Tag Archives: muscle tone

1571–1581 J. Ereline, K. Pärenson, D. Vahtrik, M. Pääsuke and H. Gapeyeva
Skeletal muscle tone and motor performance characteristics in dentists as compared to controls
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Skeletal muscle tone and motor performance characteristics in dentists as compared to controls

J. Ereline¹*, K. Pärenson², D. Vahtrik¹, M. Pääsuke¹ and H. Gapeyeva¹

1University of Tartu, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, 5 Jakobi Street, EE51014 Tartu, Estonia
²Selfdiagnostics GmbH OÜ, Rävala pst 3/Kuke 2, EE10143 Tallinn, Estonia
*Correspondence: jaan.ereline@ut.ee

Abstract:

The daily work tasks of dentists are associated with repeated movements and static load during the treatment of patients. Dentists’ profession includes manual dexterity and maintaining the occupational posture for a long time. Previously it has been noted that dentists have increased muscle stress in neck, shoulder and lower back regions. The aim of the present study was to compare the muscle tone and motor performance characteristics of neck and shoulder region in dentists and representatives of other professions who do not have similar static load of long-time duration (as controls). Twenty women aged 34–55 years participated in the study: ten dentists with the age (mean and SE) of 40.2 ± 3.9 years and ten controls (bookkeepers, security guards, office workers, printing house workers, laundry and dry cleaning workers) with the age of 40.9 ± 2.4 years; working period was on the average 14 years in both groups. The tone characteristics of m. trapezius and m. extensor carpi radialis were investigated by device Myoton-2 (Müomeetria Ltd, Estonia) at rest and at maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in sitting position at the workplace of participants. The cervical range of motion (CROM) and the handgrip strength were measured. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) tone and elasticity characteristics of m. extensor carpi radialis and lower (P < 0.05) tone and elasticity characteristics of m. trapezius at rest were noted in dentists compared to controls. At MVC, no significant differences were found in the studied characteristics between body sides in the measured groups. Dentists had lower (P < 0.05) CROM of flexion and rotation than controls. In dentists emerged significant difference in muscle elasticity characteristics for the right body side, this is related with stretching for dentistry instruments.

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