Effect of Pre-Procedural Chair-Side Finger Stretches on Pinch Strength amongst Dental Cohort- A Biomechanical Study

Ergonomics is the essential principle behind the health and successful practice for a dentist and dental hygienist. During the procedure of dental Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), a high level of pinch force is exerted by the finger muscles resulting in early muscle fatigue. This pilot study comparatively evaluated the Pinch Strength (PS) of the finger muscles, prior to and after SRP, amongst dental cohort performing chair-side hand and finger stretches to those not performing the same. Forty dental professionals were recruited by purposive sampling for the study and allocated into a test and control group. PS was recorded for both groups following which the test group performed finger stretches comprising of rubber band stretch, tendon glide, finger flexion and extension, thumb flexion and finger webbing. The subjects of both the groups carried out SRP for 30 minutes after which PS was again recorded. Inter-group difference was analysed for variability at baseline and 30 minutes after SRP using independent samples/unpaired t-test. Within group comparison of PS measurement was done using paired t-test. The PS for the test group declined from 14.425±2.577 pounds (lbs) to 13.725±2.557 lbs, while for the control group, a decline in PS from 13.65±2.636 lbs to 10.675±2.478 lbs after SRP was noted. On comparing the difference of means of both groups, a statistically significant result was obtained. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders can be reduced by performing a few simple chair-side stretches. These stretches can help prevent the finger muscle fatigue during SRP and thus, increase its efficacy.