Impact of Visual Aids on Posture And Musculoskeletal Risk Among Dental Practitioners: A Human Factors Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2026.33.5.11843Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among dental practitioners due to sustained static postures and limited visual accessibility. This study examined the effects of three visual aid conditions: naked eye, magnification loupes, and dental operating microscope on operator posture and musculoskeletal risk using a human-factors approach. Ninety practitioners (n = 30 per group) performed standardized clinical tasks, with posture captured using multi-angle high-resolution photography. Ergonomic risk was assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, Rapid Entire Body Assessment, and Branson’s Posture Assessment Instrument, and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with post hoc comparisons. Significant differences were observed across all measures: RULA (F(2,87)=49.14, p<0.001), REBA (F(2,87)=51.97, p<0.001), and PAI (F(2,87)=37.20, p<0.001). The microscope condition showed the lowest ergonomic risk scores (3.10, 2.80, and 3.23, respectively) compared with the naked-eye and loupes conditions. These findings suggest that visual magnification may contribute to improved ergonomic posture, particularly in the neck and trunk regions, and may help reduce musculoskeletal risk during dental procedures.
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