Ergonomics program to reduce work-related muscle and joint pain in dental staff
The Effectiveness of Ergonomics Intervention Program to Reduce the Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Dubai Healthcare Workers in Dubai (UAE)
This trial will test whether an ergonomics education program plus workplace and behavioral changes can reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve activity, mental health, and knowledge among dental healthcare workers in Dubai government hospitals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universiti Putra Malaysia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Serdang, Selangor) |
| Trial ID | NCT07447219 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This cluster randomized controlled trial will deliver an educational and environmental ergonomics intervention to dental healthcare workers at three hospitals, with hospitals randomized to intervention or control to avoid contamination. A total of 110 participants (approximately 55 per group) will be measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at three-month follow-up for musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and severity, mental health, physical activity, and knowledge-attitudes-practices (KAP). Analyses will include logistic regression, one-way ANOVA, and Generalized Estimating Equations to examine within- and between-group changes over time. The trial aims to identify predictors of MSDs and demonstrate whether education plus workplace changes reduce risk factors among dental staff.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are currently practicing dental healthcare workers in the participating Dubai government hospitals, aged 25–65 years with at least one year of professional experience who consent to participate.
Not a fit: Those unlikely to benefit include individuals on extended leave or not practicing, pregnant workers, and people with excluded medical conditions such as neurological or rheumatological diseases, recent neck/shoulder surgery, or severe systemic illness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve function, wellbeing, and workplace practices among dental healthcare workers and help inform UAE occupational health policies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous ergonomics education and environmental interventions in healthcare settings have produced modest reductions in musculoskeletal symptoms, though high-quality cluster RCTs specifically in dental settings remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.
Where this trial is running
Serdang, Selangor
- Irniza Rasdi — Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: FARAH ALHAMMADI, Master
- Email: gs69164@student.upm.edu.my
- Phone: +971 56 324 2666
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.