Effectiveness of a continuous ergonomic program on workplace health and cognitive strain in university employees

Background University staff are at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and mental workload due to prolonged static postures, poor ergonomic conditions, and high cognitive demands. These issues lead to significant health and productivity challenges, particularly in developing countries. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a participatory ergonomic intervention program on reducing MSDs and mental workload among university staff, and to enhance their awareness of ergonomic principles. Methods A quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests was used, involving 60 participants divided into control and intervention groups. The intervention included 8 weekly training sessions on ergonomics, workstation adjustments, and the introduction of ergonomic equipment. Data were collected using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and NASA-TLX workload index, analyzed via paired t-tests and covariance analysis. Results The intervention significantly reduced mental workload by 24.17% (p = 0.008), with the highest reductions in physical (46.58%) and mental (35.84%) dimensions. MSDs prevalence decreased notably in the back (50%), neck (39%), and wrists (39–61.6%). The control group showed no significant changes. Conclusions Based on these results, continuous training and ergonomic adjustments are recommended, as they may help sustain the observed benefits over the long term. This approach has the potential to promote healthier work environments and could lead to enhanced productivity, although further longitudinal research is needed to directly confirm these broader implications.