Dentistry, Endodontics, Musculoskeletal Assessment, Musculoskeletal Disorder of the Neck, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Neck Pain, Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Occupational Diseases, Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders
Conditions
Keywords
Endodontists, Dentists, Neck Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, Cervical Spine, Ergonomics, Occupational Health, Neck Disability Index, Posture, Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Cervical Range of Motion, Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Cervical Isometric Muscle Strength, Neck Muscle Endurance, Cervical Muscle Strength, Forward Head Posture
Brief summary
This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists. Endodontists are exposed to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements during clinical procedures, which may increase the risk of neck-related disorders. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, occupational factors, ergonomic conditions, and neck pain. In addition, physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception will be performed using validated measurement tools. The study also aims to identify factors associated with neck pain, such as working conditions, posture, and clinical experience. The findings may help improve preventive strategies, ergonomic recommendations, and rehabilitation approaches for dental professionals.
Detailed description
Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common occupational health problems in dental professionals, particularly affecting the cervical region. Endodontists are at increased risk due to prolonged static postures, repetitive fine motor movements, and the use of magnification devices such as microscopes. This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists and to analyze their relationship with functional parameters and occupational factors. Participants aged 25-65 years who are actively working as endodontists in Turkey will be included. After providing informed consent, participants will complete a structured questionnaire including demographic data, occupational characteristics, ergonomic conditions, and neck pain parameters. Physical evaluations will include: * Cervical range of motion measured with a digital inclinometer, * Isometric cervical muscle strength assessed using a handheld dynamometer, * Deep cervical flexor muscle endurance evaluated using the craniocervical flexion test, * Cervical joint position sense assessed using an inclinometer, * Postural assessment using photographic analysis and a mobile posture analysis application. Functional disability will be evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The primary objective is to determine the prevalence and severity of neck pain. Secondary objectives include identifying associated risk factors such as posture, working duration, ergonomic conditions, and clinical experience, as well as evaluating the relationship between neck pain and functional and biomechanical parameters. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of occupational risk factors in endodontists and to guide preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing neck-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Interventions
OTHERNo intervention (observational study)
This is an observational study with no therapeutic or experimental intervention. Participants will undergo questionnaire-based evaluations and physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception measurements.
Sponsors
Atlas University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 25 to 65 years * Actively practicing as an endodontist in Turkey in public institutions, university hospitals, or the private sector * Willing and able to provide informed consent * Endodontists with or without neck pain
Exclusion criteria
* History of cervical spine surgery within the last 3 months * History of cervical spine infection within the last 3 months (e.g., spondylodiscitis) * History of malignancy involving the cervical region * Spinal cord compression due to tumor or another cause * Presence of neurological deficit * Inflammatory disease involving the cervical region, such as rheumatoid arthritis * Use of muscle relaxant medication within the last 1 week
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence and Severity of Neck Pain | Baseline | Neck pain will be assessed using a self-reported questionnaire evaluating the presence, frequency, duration, and intensity of pain. Pain intensity will be measured using a numeric rating scale (0-10), where higher scores indicate greater pain severity. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Neck Disability Index (NDI) Score | Baseline | Functional disability related to neck pain will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The NDI consists of 10 items evaluating daily activities, each scored from 0 to 5. Total scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability. |
| Cervical Range of Motion | Baseline | Cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation will be measured using the MicroFET 3 digital inclinometer. Range of motion values will be recorded in degrees for each movement direction. |
| Cervical Isometric Muscle Strength | Baseline | Maximal isometric strength of cervical flexor, extensor, and lateral flexor muscles will be measured using the MicroFET 3 handheld dynamometer. Measurements will be performed in standardized positions and recorded. |
| Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Endurance | Baseline | Endurance of deep cervical flexor muscles will be assessed using the craniocervical flexion test with a pressure biofeedback unit. Performance will be recorded based on the ability to maintain target pressure levels. |
| Cervical Postural Parameters | Baseline | Postural alignment including craniovertebral angle, head tilt angle, and cervicothoracic angle will be assessed using standardized photographic analysis with a smartphone-based posture assessment application. |
| Cervical Joint Position Sense | Baseline | Cervical proprioception will be assessed using joint position error measurements with an inclinometer during flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion movements. |
| Occupational and Ergonomic Factors Associated with Neck Pain | Baseline | Associations between neck pain and occupational and ergonomic factors, including clinical workload, working duration, sitting posture, use of magnification systems or an operating microscope, four-handed dentistry, assistant support, awkward working positions, and workplace conditions, will be analyzed based on questionnaire data. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTKubra Neslihan Kurt Oktay, MD
Outcome results
None listed