Effects of Ergonomics Education in Physiotherapy Students

Effects of Ergonomics Education on Muscle Activation, Posture, and Musculoskeletal Risk in Physiotherapy Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of ergonomics education in final-year physiotherapy and rehabilitation students during their clinical internship. Physiotherapy students may be exposed to physically demanding tasks, prolonged standing, repetitive movements, and postures that may increase their risk of work-related musculoskeletal problems.

Participants were randomly assigned to an ergonomics education group or a control group. Students in the education group received a total of four hours of face-to-face ergonomics education, consisting of theoretical and practical training delivered over two weeks. The control group did not receive ergonomics education during the study period.

The study examined whether ergonomics education could improve students' working posture and postural awareness, reduce ergonomic musculoskeletal risk and unnecessary muscle activation, and reduce musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue. Outcomes were assessed before the intervention, after completion of the ergonomics education, and six weeks later.

This randomized controlled study investigated the short- and medium-term effects of ergonomics education on muscle activation, ergonomic musculoskeletal risk, posture, postural habits and awareness, musculoskeletal discomfort, and fatigue in final-year physiotherapy and rehabilitation students undertaking clinical internships.

Participants were final-year students in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Karabuk University who were undertaking their clinical internship at the Karabuk University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Application and Research Center. Eligible volunteers were randomly allocated to an ergonomics education group or a control group.

Participants allocated to the intervention group received a total of four hours of face-to-face ergonomics education, including theoretical and practical components. The education was delivered over two weeks, with two hours of training provided each week. The control group received no ergonomics education during the study period.

Assessments were performed at baseline, on the first working day following completion of the ergonomics education, and six weeks after the intervention. Muscle activation of the upper and middle trapezius muscles was assessed using surface electromyography. Ergonomic musculoskeletal risk during clinical activities was evaluated using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Postural assessment was performed using PostureScreen Mobile, and postural habits and awareness were evaluated using the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale. Musculoskeletal discomfort was assessed using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, and fatigue was evaluated using the Chalder Fatigue Scale.

The study was designed to determine whether ergonomics education provided before graduation could promote safer body mechanics and working postures among physiotherapy students and potentially reduce factors associated with future work-related musculoskeletal problems.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Able to read and understand Turkish.
• Final-year physiotherapy and rehabilitation student undertaking a clinical internship.
• No previous course, class, or similar training in ergonomics.
• No recent orthopedic surgery.
• Willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of a severe postural disorder, such as scoliosis or kyphosis.
• Recent surgery or a similar procedure that could affect posture.
• Unwillingness to participate in the study.