1Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore – 560060
2Associate Professer, Department of Physiology, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore - 560070
*Corresponding Author: Nalini. Y.C, Lecturer, Department of Physiology, BGS Global Institute Of Medical Sciences, Bangalore- 560060, Ph - 080-656550007, Fax - 080-656550007, Email- drnaliniyc@gmail.com.
Online published on 5 January, 2015.
Dentistry is a profession characterized by performing small, co-ordinate movements in a confined area, within the limited space of a small operatory and use of instruments like vibratory tools. It requires manual dexterity, particularly fine motor skills, spatial techniques and hand eye co ordination. It has been documented that despite the ergonomic advances in dental equipment, intense use of dentistry tools and instruments is associated with posture abnormalities, decreased muscle strength and increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.
In the present study motor functions of dentists was performed and compared with controls.
All measurements were made by a single observer on 60 subjects. Hand eye co-ordination was measured using nine peg hole test in both hands,hand grip strength by Jamar hand dynamometer and pinch strength of thumb by using pinch gauge.
Unpaired t test was applied to compare the two groups. Our study shows a significant difference(P< 0.05) in hand eye co-ordination and grip strength in dentists and no significant difference in pinch strength.
Motor functions of the hand are altered in dentists.
Dentists, hand eye co – ordination, hand grip strength, pinch strength
