(PO-106) Effects of Sitting and Standing Posture in Dental Hygiene Students

Author: Taylor O'Connor, RDH, BSDH, MS – Old Dominion University
Author: Jessica Suedbeck, RDH, MSDH – Professor, Old Dominion University
Author: Emily A. Ludwig, RDH, MS – Professor, Old Dominion University
Author: Brenda T. Bradshaw, M.S. – Assistant Professor, Old Dominion University
Submitter: Jessica Suedbeck, RDH, MSDH – Professor, Old Dominion University

Objectives: This pilot study examined biomechanical loads of sitting and standing postures independently in dental hygiene students during instrumentation.



Methods: A convenience sample of thirty-four second-year dental hygiene students with no history of musculoskeletal disorders were enrolled in this IRB-approved study. Participants were randomly assigned to instrument in one quadrant of the mouth on buccal or lingual surfaces during two independent research sessions: one with a seated posture and one with a standing posture. The same quadrant and surface were used for both sessions. Two photographs per session were taken to assess biomechanical demands of each posture using the validated Rapid Upper Limb Assessment tool. The photographs were independently scored by four calibrated researchers and a mean score was utilized for data analyses. Participants completed an end-user survey at each session to assess perceptions of posture quality and pain associated with each posture.


Results: Thirty-four female second-year dental hygiene students completed the study with unobscured photographs for data analyses. Results revealed statistically significant (p=0.001) differences in mean RULA scores indicating better posture while seated (M = 3.91, SD = 0.77) compared to standing (M = 4.50, SD = 1.00). No participants had acceptable postures while sitting or standing, as indicated by means scores on the RULA. Overall, 79% of participants perceived their posture to be neutral, somewhat good, or very good when seated and 71% of participants perceived their posture to be neutral, somewhat poor, or very poor when standing.


Conclusions: Results support the need for additional ergonomic training and education in dental hygiene curricula and future research on biomechanical loads of each posture. A larger, more diverse sample of licensed dental hygienists could provide more insight into the ergonomic benefits of utilizing sitting and/or standing postures throughout the workday.