Article

Dental hygienists suffer a high incidence of shoulder pathology that
seems to increase with job longevity. It has been hypothesized that occupational
injuries could be due to local muscle fatigue caused by repetitive low level work
and awkward and constrained working postures. In the laboratory, scapular
kinematics can be temporarily altered using fatiguing protocols. It is unknown
whether or not workday fatigue causes changes to scapular kinematics. The aim of
this study was to examine if changes in scapular tilt and rotation occurs after a
workday in dental hygienists. METHODS: The pre and post workday scapular
kinematics were recorded from dental hygienists using an electromagnetic tracking
system. All data were recorded within the place of employment of the dental
hygienist. RESULTS: Following the workday, there was significantly more scapular
anterior tilt in dental hygienists (P<0.05); however, no changes were found for
upward or internal rotation. Greater kinematic differences were found for
hygienists with greater job longevity. INTERPRETATION: The increase in scapular
anterior tilting could be due to post workday fatigue. Anterior tilting of the
scapula may have an influence on the development of subacromial impingement
syndrome. Hygienists with greater duration of work experience may be at greater
risk for developing shoulder injuries as they have more anterior tilting of the
scapula post workday.
CI - Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Langue : ANGLAIS