Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Intervention in Pre-Clinical Dental Students
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 16
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Pain Intensity
Study Overview
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 Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Prevention
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to — (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Adults ages 18+
- •Current 2nd year university dental students
Exclusion Criteria
- •Any type of musculoskeletal surgery in the past 6 months
Arms & Interventions
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.
Intervention: Supervised exercise + home exercise program (Procedure)
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.
Intervention: Home exercise program only (Procedure)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Pain Intensity
Time Frame: 11 months
Visual analog scale (0-10 rating)
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)
Time Frame: 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.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)
Time Frame: Baseline
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.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)
Time Frame: Intervention conclusion (7 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
Time Frame: Baseline
Visual analog scale (0-10 rating)
Pain Intensity
Time Frame: Intervention conclusion (7 months)
Visual analog scale (0-10 rating)
Secondary Outcomes
- Lower Trapezius Manual Muscle Test(11 months)
- Middle Trapezius Manual Muscle Test(11 months)
- Pec Minor Length Test(11 months)
- Cervical Flexor Endurance Test(11 months)
- Pec Minor Length Test(Baseline, intervention conclusion (7 months), and 4 month follow up prior to beginning clinical rotations.)
- Pec Minor Length Test(Intervention conclusion (7 months))
- Middle Trapezius Manual Muscle Test(Baseline)
- Middle Trapezius Manual Muscle Test(Intervention conclusion (7 months))
- Lower Trapezius Manual Muscle Test(Baseline)
- Lower Trapezius Manual Muscle Test(Intervention conclusion (7 months))
- Cervical Flexor Endurance Test(Baseline)
- Cervical Flexor Endurance Test(Intervention conclusion (7 months))
Investigators
Joshua Subialka
Assistant Professor, Associate Investigator
Midwestern University