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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07382466

Workstation Ergonomics Program at Al-Baha University

This study evaluates a workstation ergonomics program at Al-Baha University aimed at reducing work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among university employees who use computers regularly. The program includes an ergonomics self-assessment of the workstation, individualized guidance on proper workstation setup and posture, and practical recommendations to improve daily work habits. Participants will be followed for approximately four weeks, and changes in musculoskeletal symptoms and related outcomes will be assessed before and after the program, compared with a usual-practice control group.

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Key information

Conditions

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal Disorders Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders

Age range

18 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Al-Baha University

Al Bahah, 59865, Saudi Arabia

About this study

This was a four-week, two-arm, parallel-group, open-label randomized controlled trial conducted among university employees at Al-Baha University. Eligible participants were randomized to either a workstation ergonomics intervention group or a usual-practice control group. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at the 4-week follow-up. The intervention consisted of a structured workstation ergonomics package including a computer workstation self-assessment checklist, individualized feedback and practical recommendations to optimize workstation arrangement and working posture, and brief reminders to support adherence during the follow-up period. The primary objective was to evaluate whether the ergonomics program reduced musculoskeletal symptom burden compared with usual practice in a real-world university workplace setting.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 18-55 years.
  • Affiliated with Al-Baha University (staff, or faculty) and regularly use a computer workstation (≥3 hours/day or ≥15 hours/week).
  • Able to read and complete the online questionnaire and provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Current severe musculoskeletal disorder or recent major injury/surgery that markedly limits daily activities or requires ongoing medical treatment.
  • Diagnosed neurological or rheumatologic condition affecting the musculoskeletal system (e.g., severe radiculopathy, inflammatory arthritis).
  • Pregnancy (if you prefer to exclude it).
  • Participation in another ergonomics intervention program during the study period.

Treatment and study plan

Workstation Ergonomics Program

Behavioral

Participants in the intervention arm will complete an online computer workstation self-assessment checklist. Based on their responses, they will receive individualized workstation ergonomics guidance and educational materials covering optimal sitting posture and workstation setup (chair/desk height, monitor position, keyboard/mouse placement, and lighting), as well as recommendations for regular micro-breaks and simple stretching. Guidance will be delivered electronically after baseline assessment, and participants will be encouraged to implement the recommendations throughout the follow-up period (4 weeks) with reinforcement reminders.

Other names: Ergonomics Education and Workstation Self-Assessment

Usual Practice (Control)

Behavioral

Participants in the control arm will receive no ergonomics training, individualized recommendations, or educational materials during the study period and will continue their usual computer workstation practices. After completion of follow-up assessments, the control group will be offered the same ergonomics educational materials and general workstation guidance provided to the intervention arm.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in number of painful body regions

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks.

    Change from baseline to the 4-week follow-up in musculoskeletal symptom burden, operationalized as the number of body regions with self-reported musculoskeletal pain or symptoms during the previous 7 days, assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Higher values indicate a greater musculoskeletal symptom burden. Outcomes will be compared between the intervention and control arms.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in workstation ergonomic quality score

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Change from baseline to the 4-week follow-up in workstation ergonomic quality, measured using a structured computer workstation ergonomics self-assessment checklist. Higher scores indicate better workstation ergonomic quality. Outcomes will be compared between the intervention and control arms.

  2. Change in total musculoskeletal pain severity score

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Change from baseline to the 4-week follow-up in total musculoskeletal pain severity, calculated by summing pain severity ratings across assessed body regions. Higher scores indicate greater overall pain severity. Outcomes will be compared between the intervention and control arms.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Al-Baha University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Workstation Ergonomics Intervention to Reduce Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among University Employees

Acronym: ERG-ABU

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 2, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 8, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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