Comprehensive risk factor analysis and effect of novel postural correction intervention on physical function in dentists with mechanical spine pain -A mixed method study

In the present mixed method, study participants will be included as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The cross-sectional part of the study aims to study the comprehensive intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for developing mechanical spine using a survey tool and clinical tests to assess pain, posture and physical function in 354 dentists. A survey tool will be formulated using the Delphi method and then tested for validity and reliability. 60 dentists a subset of the 354 dentists (30 with and without mechanical spine pain) will be analysed biomechanics for different operatory procedures.

A novel postural device will be developed based on focus group discussions with electronic engineers and dentists with various specialties and pilot tested with 10 dentists without mechanical spine pain to provide real-time kinesthetic awareness. The device development will be as per the steps for medical device innovation.

The experimental hypothesis is that Novel posture correction device and conventional physiotherapy intervention will be more effective in reducing pain and improving physical function compared to conventional physiotherapy intervention in dentists with mechanical spine pain.

The experimental part of the study a total of 72 dentists with mechanical spine will be participating. The participants will be randomly allocated into experimental and conventional group using computed generated random number tables and allocation will be concealed using Sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelope(SNOSE). The participants in the experimental group will be given the novel postural correction device to be used during work hours for at least 3-4 hours a day, 3-5 days a week for 12 weeks along with conventional physiotherapy exercise. The participants in the conventional group will receive conventional physiotherapy exercise. The conventional physiotherapy exercise will be administered 4 times /week for 12 weeks

One supervised session and three telemetric sessions (through online platform)of including 20-30 minutes exercises with rest breaks of 30 second between each exercise and 10 minutes of cognitive behavioral therapy. Physiotherapy intervention includes – warm up, stretching, strengthening and sensorimotor training and cognitive behavioral therapy cool down. Ergonomic advice manual will be shared with the participants and an education session will be held once a month for 3 months for both the groups.

Participants will be analysed for all the outcome measure for pain, posture and physical function at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks of clinical test.

Data of the experimental group will be statistical analysed within and between the groups.

The result of the study will help in developing an algorithm for risk factor stratification and early identification of mechanical spine pain in dentists. Intervention - will benefit in reducing pain and improving physical function. A guideline booklet will be formulated will the help of study findings which would include all the ergonomic advises and exercises specific to task for the dentists community.