J Dent Oral Biol | Volume 5, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access
Cristina Marina Iordache1, Magda Ecaterina Antohe1*, Cristina Gena Dascalu2, Rodica Chirieac3 and Codrina Ancuta4
1Department of Implantology, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania
2Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Romania
3Department of Medical Research, Sanocare Medical and Research Center, Romania
4Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, “Grigore T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Romania
*Correspondance to: Magda Ecaterina Antohe
Fulltext PDFBackground & Objectives: Spine is critically involved in normal orthostatic and sitting postures, being intensively engaged in routine professional activity among dentists. A suitable working posture is always required in order to reduce muscle fatigue and discomfort. The main objective of our study was to evaluate whether the ball-chair is associated with better outcomes (concerning pain, fatigue, muscles’ activation in the lumbar spine) than ergonomic chair among dentists. Methods: We performed a pilot study on a sample of 50 dentists classified in two groups based on their work with either the classic chair with an adjustable lumbar support (group A, 30 cases) or the ball chair in routine dental practice (group B, 20 cases). An Electromyography (EMG) using a flat electrode was done in all dentists in both groups paravertebral and abdominal muscles were tested twice, at the beginning and end of the workday as well. A specific questionnaire was applied to evaluate the sitting discomfort and working performance we focused on two main items that reflect the level of comfort or discomfort (item 1) and low back pain on a visual analogue scale of 0 to 10 cm (item 2). Results: The EMG analysis support muscle activity performed during routine profession different phases of muscle involvement (muscle activation, amplitude of contraction, frequency and Maximal Voluntary Contraction (MCV)) are the subject of training, based on correctly exercises. Interpretation & Conclusion: Electrophysiological studies using the detection EMG with surface electrodes revealed the role of spinal extensors and flexors, showing certain benefits of ball chair.
Ball chair; Dental ergonomics; Dentist; Musculoskeletal disorders; Spine
Iordache CM, Antohe ME, Dascalu CG, Chirieac R, Ancuta C. Ball Chair vs. Classic Office Chair in Dentistry: A Pilot Study. J Dent Oral Biol. 2020; 5(1): 1159. ISSN: 2475-5680.