Introduction: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a common occupational health issue in nursing due to physically demanding clinical tasks like manual patient handling, maintaining awkward postures, and prolonged standing. Student nurses are particularly vulnerable to work-related work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomic training is vital to equip nurses with competencies in correct body mechanics, safe lifting techniques, and optimal posture to minimize stress and injury. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic training on musculoskeletal pain experienced by student nurses during clinical practice. Methodology: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test research design was used. A sample of 40 student nurses was selected using convenience sampling in a selected institution in Bengaluru. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including Sample Characteristic Profile and Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) .The intervention was a 60-minute ergonomics training session. The post-test was conducted after one week of practical application, and adherence to training was documented using a compliance sheet. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (paired -test and Chi-square test). Results: The study population was predominantly female (98%), aged 18–20 years (55%), and primarily consisted of second-semester B.Sc. Nursing students (55%), with a vast majority (93%) reporting no regular physical exercise. Following ergonomic training, students experienced significant reductions in pain levels specifically in the upper back, lower back, and foot (p=0.00), although pain in other body regions showed no statistical change. A significant negative correlation was identified between adherence to the ergonomic training and pain scores in the neck, shoulder, hand, ankle, and foot, indicating that increased compliance with ergonomic principles led to a measurable decrease in pain. Additionally, higher pre-test pain levels were significantly linked to older age, advancement in the nursing course, and a clinical practice duration exceeding 24 weeks (p=0.00), while factors such as BMI, posture, and exercise habits did not significantly influence the baseline pain scores. Conclusion: The study concludes that ergonomic training was influential in reducing musculoskeletal pain among student nurses, particularly in major load-bearing regions like the back and feet. Furthermore, adherence to the training directly correlated with lower pain levels. These findings emphasize the urgent need to strengthen ergonomics education, especially for older students and those in higher academic years with extended clinical exposure.
