The main purpose of our study is to assess whether guided strength training and stretching intervention with a written home exercise program is more effective than a home exercise program alone for pre-clinical dental students in improving and preventing pain associated with dental laboratory practice. Secondary aims will be to assess relationships between strength and quality of life measures of an individual and pain levels.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain has been identified as a major concern among dental professionals. This can lead to decreased productivity, efficiency and quality of work along with higher costs for the medical system. The body region that is affected the most is the neck, followed by the back and shoulders. Ergonomic assessments and interventions can identify the areas of concern with workplace set up, however, training the muscles to adapt to abnormal postures may be an effective way of increasing the resilience of the MSK system while decreasing MSK pain as well. Specifically, strength training and stretching has been well researched as a way to prevent and improve pain for neck pain, low back pain and shoulder pain. Physical therapists are well trained in prevention and treatment of injuries, including a wealth of knowledge regarding strength training and stretching for specific regions. The main purpose of our study is to assess whether guided strength Thus, the main purpose of our study is to assess whether guided strength training and stretching intervention with a written home exercise program is more effective than a home exercise program alone for pre-clinical dental students in improving and preventing pain associated with dental laboratory practice. The secondary aim will be to assess the relationships between strength and quality of life measures of an individual and pain levels.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
16
The supervised exercise + home exercise program group will receive a written home exercise program with general stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, shoulder and hand/wrist. They will also be provided with two supervised exercise sessions per month delivered in a group setting in order to ensure proper performance of the home exercise programs.
The home exercise program only group will receive a written home exercise program with general stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, shoulder and hand/wrist, without any supervised guidance on exercise performance.
Midwestern University
Glendale, Arizona, United States
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)
PROMIS® is a publicly available system of highly reliable, precise measures of patient-reported health status for physical, mental, and social well-being. This will be measured via electronic survey.
Time frame: Baseline
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)
PROMIS® is a publicly available system of highly reliable, precise measures of patient-reported health status for physical, mental, and social well-being. This will be measured via electronic survey.
Time frame: Intervention conclusion (7 months)
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)
PROMIS® is a publicly available system of highly reliable, precise measures of patient-reported health status for physical, mental, and social well-being. This will be measured via electronic survey.
Time frame: 11 months
Pain Intensity
Visual analog scale (0-10 rating)
Time frame: Baseline
Pain Intensity
Visual analog scale (0-10 rating)
Time frame: Intervention conclusion (7 months)
Pain Intensity
Visual analog scale (0-10 rating)
Time frame: 11 months
Pec Minor Length Test
Supine measurement in centimeters from table
Time frame: Baseline, intervention conclusion (7 months), and 4 month follow up prior to beginning clinical rotations.
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Pec Minor Length Test
Supine measurement in centimeters from table
Time frame: Intervention conclusion (7 months)
Pec Minor Length Test
Supine measurement in centimeters from table
Time frame: 11 months
Middle Trapezius Manual Muscle Test
Patient prone with arms abducted to 90 degrees and externally rotated, resisting horizontal adduction. Measured in lbs or Newtons using a handheld dynamometer.
Time frame: Baseline
Middle Trapezius Manual Muscle Test
Patient prone with arms abducted to 90 degrees and externally rotated, resisting horizontal adduction. Measured in lbs or Newtons using a handheld dynamometer.
Time frame: Intervention conclusion (7 months)
Middle Trapezius Manual Muscle Test
Patient prone with arms abducted to 90 degrees and externally rotated, resisting horizontal adduction. Measured in lbs or Newtons using a handheld dynamometer.
Time frame: 11 months
Lower Trapezius Manual Muscle Test
Patient prone with arms abducted 120 degrees and externally rotated, resisting downward force. Measured in lbs or Newtons using a handheld dynamometer.
Time frame: Baseline
Lower Trapezius Manual Muscle Test
Patient prone with arms abducted 120 degrees and externally rotated, resisting downward force. Measured in lbs or Newtons using a handheld dynamometer.
Time frame: Intervention conclusion (7 months)
Lower Trapezius Manual Muscle Test
Patient prone with arms abducted 120 degrees and externally rotated, resisting downward force. Measured in lbs or Newtons using a handheld dynamometer.
Time frame: 11 months
Cervical Flexor Endurance Test
Patient in supine will be asked to tuck the chin and lift their head maintaining the chin tuck. Measured in seconds for as long as they can maintain appropriate quality of movement.
Time frame: Baseline
Cervical Flexor Endurance Test
Patient in supine will be asked to tuck the chin and lift their head maintaining the chin tuck. Measured in seconds for as long as they can maintain appropriate quality of movement.
Time frame: Intervention conclusion (7 months)
Cervical Flexor Endurance Test
Patient in supine will be asked to tuck the chin and lift their head maintaining the chin tuck. Measured in seconds for as long as they can maintain appropriate quality of movement.
Time frame: 11 months