The Effectiveness of Ergonomics Intervention Program to Reduce the Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal

February 25, 2026 updated by: FARAH ALI ABDULLA ALHAMMADI, Universiti Putra Malaysia

The Effectiveness of Ergonomics Intervention Program to Reduce the Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Dubai Healthcare Workers in Dubai (UAE)

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.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an ergonomics intervention program to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental healthcare workers in Dubai government hospitals. MSDs pose significant occupational health challenges globally, especially among dental professionals, who often experience high prevalence of pain in the lower back, neck, shoulders, and upper extremities due to repetitive tasks, static postures, and patient handling. In Dubai and the broader UAE, these disorders affect up to 90% of dental healthcare workers, yet focused research and intervention programs remain limited. This research will be conducted in three phases. A cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness by comparing outcomes between intervention and control groups at baseline, post-intervention, and a three-month follow-up. Outcome measures include changes in MSD prevalence and severity, mental health impact, physical activity level, and KAP scores. Statistical analyses will include logistic regression, one-way ANOVA, and Generalized Estimating Equations to assess within- and between-group differences over time. This RCT will recruit 110 participants (55 per group), using cluster randomization of hospitals to prevent contamination. Participants must have at least one year of professional experience and be between 25 and 65 years old, excluding those with certain medical conditions or current leave. Expected outcomes include identifying significant socio-demographic, mental health, physical activity, and environmental predictors for MSDs, and demonstrating the intervention's effectiveness in reducing MSD risk factors and improving related health and behavioral outcomes. The study emphasizes the integration of ergonomic education with environmental and behavioral modifications to achieve sustainable improvements in dental workers' occupational health. This research addresses critical gaps in understanding and managing MSDs among dental healthcare workers in Dubai, providing evidence-based guidance for occupational health policies and practices. Its comprehensive, theory-driven intervention program has the potential to enhance the well-being, productivity, and retention of dental professionals, ultimately benefiting patient care quality in the rapidly growing UAE healthcare sector.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
110

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • 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.
  • Recent surgeries involving the neck or shoulder.
  • Pregnancy.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Other
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Other: Educational intervention program
The intervention group will receive an educational intervention program to reduce and changes in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), Mental Health, Physical Activity, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Work-Related MSDs.
Other: Educational intervention program to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
This 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.
Other Names:
  • Educational intervention program
No Intervention: No Intervention: Control group
The control group will not any educational intervention program

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Time Frame: T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
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.
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Improve in Mental Health
Time Frame: T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
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).
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
Improve in Physical Activity
Time Frame: T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
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).
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
Improve in Knowledge of Work-Related MSDs
Time Frame: T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
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).
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
Improve in Attitude toward Work-Related MSDs
Time Frame: T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
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).
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
Improve in Practice regarding Work-Related MSDs
Time Frame: T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
Will be evaluated with 23 items on a 5-point Likert scale (Always-Never; total score range 23-115; satisfied/unsatisfied practices classified via median split) on MSD prevalence, risks, and ergonomic practices (Mulimani et al., 2018; Lietz et al., 2020).
T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Universiti Putra Malaysia

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Study Chair: IRNIZA RASDI, PhD, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
March 1, 2024

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
April 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
March 30, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
February 25, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
February 25, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
March 3, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
March 3, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
February 25, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • UPM-PhDFALHAMMADI

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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