Postural and Muscle Fatigue Analysis of Endodontic Residents

Recruiting

• Conditions: Postural; Defect; Endodontic Disease; Position Sense Disorders; Symptoms and Signs; Musculoskeletal System Disease

• Registration Number: NCT06282653
• Lead Sponsor: Universidad Europea de Madrid

Brief Summary

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant occupational health problem for dentists and have been linked to a decline in quality of life, often leading to stress-related illnesses and early retirement. Poor posture, poor movement or imbalances in the neck or shoulders can lead to the three most common pain syndromes in dentistry. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the working position adopted during an endodontic procedure and to determine the perception of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders in first and second year students of the Master in Advanced Endodontics at the European University of Madrid (UEM), using the standardised Nordic Kuorinka questionnaire supplemented by a form with socio-demographic variables. This study has a descriptive cross-sectional observational design and included 10 students selected by convenience sampling. A video camera was used to record the procedures from three different angles for a maximum of 5 minutes. The information was processed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software, and the video recordings were assessed using Rodgers' Muscular Fatigue Analysis (RMFA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA).

Detailed Description

The unit of analysis for this study consisted of the first and second year students of the Master's in Endodontics programme at the European University of Madrid (UEM) who completed the two years of annual clinical practice during the years 2022/24. A total of 10 students were enrolled over the two years of training, treating 30 patients (3 patients per student) in the first year and another 30 patients in the second year (for a total of 22 months). A video camera was used to record the procedures from three different angles for a maximum of 5 minutes (two side views - right and left - and one frontal view) on different patients, following the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Protocol for Video Recording for Job Analysis and Risk Assessment. The selected endodontic procedure focused exclusively on upper or lower first molars during the opening and ultrasonic search for the fourth canal in upper first molars or the search for the mesiobuccal canal in lower first molars. The standardised Nordic Kuorinka Musculoskeletal Symptom Perception Questionnaire was used as the measuring instrument. Questionnaire data were collected using a spreadsheet program (Microsoft Excel).

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2024-02
• Study First Submitted: 2024-02-02
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-02-20
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-02-20
• Study First Posted: 2024-02-28
• Last Update Posted: 2024-02-28
• Study Start: 2024-04-30
• Primary Completion: 2025-06-30
• Study Completion: 2025-11-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 10

Inclusion Criteria

• Students of the Master's Degree in Endodontics of the European University of Madrid (UEM), who have completed the two years of the annual teaching period of clinical practice.

Exclusion Criteria

• Subjects previously diagnosed with a musculoskeletal disorder.
• Subjects who had suffered previous trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Pregnant women in their third trimester.
• Subjects who refused to participate.

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Symptom Perception	January 2023 - July 2024	The standardized Nordic Kuorinka Musculoskeletal Symptom Perception Questionnaire will be used as a measurement instrument. Data from the questionnaires will be compiled in a spreadsheet program (Microsoft Excel); measures of central tendency and dispersion will be calculated as well as tables and figures. Sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, grade, weight, height, symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders, body regions affected and times of symptom onset will be recorded.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Universidad Europea de Madrid; 🇪🇸 Villaviciosa De Odón, Madrid, Spain