Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-based Real-time Ergonomics Training on Dental Posture Improvement

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Reality-based Real-time Ergonomics Training (VR-RET) in improving ergonomic posture among dental students.

A total of 52 dental students from 3 universities in South Korea participated. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (received real-time postural feedback) or a control group (no feedback). Using a 3-phase design (baseline, intervention, postintervention), students performed a scaling procedure in a VR-RET system that provided motion-tracking-based ergonomic assessments. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scores, relative time scores, and ergonomic risk potential (ERP) were used to measure posture improvement. Postexperiment surveys and semi-structured interviews explored students' perceptions of the training system.

Overall, VR-RET with real-time feedback was effective in improving ergonomic posture. The experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in high-risk postures and an increase in low-risk postures. Postintervention, posture improvements were partially retained, though some regression was observed. Qualitative findings revealed that real-time feedback increased posture awareness and self-correction but introduced cognitive demands during initial use.

VR-based real-time feedback enhanced ergonomic awareness and posture correction in dental students by providing objective, immediate feedback.

This study highlights the potential of VR-RET as an effective educational tool to prevent musculoskeletal disorders among dental students by improving clinical posture. By providing immediate, objective feedback during simulated procedures, VR-RET fosters ergonomic awareness and self-correction habits that can be transferred to real clinical environments, ultimately supporting long-term practitioner health and performance.