Efeito do treino postural por biofeedback no estudante de medicina dentária

: estudo piloto

Abstract

Introduction: In order to prevent and minimize the impact of musculoskeletal injuries, ergonomic training of dental students is of extreme importance. Wearable electronic devices can be used to train an individual to improve the perception of his posture and modify it through a biofeedback system. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the effect a biofeedback device for postural training has on dental students' posture. As a secondary aim it is intended to evaluate the applicability of the postural device in teaching ergonomic principles in dentistry. Materials and Methods: This is a pilot study that consists of using a biofeedback postural training sensor UpRight GO 2TM (Upright Technology Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel). Daily data were collected regarding the percentage of time the 5 participants achieved correct posture during its use, using the biofeedback device. Data were also analyzed during simulated clinical dental procedures on a phantom before and after 4 weeks of postural training. The Nordic Questionnaire was used to assess the presence of musculoskeletal signs and symptoms. The participants' perception of the use of the biofeedback device was also analyzed through a questionnaire. Results: The dental students' posture improved after using the UpRight GO 2TM biofeedback device, and according to the participants' opinion besides recommending its use, they consider that the sensor carries advantages in adopting a better posture during the exercise of the profession and also in general. Conclusion: It was found that the use of biofeedback systems is associated with an improvement in the posture of dental students. Postural training with this device seems to be feasible in the medical-dental context.

Date of Award	21 Jul 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Vanessa Maria Barroso dos Santos Silva (Supervisor) & Mário Vaz (Co-Supervisor)