Dental News - New study analyses constrained postures in dentistry

New study analyses constrained postures in dentistry

Study determines the most unfavourable static body positions that dentists assume for the main activities they perform. (Photograph: anatoliy gleb/Shutterstock)

Dental Tribune International

Thu. 24. August 2017

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FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany: Dental tasks executed in awkward body positions result in a high degree of strain on the respective muscles. A recently published study has investigated those dental tasks during which awkward postures occur most frequently. It found that, during treatment activities, the entire head and trunk area was anteriorly tilted and the back twisted to the right and such static positions were assumed for 4–10 seconds.

The study included 21 dentists with a median age of 40.1 and evaluated their postures on an average workday. A kinematic posture analysis was performed to collect the data, supported by observers documenting every movement taken by the dentist by means of task analysis on a handheld computer. The tasks performed were categorised as treatment, office and other activities. The analysis examined the duration for which postures were maintained during the corresponding activities, with a particular focus on static positions held for at least 4 seconds.

Static positions were defined as constrained postures in which physical exertion takes place through continuously assuming a particular position or holding the limbs at a certain angle during the exertion. Static work entailing holding something without support requires muscle endurance and thus causes additional muscle strain. Furthermore, the blood flow necessary for tissue recovery is impeded by the lack of motion. The musculoskeletal system is placed at risk because the longer the strain occurs, the greater the risk of injury due to overuse of muscles, joints and other tissue.

The researchers suggested that breaks during the workday would relieve strain on the spine. Dentists with a well-trained muscular system are able to use short breaks to recover and consequently are pain-free. Thus, the study advised dentists to change their seating position frequently to decrease static positions. Muscle strength and relaxation exercises could also prevent musculoskeletal disorders, the authors added.

The study titled “Constrained posture in dentistry—A kinematic analysis of dentists”, was published online in the BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders journal on 5 July.