Physical Therapy Intervention in Dental Students

Not Applicable

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Pain; Quality of Life; Strength

• 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.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2023-04-20
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-05-01
• Study First Posted: 2023-05-09
• Study Start: 2023-09-01
• Status Verified: 2023-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-10-17
• Last Update Posted: 2023-10-19
• Primary Completion: 2024-04-01
• Study Completion: 2024-08-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 42

Inclusion Criteria

• Adults ages 18+
• Current 2nd year university dental students

Exclusion Criteria

• Any type of musculoskeletal surgery in the past 6 months

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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.
Pain Intensity	11 months	Visual analog scale (0-10 rating)

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