Impact of Pinch Strength Training along with Postural Education on Upper Extremity Functional Performance among Dentist

Abstract

Background: Dentists are required to maintain a high level of precision during manual scaling, polishing and Flossing. As a result of sustained griping activity finger and wrist pain are more common among Dentists. Therefore the excess pinch force, leads to musculoskeletal disorders which in turn affects the functional ability. \nStudy design: An Experimental study. \nMaterials & Methods: The sum of 30 Dental professionals were selected under inclusion criteria into this study, ages between 20 to 35 years with decrease in pinch strength and functional abilities. Selected subjects were randomly allocated into two groups such as experimental group (Pinch strength training and conventional exercise) and control group (Conventional Exercises - Postural corrective exercises, active range of motion exercises, shoulder bracing and shoulder shrugging exercise, Ergonomics advices) were given. The outcome tools used are Modified Sphygmomanometer test and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaires (DASH). The Statistical analysis of pre &post test values were analyzed using paired & unpaired ‘t’ test. \nResult: The result of this study shows that Group A using Pinch strength along with Postural Education were found to be effective over the control group, where only the postural education were done (p <0.0001). \nConclusion: Therefore this study concludes that Pinch strength training along with Postural education were proven to be significant in improving Pinch strength and Functional performance among Dentist.