Non-Thesis

Non-Thesis Project Currently In Progress – below is the introduction to the project, along with references:

Throughout the 19th century, the ergonomics of “sitting correctly” have consistently promoted sitting upright with a straight back.1 Posture is defined as the position in which the body is held while sitting, standing, or lying down. Ergonomic seating maintains neutral posture while sitting up straight with head, neck, and hips aligned with feet flat on the floor.2 Conventional seating in the workplace has remained relatively static until recently.1-17 The relationship between musculoskeletal pain and proper ergonomics has evolved1. Dental professionals are especially at higher risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders due to the prolonged static nature of the career.18 Dental professionals, particularly dental hygienists, may benefit from alternative seating options in the clinical workplace. Practicing proper ergonomics is important in dental hygiene because it will help maintain longevity of the career. Alternative seating options could help dental hygienists improve their ergonomics thus resulting in less pain and decreased chance of developing musculoskeletal disorders.3-11,14-17 Alternative seating options could create a healthier working environment, result in less days of missed work due to pain, and ultimately keep the office running at maximum efficiency.

References

  1. Corlett EN. Background to sitting at work: research-based requirements for the design of work seats. Ergonomics. 2007 Feb;49(14):1538-1546
  2. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. c2019 [cited 2022 Mar 12]. Available from: How to Improve Posture For a Healthy B https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4485-back-health-and-posture#:~:text=1%20Sit%20up%20with%20your%20back%20straight%20and,weight%20evenly%20on%20both%20hips.%20More%20items…%20?msclkid=c780d69ca26111ec9e45f194779a2b75ack (clevelandclinic.org)
  3. Partido BB, Henderson R, Lally M. Impact of a seated-standing protocol on posutres and pain among undergraduate dental hygiene students: A pilot study. Journal of Dental Hygiene. 2021 Aug;95(4):70-78
  4. Tran V, Turner R, MacFadden A, Cornish SM, Esliger D, Komiyama K, Chilibeck P. A dental stool with chest support reduces lower back muscle activation. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. 2016;22(3):301-304
  5. Gregory DE, Dunk NM, Callaghan JP. Stability ball versus office chair: Comparison of muscle activation and lumbar spine posture during prolonged sitting. Human Factors. 2006;48(1):142-153
  6. Gandavadi A, Ramsay JRE, Burke FJT. Assessment of dental student posture in two seating conditions using RULA methodology – a pilot study. British Dental Journal. 2007 Nov;203(10):601-605
  7. Astonkar DV, Kherde DM. Design & development of multipurpose, space saving seating arrangements using ergonomics. International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications. 2015:7-12
  8. Books GJ, Klemm K. A unique approach to preventing back pain in the dental office. Work. 2012;42:299-306
  9. Droeze EH, Jonsson H. Evaluation of ergonomic interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorders of dentists in the netherlands. Work. 2005;25:211-220
  10. Gandavadi A, Ramsay J, James G. Effectoftwo seating positions on upper limb function in normal subjects. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. 2005 Nov;12(11):485-490
  11. De Bruyne MAA, Van Renterghem B, Baird A, Palmans T, Danneels L, Dolphens M. Influence of different stool types on muscle activity and lumbar posture among dentists during a simulated dental screening task. Applied Ergonomics. 2016;56:220-226
  12. Ehrensberger-Dow M, Hunziker Heeb A, Massey G, Meidert U, Neumann S, Becker H. An international survey of the ergonomics of professional translation. ILCEA. 2016;27:1-21
  13. Gandavadi A. Working postures in dental practitioners and dental students: Relationships between posture seating, and muscle activity [thesis]. Birmingham (UK): The University of Birmingham School of Health Sciences; 2008
  14. Verkindere MT, Lacomb C, Lodter JPH. Electromyographic study of the dynamic sitting position suitable for dentists. L’Information Dentaire. 1998 March;80(12)
  15. Westley H. An overview of saddle seats and their benefits in dentistry. Dental Nursing. 2013 Oct;9(10):584-587
  16. Dable RA, Wasnik PB, Yeshwante BJ, Musani SI, Patil AK, Nagmode SN. Postural assessment of students evaluating the need of ergonomic seat and magnification in dentistry. J Indian Prosthodont Soc. 2014 Dec;14(1);51-58
  17. Innes E, Gadge K. An investigation into the immediate effects on comfort, productivity, and posture of the bambach saddle seat and a standard office chair. Work. 2006 April;29:189-203
  18. Hayes MJ, Smith DR, Taylor JA. Musculoskeletal disorders in a 3-year longitudinal cohort of dental hygiene students. J Dent Hyg. 2014 Feb;88(1):36-41
  19. Corlett EN, Eklund, JAE. How does a backrest work? Applied Ergonomics. 1984 June:111-114