title: The effect of loupes on neck pain and disability among dental hygienists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant occupational health issue in dental hygiene, with high prevalence rates documented. Despite this fact, there have been few advancements in the application of ergonomic principles in the dental hygiene profession. While the use of loupes is often promoted as an ergonomic solution, there is little published research to support this claim.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study, therefore, was to investigate the effect of the use of loupes on neck pain and disability in dental hygienists.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted using an exploratory pre-test post-test design, comparing musculoskeletal measures in dental hygienists wearing loupes with final year dental hygiene students who do not wear loupes. Pre- and post-test measures included the Neck Pain and Disability Scale and a standardised physical assessment using previously validated measures. Statistical analysis was conducted as a series of mixed ANOVAs with time and treatment as the independent variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While the analyses revealed no significant interactions between time and treatment (p <  0.05), there were general trends of improvement or deterioration for outcome measures. Improvements over time were noted in the treatment group for cervical range of motion and deep neck muscle endurance; however deteriorations were noted for forward head posture and cervical kinaesthetic sense.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, despite no statistically significant differences being detected, this study suggests that wearing loupes appears to have both positive and negative outcomes with regards to physical well-being. As such, further studies are required to more precisely determine the effects of loupes on MSD among dental hygienists, particularly long-term. Dental hygienists with existing neck pain exploring ergonomic equipment may reflect on the findings and consider the potential benefits and risks of wearing loupes.
authors.affiliation: Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Melanie J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Peter G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Osmotherly
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Jane A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Derek R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D005139:Eyeglasses / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D011187:Posture
keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders; magnification; risk factors