Augmented Reality Physical Ergonomics (ARPE) Training for Manual Material Handling Workers: A Protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Manual material handling (MMH) workers face high risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
• Traditional ergonomic training methods lack learner engagement.
• An Augmented Reality Physical Ergonomics (ARPE) module offers an immersive solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an ARPE training module for MMH workers.
• To enhance ergonomic knowledge, self-assessment, and preventive practices.
• To assess the effectiveness of AR-based training in reducing WMSD risks.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental study involving 78 MMH workers comparing ARPE to standard training.
• Outcomes measured at baseline, post-training, and six weeks: ergonomic knowledge, self-prevention behaviors, and self-evaluation.
• Usability assessment using a validated mHealth questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Results are pending; the study is designed to measure changes in primary outcome (ergonomic knowledge) and secondary outcomes (self-prevention behaviors, self-evaluation).
• Data collection and analysis are scheduled through November 2025.
• Ethics approval obtained and trial registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06993298).

Conclusions:

• The ARPE module presents an innovative, immersive AR approach to ergonomic training.
• The study will provide insights into AR's effectiveness for occupational health training.
• Findings may inform strategies to mitigate WMSD risks in MMH workers.