The use of baropodometric analysis in musculoskeletal disorders of dentists working in orthostatic posture - a series of 3 cases

Med Pharm Rep. 2020 Oct;93(4):365-373. doi: 10.15386/mpr-1461. Epub 2020 Oct 25.

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by incorrect working posture among dentists is a serious issue and one that leads to decreased productivity and quality of life.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of MSDs caused by postural errors in dental healthcare professionals on the body's center of gravity through a new and innovative technique - baropodometry.

Methods: In this study we included 3 oral healthcare specialists with over 20 years experience of practicing in orthostatism, with confirmed work-related MSDs, and performed a baropodometric analysis on them.

Results: According to the analysis, all 3 test subjects had alterations of the body's center of gravity, with uneven distribution of pressures on the feet being recorded by the baropodometer.

Conclusion: In an effort to maintain a good field of view and workplace in orthostatism, the subject is forced to adopt an non-ergonomic position that leads to uneven weight distribution, shifted center of gravity that eventually cause musculoskeletal disorders.

Keywords: baropodometry; dentistry; ergonomics; musculoskeletal disorders; posture.