Related Experiment Videos
Quantifying work load in neck, shoulders and wrists in female dentists
I Akesson1, G A Hansson, I Balogh
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Dentists experience high muscular load in their neck and upper limbs, particularly the trapezius muscles, and prolonged forward head posture during dental work. Wrist postures were constrained with low dynamic demands.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Dental professionals are susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders.
- Understanding the physical demands of dental work is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the workload on the neck and upper limbs of dentists during clinical practice.
- To identify ergonomic risk factors associated with dental procedures.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) measured shoulder and forearm muscle activity in 12 female dentists.
- Inclinometers and electrogoniometers assessed head and wrist positions and movements.
- Participants were pair-matched based on history of neck/shoulder disorders.
Main Results:
- Dentists exhibited high median loads on the trapezius muscles (8.4% MVE) and prolonged static loads (>3.3% MVE for 90% of the time).
- The head was frequently held in a forward-tilted position (average >39 degrees).
- Muscular load on the right forearm was comparable to trapezius muscles; wrist postures were constrained with low dynamic demands.
Conclusions:
- Dental practitioners face significant biomechanical stress on bilateral trapezius muscles.
- Sustained forward head posture and constrained wrist positions are common during dental work.
- These findings highlight the need for ergonomic interventions to mitigate risks.