Ergonomic risk factors and their association with musculoskeletal disorders among Indian dentist: A preliminary study using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment.
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Date
2014-11
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Abstract
Context: Ergonomics is the scientific study of people and their work. The manufacturers
typically do not design to accommodate the dimensions of the individual user. Work‑related
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have emerged as major health problem among workers in both
industrialized and industrially developing countries. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)
was developed to investigate the exposure of the individual workers to risk factors associated
with work‑related upper limb disorders.
Aims: The assessment of the posture using RULA, which is quick reliable tool to determine the
posture, has not been done in the Indian dentist population, indicating the need for the same.
Settings and Design: A total of 104 subjects were included from New Delhi/NCR.
Subjects and Methods: The procedure was explained, and the questionnaire was distributed
and assessment was done using RULA. The MSDs can be recorded using the standard Nordic
questionnaire.
Statistical Analysis Used: The data were collected from 104 subjects out of the 192 evaluated
and was statistically analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The study sample included 70 male and 34 female dentists. The posture of the subjects
and the MSDs are not associated with a significant difference as according to Pearson’s Chi‑square
test (0.231).
Conclusions: RULA can be used as a screening tool for postural risks following a short training
session regardless of the assessor’s experience in postural risk assessments.
Description
Keywords
Musculoskeletal disorders in dentist, posture, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment
Citation
Golchha Vineet, Sharma Pooja, Wadhwa Jitesh, Yadav Deepti, Paul Rahul. Ergonomic risk factors and their association with musculoskeletal disorders among Indian dentist: A preliminary study using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment. Indian Journal of Dental Research. 2014 Nov-Dec ; 25 (6): 767-771.