Effectiveness of an educative ergonomic plan in reducing musculo-skeletal disorders among dental practitioners

Abstract

Objective: Work related musculo skeletal disorders (WMSD) are very common among dental practitioners who useprecise hand-wrist motions and prolonged static postures. The aim of this study was to develop an educative ergonomicplan and test its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of musculo-skeletal disorders among dental practitioners.Material and Methods: This study was conducted on a random sample of 50 dental practitioners of both genders(25 male, 25 female) practising for more than 4 years in urban Bengaluru, India and showing symptoms of neckpain, back pain or wrist pain. In the first round of the questionnaire data was collected from all 50 dentists. Nextan educative ergonomic plan was developed which included simple exercises and recommendations in the form ofdo’s and don’ts. The study population were asked to follow the guidelines given and perform the exercises givenin the poster daily for a period of 3 months. Then, the questions were again asked. The differences in responsesduring the first stage and second stage were analyzed. Results: The use of the ergonomic plan led to a statisticallysignificant improvement in certain ergonomic practises such as practise of changing their positions during clinicalpractice, keeping shoulders and arm at correct level while working and keeping instruments within hand reach.There was a statistically significant reduction in pain levels after the use of the ergonomic plan. Conclusion: Theergonomic plan in the form of recommendations and exercises were an effective tool in improving ergonomicpractises and reducing the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders among dental practitioners.KEYWORDSErgonomics; Musculoskeletal disorders; Wrist pain; Back pain; Neck pain.