Ergonomic working posture in dentistry: Importance of body and limb dimensions
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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the importance of body and limb dimensions in maintaining an ergonomic working posture with provided equipment in a group of undergraduate dental students at Mahidol University.
Materials and methods: 75 undergraduate dental students participated in this study. The participants were directed to sit in the upright position. Leg and arm measurements were performed. The leg measurements were used to evaluate the appropriateness of the limb dimensions to the dimensions of the dental chair. The dimensions of the body and upper extremities were used to calculate the visual distance. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results: Forty-three percent of the participants had leg dimensions not suitable for maintaining an ergonomic working posture. The calculated visual distances of the participants were over the recommended values.
Conclusions: Inappropriate body and limb dimensions in a group of undergraduate dental students at Mahidol university is observed. This impedes students from maintaining an ergonomic working posture on the provided equipment. Performing physical activity during working hours and the use of additional equipment is recommended to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders
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References
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