Effects of Resistance Training as a Behavioural Preventive Measure on Musculoskeletal Complaints, Maximum Strength and Ergonomic Risk in Dentists and Dental Assistants

  • Fabian Holzgreve
  • Laura Fraeulin
  • Christian Maurer-Grubinger
  • Werner Betz
  • Christina Erbe
  • Tim Weis
  • Keno Janssen
  • Lisa Schulte
  • Amaya de Boer
  • Albert Nienhaus
  • David A Groneberg
  • Daniela Ohlendorf

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: For dental professionals, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common health hazards and resistance training programmes have been promising approaches in the quest for a reduction in the pain intensity of these professionals. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of a trunk-oriented 10-week resistance training programme.

METHOD: In total, the study was conducted with 17 dentists and dental assistants (3 m/14 f) over a course of 10 weeks, with workouts being performed 2 times a week using a 60 min intervention programme consisting of 11 resistance training exercises. The outcome values that were collected were the pain intensity (visual analogue scale (VAS) combined with a modified version of the Nordic Questionnaire), the MVIC and the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) score (based on data from inertial motion units) during a standardised dental treatment protocol.

RESULTS: A significant reduction in pain intensity was found for each queried body region: the neck, upper back, lower back and the right and left shoulders. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) improved significantly in all outcome measures: flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion and right and left rotation.

CONCLUSIONS: A 10-week resistance training programme for dentists and dental assistants had significant effects on pain intensity reduction and the MVIC of the musculature of the trunk and is, therefore, suitable as a behavioural preventive measure against MSD in dental professionals.

Bibliographical data

Original languageEnglish
Article number8069
ISSN1424-8220
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21.10.2022
PubMed 36298418