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Relation between perceived and measured workload obtained by long-term inclinometry among dentists
Dirk Jonker1, Bo Rolander, Istvan Balogh
1National Centre for Work and Rehabilitation, Department of Health and Medicine, Linköping University, Sweden. dirk.jonker@lj.se
Applied Ergonomics
|January 16, 2009
Summary
Dentists experience physically demanding work, with specific head and arm postures linked to perceived workload. Varying between sitting and standing may help manage physical strain during dental procedures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Dentists frequently report strenuous physical working conditions.
- Understanding the relationship between physical work and perceived strain is crucial for dental professionals' well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between measured working postures and movements and dentists' perceived physical workload.
- To identify specific postures and movements contributing to physical strain in dental practice.
Main Methods:
- Inclinometry was used to measure head and upper extremity working postures and movements over four hours.
- Perceived physical workload was assessed using Visual Analog Scales (VAS).
Main Results:
- Significant negative correlations (r=-0.52 to -0.66) were found between head inclination velocity and perceived workload.
- Observed working postures showed only weak correlations with perceived workload.
- Limited variation in work movements and postures was detected via inclinometry during typical dental tasks.
Conclusions:
- Head inclination velocity is a key factor in perceived physical workload for dentists.
- Strategies like alternating between sitting and standing may introduce beneficial variations in physical workload.
- Further research into ergonomic interventions is warranted to mitigate physical strain in dentistry.
