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly allocated into two groups: an Intervention Group and a Control Group. The Intervention Group received comprehensive theoretical and practical ergonomic education focused on safe material handling and postural awareness, followed by regular follow-ups and reminders. The Control Group received baseline assessments without ongoing postural reinforcement. Outcome measures-including musculoskeletal symptom severity, ergonomic posture risk, and ergonomic knowledge-were evaluated at baseline, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Having performed manual material handling tasks for at least the last 12 months. * Having worked at least 30 hours per week in tasks requiring the use of upper extremities and hands. * Voluntarily participating in the study and signing the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Having received training in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or ergonomics within the last 6 months. * Having received medical treatment for MSDs within the last 6 months. * Using medications that may affect muscle tone or balance. * Having a congenital or acquired physical disability that causes functional limitation. * Having a Body Mass Index less than 20 kg/m² or greater than 35 kg/m². * Having joint restriction in the extremities or spine. * Having a neurological or rheumatic disease. * Having a score of 30 or higher on the Beck Depression Inventory.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change from Baseline in Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Score

Timeframe: Baseline, Post-intervention 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month

Change from Baseline in Ergonomics Score (EP) derived from Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Short Form (DMQ-SF)

Timeframe: Baseline, Post-intervention 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07745400

SponsorOkan University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-02-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Occupational Health trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change from Baseline in Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Score

Timeframe: Baseline, Post-intervention 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month

Change from Baseline in Ergonomics Score (EP) derived from Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Short Form (DMQ-SF)

Timeframe: Baseline, Post-intervention 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month