What are the effects of photographic self‐assessment on students' risk for musculoskeletal disorders using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment

Abstract

Purposes/objectives Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) affect the careers of dental professionals. Research suggests symptoms of MSD begin during educational careers. This sequential explanatory study aimed to determine if dental hygiene students’ self‐assessment using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool reduced the risk of MSD development and explore students’ experiences using a risk tool. Methods Dental hygiene students (n = 21) in the last 2 of 4 sequential clinical semesters completed self‐assessment using the RULA, employing photographs taken during patient care. Initial photographs were taken before students participated in a workshop about ergonomics and application of the RULA tool. Using a within‐subjects repeated measures design, student risk scores were calculated for pre‐ and post‐workshop photographs over 4 consecutive weeks. Students (n = 10) participated in a focus group to share their experiences with the risk tool. Results Repeated measures one‐way analysis of variance compared differences in student RULA scores between weeks. There was a statistically significant effect of time on student self‐reported RULA scores, F(3, 60) = 7.04, P < .001. Emergent themes from the focus group were practice using RULA, video versus photographs, adjust tool for dental hygiene practice, increased self‐awareness, and connect theory to practice. Conclusions Results suggested using self‐assessment utilizing a risk tool increased self‐awareness for ergonomics, thus reducing the risk of developing MSDs for dental hygiene students.

Usulan Perbaikan Metode Kerja Musculoskel Etal Disorders Dengan Metode Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (Rula) Untuk Mengurangi Risiko Musculoskel Etal Disorders

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Riesgo biomecánico por sobrecarga estática y presencia de trastornos musculoesqueléticos en odontólogos durante su práctica clínica asistencial. Una revisión narrativa

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