Occupational HealthNCT07745400
Experiential Learning vs Traditional Ergonomic Training in Logistics Workers
A study testing Experiential Learning-Based Ergonomic Training Program and Traditional Ergonomic Seminar Education in people with Occupational Health and Posture, run by Okan University.
Trial summary
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are common occupational health problems among industrial workers, particularly manual material handlers involved in repetitive lifting and physical tasks. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Occupational Health, Posture, Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
- What is being tested?
- Experiential Learning-Based Ergonomic Training Program and Traditional Ergonomic Seminar Education
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 19 Jan 2015to 26 Feb 2016
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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 30 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.
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Experiential Learning and Seminar Training on Musculoskeletal Health and Ergonomic Risks in Logistics Workers Performing Manual Handling: A 1-Year Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
Read more
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.
Read the detailed description
Study Design and Setting:
This study was conducted as a single-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of an ergonomic education and postural awareness intervention program among manual material handlers. Assessments and follow-up protocols were carried out over a 12-month period.
Participant Allocation:
Eligible industrial workers were randomly assigned into two groups: the Intervention Group and the Control Group. Randomization was performed to ensure balanced distribution between groups.
Intervention Group Protocol:
Participants in the Intervention Group underwent a multi-faceted ergonomic education program comprising:
Comprehensive theoretical and practical ergonomic education covering body mechanics, safe manual material handling, and postural awareness.
On-site feedback and workstation evaluations tailored to baseline ergonomic posture risk assessments.
Periodic follow-ups and educational reminders throughout the 12-month study period to maintain compliance, exercise habits, and behavioral reinforcement.
Control Group Protocol:
Participants in the Control Group received standard baseline ergonomic evaluations and basic informational materials regarding ergonomics without ongoing post-assessment reminders or guided postural feedback.
Follow-up Timeline:
Both groups were prospectively evaluated at five specific time points: Baseline (0 months), 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month. Outcome parameters included ergonomic posture risk levels, musculoskeletal symptoms, ergonomic knowledge, and long-term adherence.
- Being tested
- Experiential Learning-Based Ergonomic Training Program, Traditional Ergonomic Seminar Education
- Keywords
- musculoskeletal symptoms, working posture, Manual Material Handlers, Postural Awareness, Long-term Follow-up, ergonomic intervention, Blue-Collar Workers
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Experiential Learning-Based Ergonomic Training ProgramBehavioural
An interactive 8-hour ergonomic training program based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, including situation-based scenarios, role-playing, peer-interactive games, and practical motor-skill training for a 10-exercise home exercise program.
Traditional Ergonomic Seminar EducationBehavioural
A standard 6-hour classroom-based traditional ergonomic education seminar covering the exact same core ergonomic curriculum and 10-exercise home exercise program, delivered through didactic lectures, slide presentations, and question-and-answer sessions without interactive practical group exercises.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experiential Learning Group (ELG) | Experimental | 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). Receives: Behavioral: Experiential Learning-Based Ergonomic Training Program |
| Seminar Group (SG) | Active comparator | 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). Receives: Behavioral: Traditional Ergonomic Seminar Education |
| Control Group (CG) | No intervention | 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). |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change from Baseline in Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Score
REBA is an observational tool used to assess ergonomic risk levels related to working postures. It evaluates body posture (trunk, neck, legs, upper arms, lower arms, and wrists), load/force, and coupling. Total scores range from 1 to 15, with higher scores indicating higher ergonomic risk levels.
Measured: 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)
The Ergonomics Score (EP) evaluates exposure to physical working conditions and postural risk factors based on 8 questions (24 statements) of the DMQ-SF. Raw scores are normalized to a 0-100 scale using Min-Max Normalization: EP = ((Raw Score - 24) / 24) * 100. Higher scores represent greater exposure to ergonomic risk factors.
Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change from Baseline in Musculoskeletal Knowledge Score (MKS)
A 30-item multiple-choice test designed according to NIOSH and CCOHS guidelines to evaluate theoretical knowledge regarding musculoskeletal anatomy, ergonomics, and risk prevention strategies. Total raw scores (range: 0 to 30) are converted to a 0-100 scale using the formula: MKS = (Number of Correct Answers / 30) * 100. Higher scores indicate a higher level of theoretical knowledge.
Measured: Baseline, Immediately Post-intervention, 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Aug 2026
- Study start19 Jan 2015
- Primary completion15 Feb 2016
- Study completion26 Feb 2016
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Occupational HealthStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly allocated into three parallel groups: Experiential Learning Group (ELG): Received an interactive, experience-based ergonomic education program specifically designed to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders and mitigate ergonomic risks. Seminar Group (SG): Received standard classroom-based traditional seminar education covering the exact same core ergonomic content and principles as the ELG. Control Group (CG): Received baseline assessments only without educational intervention during the study period. All three groups were prospectively evaluated at Baseline, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Okan University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ahmet Cüneyt Akgöl, Okan University
- Investigators
- Nezire Köse, PhD, PT, Study director, Hacettepe University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07745400
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HACETTEPE-GO-15/29-31
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 15 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be publicly shared to protect participant privacy and confidentiality, in accordance with the ethical approval and informed consent agreements. De-identified aggregate data will be made available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author for scientific research purposes.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 15 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Experiential Learning and Seminar Training on Musculoskeletal Health and Ergonomic Risks in Logistics Workers Performing Manual Handling: A 1-Year Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07745400
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HACETTEPE-GO-15/29-31
- Keywords
- musculoskeletal symptoms, working posture, Manual Material Handlers, Postural Awareness, Long-term Follow-up, ergonomic intervention, Blue-Collar Workers
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Okan UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 19 Jan 2015 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Feb 2016 (actual)
- Study completion
- 26 Feb 2016 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
Study Design and Setting:
This study was conducted as a single-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of an ergonomic education and postural awareness intervention program among manual material handlers. Assessments and follow-up protocols were carried out over a 12-month period.
Participant Allocation:
Eligible industrial workers were randomly assigned into two groups: the Intervention Group and the Control Group. Randomization was performed to ensure balanced distribution between groups.
Intervention Group Protocol:
Participants in the Intervention Group underwent a multi-faceted ergonomic education program comprising:
Comprehensive theoretical and practical ergonomic education covering body mechanics, safe manual material handling, and postural awareness.
On-site feedback and workstation evaluations tailored to baseline ergonomic posture risk assessments.
Periodic follow-ups and educational reminders throughout the 12-month study period to maintain compliance, exercise habits, and behavioral reinforcement.
Control Group Protocol:
Participants in the Control Group received standard baseline ergonomic evaluations and basic informational materials regarding ergonomics without ongoing post-assessment reminders or guided postural feedback.
Follow-up Timeline:
Both groups were prospectively evaluated at five specific time points: Baseline (0 months), 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month. Outcome parameters included ergonomic posture risk levels, musculoskeletal symptoms, ergonomic knowledge, and long-term adherence.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants were randomly allocated into three parallel groups: Experiential Learning Group (ELG): Received an interactive, experience-based ergonomic education program specifically designed to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders and mitigate ergonomic risks. Seminar Group (SG): Received standard classroom-based traditional seminar education covering the exact same core ergonomic content and principles as the ELG. Control Group (CG): Received baseline assessments only without educational intervention during the study period. All three groups were prospectively evaluated at Baseline, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experiential Learning Group (ELG) | Experimental | Behavioral: Experiential Learning-Based Ergonomic Training ProgramParticipants (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). |
| Seminar Group (SG) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Traditional Ergonomic Seminar EducationParticipants (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). |
| Control Group (CG) | No intervention | –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). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- 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 30 kg/m².
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Experiential Learning-Based Ergonomic Training ProgramAn interactive 8-hour ergonomic training program based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, including situation-based scenarios, role-playing, peer-interactive games, and practical motor-skill training for a 10-exercise home exercise program. | Behavioural | Experiential Learning Group (ELG) |
| Traditional Ergonomic Seminar EducationA standard 6-hour classroom-based traditional ergonomic education seminar covering the exact same core ergonomic curriculum and 10-exercise home exercise program, delivered through didactic lectures, slide presentations, and question-and-answer sessions without interactive practical group exercises. | Behavioural | Seminar Group (SG) |
Primary outcome
Change from Baseline in Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Score
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month
REBA is an observational tool used to assess ergonomic risk levels related to working postures. It evaluates body posture (trunk, neck, legs, upper arms, lower arms, and wrists), load/force, and coupling. Total scores range from 1 to 15, with higher scores indicating higher ergonomic risk levels.
Change from Baseline in Ergonomics Score (EP) derived from Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Short Form (DMQ-SF)
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month
The Ergonomics Score (EP) evaluates exposure to physical working conditions and postural risk factors based on 8 questions (24 statements) of the DMQ-SF. Raw scores are normalized to a 0-100 scale using Min-Max Normalization: EP = ((Raw Score - 24) / 24) * 100. Higher scores represent greater exposure to ergonomic risk factors.
1 secondary outcome
Change from Baseline in Musculoskeletal Knowledge Score (MKS)
Time frame: Baseline, Immediately Post-intervention, 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 15 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be publicly shared to protect participant privacy and confidentiality, in accordance with the ethical approval and informed consent agreements. De-identified aggregate data will be made available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author for scientific research purposes.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Nezire Köse, PhD, PT study director
Hacettepe University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Experiential Learning-Based Ergonomic Training Program and Traditional Ergonomic Seminar Education in people with Occupational Health and Posture, run by Okan University.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change from Baseline in Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Score (time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 30 Oct 2026.