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IRCT20260608069697N1 IRCT 2026-10-29 Kerman University of Medical Sciences Effect of Ergonomic Interventions on the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Carpet Weavers The Effect of Ergonomic Interventions of Work Posture Correction and a Short-Term Exercise Program on Fatigue, Musculoskeletal Discomfort, and Postural Risk in Female Carpet Weavers in Ravar County 2026-10-07 anticipated 216 Recruiting https://irct.ir/trial/91675 interventional Randomization: Randomized, Blinding: Not blinded, Placebo: Not used, Assignment: Factorial, Purpose: Supportive, Randomization description: Given the potential for between-group contamination, the unit of randomization in this study is the carpet-weaving workshop. First, a complete list of eligible workshops will be obtained through the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee (Carpet Provision for the Holy Shrines Project), and each workshop will be assigned a unique identification code. The workshops will then be screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 36 workshops will be selected by simple random sampling using SPSS. Considering the sample size of 216 participants (72 per group) and the selection of 36 workshops, an average of 6 individuals per workshop will enter the study (36 × 6 = 216; 12 workshops per group; 12 × 6 = 72). To allocate the workshops to the three groups—Intervention 1 (postural correction), Intervention 2 (exercise activity), and control—with a 1:1:1 ratio, block randomization with blocks of three and all six possible permutations will be used. Twelve triple blocks will be randomly selected, and the workshops will be assigned to the groups according to the randomization sequence. The randomization sequence will be generated using R software (the gtools package and the permutations function, along with set.seed for reproducibility) and, if needed, in SPSS by generating a random variable using RV.UNIFORM and sorting the cases (Sort Cases); then the permutation codes will be converted into group assignments. N/A Condition 1: Musculoskeletal Discomfort. Condition 2: Fatigue. Condition 3: Posture. Intervention 1: Intervention Group 1 – Postural Correction: Following a detailed evaluation of improper postures in carpet weaving by the research team, the correct posture for each subtask was identified. The correct postures were then taught by the researcher in a two-hour group training workshop to all carpet weavers in Intervention Group 1. Given the financial limitations of the weavers and workshop supervisors, a fabric support band was selected as an auxiliary tool to correct and support proper posture. The weavers were instructed on how to apply the band to the shoulder and lumbar regions, and a video demonstration was provided to them. Intervention 2: Intervention Group 2 – Short-Term Exercise: Given the feasibility of delivering the exercise intervention in a short period, a single exercise session (preferably mid-shift) of up to 20 minutes per work shift (daily) was implemented. During this time, the participants (Intervention Group B) walked in the workshop area for 10 minutes and performed stretching exercises for 10 minutes. The research team prescribed the stretching exercises based on the results of the Phase 1 ergonomic assessments (Steps 1 and 2) for body regions at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Intervention 3: Control Group: Participants in this group received no intervention. After the study concluded, in compliance with the principles of research ethics (namely, the principles of justice and beneficence), the two interventions—postural correction and exercise—were implemented for them. Yes - There is a plan to make this available What will be shared: All data may potentially be shared after de-identification of the participants; alternatively, only a subset of the data, such as that related to the primary outcome, may be available for sharing. When: Commencement of the access period following publication of the results To whom: Researchers employed in academic, scientific, and industrial institutions Conditions: No specific requirements exist apart from adherence to the principles of research ethics Where to obtain: Mostafa Mohammadian How to obtain: A data request email should be sent to the corresponding author; subsequently, the data will be provided to them after a two-week period. Comments:
public Mostafa Mohammadian
School of health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Haft-Bagh Blvd
Kerman Iran (Islamic Republic of) 7616910002 +98 34 3132 5083 mmohamadian63@gmail.com Kerman University of Medical Sciences scientific Mostafa Mohammadian
School of health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Haft-Bagh Blvd
Kerman Iran (Islamic Republic of) 7616910002 +98 34 3132 5083 mmohamadian63@gmail.com Kerman University of Medical Sciences Iran (Islamic Republic of) At least one year of weaving work experience Age between 18 and 50 years 18 years 50 years Female pre-existing musculoskeletal discomfort prior to employment Musculoskeletal complications resulting from accidents or incidents Diagnosis of chronic musculoskeletal diseases (muscle strain, disc herniation, and scoliosis) Underlying neuropathic diseases (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, gout, and osteoarthritis) Psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression) Menstruation (due to bias in self-reporting of discomfort) History of surgery within 6 months prior to the study pregnancy M54.05 R53.83 Z57.8 Panniculitis affecting regions of neck and back, thoracolumbar region Other fatigue Occupational exposure to other risk factors Prevention Rehabilitation N/A Intervention Group 1 – Postural Correction: Following a detailed evaluation of improper postures in carpet weaving by the research team, the correct posture for each subtask was identified. The correct postures were then taught by the researcher in a two-hour group training workshop to all carpet weavers in Intervention Group 1. Given the financial limitations of the weavers and workshop supervisors, a fabric support band was selected as an auxiliary tool to correct and support proper posture. The weavers were instructed on how to apply the band to the shoulder and lumbar regions, and a video demonstration was provided to them. Intervention Group 2 – Short-Term Exercise: Given the feasibility of delivering the exercise intervention in a short period, a single exercise session (preferably mid-shift) of up to 20 minutes per work shift (daily) was implemented. During this time, the participants (Intervention Group B) walked in the workshop area for 10 minutes and performed stretching exercises for 10 minutes. The research team prescribed the stretching exercises based on the results of the Phase 1 ergonomic assessments (Steps 1 and 2) for body regions at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Control Group: Participants in this group received no intervention. After the study concluded, in compliance with the principles of research ethics (namely, the principles of justice and beneficence), the two interventions—postural correction and exercise—were implemented for them. Posture. Timepoint: At baseline and at 6 and 12 months after the initial assessment. Method of measurement: KIM-MHO pen-paper tool. Musculoskeletal Discomfort. Timepoint: At baseline and at 6 and 12 months after the initial assessment. Method of measurement: Localized Postural Discomfort (LPD) tool. Fatigue. Timepoint: At baseline and at 6 and 12 months after the initial assessment. Method of measurement: Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory [MFI-20]. Hand grip strength. Timepoint: At baseline and at 6 and 12 months after the initial assessment. Method of measurement: Dynamometer. Kerman University of Medical Sciences Approved 2026-08-16 Ethics committee of Kerman University of Medical Sciences School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Haft Bagh-e-Alavi Road, Kerman, Iran Kerman Kerman Iran (Islamic Republic of)