title: Influence of different stool types on muscle activity and lumbar posture among dentists during a simulated dental screening task.
abstract: Whereas in the past dental stools typically facilitated a 90° hip angle, a number of currently available alternative designs allow for a more extended hip posture. The present study investigated the influence of different stool types on muscle activity and lumbar posture. Twenty five participants completed a simulated dental procedure on a standard stool, a saddle and the Ghopec. The latter stool comprises a seat pan consisting of a horizontal rear part for the pelvis and an inclinable sloping down front part for the upper legs, with a vertically and horizontally adjustable back rest. Lumbar posture was most close to neutral on the Ghopec, whereas sitting on a standard/saddle stool resulted in more flexed/extended postures respectively. Sitting with a 90° angle (standard stool) resulted in higher activation of back muscles while sitting with a 125° angle (saddle and Ghopec) activated abdominal muscles more, although less in the presence of a backrest (Ghopec). To maintain neutral posture during dental screening, the Ghopec is considered the most suitable design for the tasks undertaken.
authors.affiliation: Ghent University (Hospital), Dental School, Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontology, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Electronic address: Mieke.DeBruyne@ugent.be.
authors.forename: Mieke A A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: De Bruyne
authors.affiliation: Ghent University, Department of Physical Education, Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Electronic address: Benedikt.VanRenterghem@ugent.be.
authors.forename: Benedikt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Van Renterghem
authors.affiliation: University of Derby, Centre for Psychological Research, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB, UK. Electronic address: A.Baird@derby.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baird
authors.affiliation: Ghent University, Department of Physical Education, Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Electronic address: Tanneke.Palmans@ugent.be.
authors.forename: Tanneke
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Palmans
authors.affiliation: Ghent University, Department of Physical Education, Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Electronic address: Lieven.Danneels@ugent.be.
authors.forename: Lieven
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Danneels
authors.affiliation: Ghent University, Department of Physical Education, Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Electronic address: Mieke.Dolphens@ugent.be.
authors.forename: Mieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dolphens
mesh_terms: D000071596:Abdominal Oblique Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003813:Dentistry; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D064170:Paraspinal Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000502:physiology; D064171:Superficial Back Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Dental ergonomics; Muscle activity; Posture; Sitting