Physical Therapy Intervention in Dental Students
- Conditions
- PainQuality of LifeStrength
- Interventions
- Procedure: Supervised exercise + home exercise programProcedure: Home exercise program only
- Registration Number
- NCT05851586
- Lead Sponsor
- Joshua Subialka
- Brief Summary
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.
- Detailed Description
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.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 42
- Adults ages 18+
- Current 2nd year university dental students
- Any type of musculoskeletal surgery in the past 6 months
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Supervised exercise + home exercise program Supervised exercise + home exercise program The intervention group (supervised exercise) which will receive supervised strengthening and stretching exercises by a licensed physical therapist in a group setting 2 times per month for 30 minutes each session as well as a home exercise program with general stretching and strengthening exercises for various body parts (focusing on neck, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, shoulder and hand/wrist) that will be identical to the home exercise program only group. Home exercise program only Home exercise program only The home exercise program only group will be provided with a written home exercise program consisting of general stretching and strengthening exercises for various body parts (focusing on neck, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, shoulder and hand/wrist). The exercise programs will be identical for both the supervised exericse and the home exercise program only groups.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Pain Intensity 11 months Visual analog scale (0-10 rating)
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 11 months 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.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Lower Trapezius Manual Muscle Test 11 months Patient prone with arms abducted 120 degrees and externally rotated, resisting downward force. Measured in lbs or Newtons using a handheld dynamometer.
Middle Trapezius Manual Muscle Test 11 months Patient prone with arms abducted to 90 degrees and externally rotated, resisting horizontal adduction. Measured in lbs or Newtons using a handheld dynamometer.
Pec Minor Length Test 11 months Supine measurement in centimeters from table
Cervical Flexor Endurance Test 11 months 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.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Midwestern University
🇺🇸Glendale, Arizona, United States