Magnification and working posture in dental students

• Grant number: 21/13408-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2022
• End date: November 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Social and Preventive Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso Garcia
• Grantee: Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso Garcia
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Lívia Nordi Dovigo
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/16023-1 - Magnification and working posture in dental students, BP.TT

Abstract

The aim of this study is to observe the influence of magnification on the work posture of students after the application of a training program for the use of magnification loupes. For this, it is proposed to carry out three experimental laboratory studies. The first study aims to observe the visual acuity of dental students in function of the use of different levels of magnification of the Galilean loupes and the working distance adopted. The sample will consist of undergraduate students of School of Dentistry of Araraquara - Unesp from 2nd to 5th year and dental undergraduate students at the Stony Brook University School of Dentistry. The dependent variables will be the visual acuity and the distance between the operator's eyes/mouth of the mannequin. The independent variable will be the magnification system at 5 levels (naked eye, Galilean loupe simulator device without magnification, Galilean loupe with 2.5x, 3.0x and 3.5x magnification)and population (Brazilian and American). Visual acuity will be measured through a table of E-optotypes located in Class I cavities on upper molars. After checking the assumptions of normality and sphericity, the mixed Analysis of Variance will be performed (±=5%). Study 2 aims to observe the effect of different magnification levels of the Galilean system on the working posture of dental students during the preclinical procedure. The sample will consist of 2nd year undergraduate students. The dependent variables will be: 1) compliance with ergonomic posture requirements; 2) angular deviation from the neutral position of the neck; 3) muscle activity of the muscles of the upper back and neck. The independent variable will be the magnification level of the Galilean system loupes in 4 levels (naked eye, 2.5x; 3.0x and 3.5x magnification). Class I cavity preparations will be performed in the upper first molar on the operator's working side on a dental manikin. The registration of postures will be done through filming throughout the procedure. To assess compliance with ergonomic posture requirements, the CADEP - Compliance Assessment of Dental Ergonomic Posture Requirements will be used. For the analysis of the angular deviation, the "Software para Avaliação Postural" will be used. Muscle activity will be assessed by surface electromyography of the descending trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles bilaterally. After checking the assumptions of normality and sphericity, repeated measures analysis of variance (rANOVA) at one factor will be performed (±=5%). Study 3 aims to develop and evaluate the effect of a training program for the use of a Galilean system loupe on the ergonomic working posture of dental students during preclinical phase. Students from the 2nd year of the undergraduate course at the Faculty of Dentistry of Araraquara - UNESP will participate in this study. The dependent variables will be: 1) compliance with ergonomic posture requirements, assessed by CADEP; 2) angular deviation from neutral neck position, assessed using the "Software para Avaliação Postural", 3) back and neck muscle contraction measured by thermography, 4) muscle activity measured by surface electromyography of upper back and neck muscles. The independent variable will be the preclinical training program for working with magnification. These variables will be evaluated at two different times: before and after the application of the program. After checking the assumptions of normality, a mixed ANOVA for repeated measures (±=5%) will be performed. (AU)