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.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
To minimize outcome assessment bias, the primary evaluator was masked to group allocations during all physical and observational data collections. For observational risk assessments (e.g., REBA), scoring and posture evaluations were completed independently prior to checking participant identification and group assignment records.
Participants (n=22) in this arm received an interactive, 8-hour ergonomic education program based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, specifically designed to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders and mitigate ergonomic risks. The training incorporated situation-based scenarios, role-playing, peer-interactive games, and practical motor-skill training for a 10-exercise home exercise program. Outcome assessments were conducted over a 12-month period (Baseline, Post-intervention, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months).
Participants (n=22) in this arm received a standard 6-hour classroom-based traditional ergonomic seminar education. The session covered the exact same core ergonomic curriculum and home exercise program as the ELG, delivered through didactic lectures, slide presentations, and question-and-answer sessions without interactive practical group exercises. Outcome assessments were conducted over a 12-month period (Baseline, Post-intervention, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months).
Participants (n=26) in this arm received no educational or practical intervention during the 12-month study period and maintained their routine work activities. Outcome assessments were conducted prospectively at the exact same follow-up time points as the intervention groups (Baseline, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months).
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