their hip as demonstrated in Figure 6B, making sure not to hyperextend past that point. Oral health professionals who followed resistance training protocols specifically targeting the muscles of the upper and lower back exhibited increased strength of the targeted muscles with decreased pain after receiving the training.3, 8–10 CONTRAINDICATIONS While the data are promising regarding resistance training’s effectiveness in reducing MSD-related pain, risks do exist. In the research, clinicians are supervised by trained specialists who make sure participants performed the exercises correctly.3,5–8 There is a risk of injury if exercises are done excessively, without proper form, or with too heavy a load.10 Compliance with resistance training protocol is another challenge. In studies, the dropout rate hovers around 15% to 20%.5–7,9 Resistance train- ing protocols will only be effective if dental hygienists adhere to them consistently. Lack of time and strenuous nature of the exercises have been noted as reasons for poor compliance. COMPARISON OF EFFICACY When compared to other ergonomic approaches, researchers have found that a resistance training intervention provided more significant reduc- tions in self-perceived pain than an ergonomic training intervention alone.5 Another study found that participants who used stretching and resistance training together vs resistance training alone had a greater decrease in pain perception and a higher increase in measures of strength when compared to the resistance training-only group.11 CONCLUSION Some research supports the role of resistance training in decreasing the onset of MSD-related pain.3,5–10 Because MSDs are multifactorial, more research should be done on how resistance training may be used to pre- vent/ delay the onset of MSD-related pain and, ultimately, improve the career longevity of dental hygienists. REFERENCES 1. Netanely S, Luria S, Langer D. Musculoskeletal disorders among dental hygienist and students of dental hygiene. InJ J Dent Hyg. 2020;18:210-216. 2. Holzgreve F, Fraeulin L, Maurer-Grubinger C, et al. Effects of resistance training as a behavioural preventive measure on musculoskeletal complaints, maximum strength and ergonomic risk in dentists and dental assistants. Sensors. 2022;22(20):N.PAG. 3. Owen J, Kearney R. Stretch for health. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. 2023;21(1)16-18. 4. Sundstrup E, Jakobsen MD, Brandt M, Jay K, Aagaard P, Andersen LL. Strength training improves fatigue resistance and self-rated health in workers with chronic pain: a randomized controlled trial. BioMed Res Int. 2016;2016:1–11. 5. Pedersen MT, Andersen CH, Zebis MK, Sjøgaard G, Andersen LL. Implementation of specific strength training among industrial laboratory technicians: long-term effects on back, neck and upper extremity pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2013;14:287. 6. Gobbo S, Bullo V, Roma E, et al. Effects of Tailored resistance exercise training in a group of metalworkers with ergonomic or manual handlings loads prescription by the occupational physician: a pilot study. Muscles, Ligaments & Tendons J. 2021;11:186-192. 7. Dalager T, Welch A, O’Leary SP, Johnston V, Sjøgaard G. Clinically relevant decreases in ne/ k/ shoulder pain among office workers are associated with strength training adherence and exercise compliance: explorative analyses from a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2022;103:2. 8. Lidegaard M, Jensen RB, Andersen CH, et al. Effect of brief daily resistance training on occupational neck/ shoulder muscle activity in office workers with chronic pain: randomized controlled trial. BioMed Res Int. 2013;2013:262386. 9. Grier T, Brooks R, Solomon Z, Jones B. Injury risk factors associated with weight training. J Strength and Cond Res. 2022;36:e24-e30. 10. Alex B, Varadharajulu G. Effectiveness of strengthening vs strengthening with stretching in individuals with nonspecific low back pain. Indian J Forensic Med Tox. 2020;14:141-145. D dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com January/February 2024 • Dimensions OF DENTAL HYGIENE 17 FIGURE 5A. THE STARTING POSITION OF A HORIZONTAL CABLE ROW IS DISPLAYED. THE PARTICIPANT HAS HIS FEET PLACED ON THE STAND WITH A SLIGHT BEND IN THE KNEES, AN UPRIGHT BACK AND ARMS FULLY EXTENDED WHILE GRASPING THE HANDLE. FIGURE 5B. IN THE ENDING POSITION OF A HORIZONTAL CABLE ROW, THE HANDLE IS PULLED AS CLOSELY AS POSSIBLE TO THE BODY WITH ELBOWS TUCKED IN ON THE SIDES AND BACK REMAINING UPRIGHT THROUGHOUT THE MOVEMENT. FIGURE 6A. IN THE STARTING POSITION FOR A BACK EXTENSION, THE BACK IS SLIGHTLY FLEXED OVER THE TOP OF THE PAD. FIGURE 6B. IN THE ENDING POSITION FOR A BACK EXTENSION, THE BACK IS NEUTRAL AND NOT HYPEREXTEND PAST NEUTRAL.
