CONCLUSIONS Based on a limited number of studies , the use of ergonomic saddle seats and dental loupes leads to improved working postures .
The use of loupes appears to relieve shoulder , arm and h and pain .
However , their effect on neck pain is scarce .
None of the studies reported on the effect of the saddle seats on musculoskeletal pain .
OBJECTIVES Musculoskeletal disorders affect a high percentage of dentists , dental hygienists and therapists .
Static and awkward working postures are considered as major risk factors .
Proper seat selection and use of magnification loupes are promoted for their ergonomic benefits .
The aim of this review was to evaluate the existing empirical evidence on the effect of the above interventions on ( i ) correction of poor posture and ( ii ) reduction in musculoskeletal pain .
Are neck flexion, neck rotation, and sitting at work risk factors for neck pain? Results of a prospective cohort study
OBJECTIVE To study the relation between neck pain and work related neck flexion , neck rotation , and sitting . METHODS A prospect i ve cohort study was performed with a follow up of 3 years among 1334 workers from 34 companies . Work related physical load was assessed by analysing objective ly measured exposure data ( video recordings ) of neck flexion , neck rotation , and sitting posture .  Neck pain was assessed by a question naire . Adjustments were made for various physical factors that were related or not related to work , psychosocial factors , and individual characteristics . RESULTS A significant positive relation was found between the percentage of the working time in a  sitting position  and neck pain , implying an increased risk of neck pain for workers who were sitting for more than 95 % of the working time ( crude relative risk ( RR ) 2.01 , 95 % confidence interval ( 95 % CI ) 1.04 to 3.88 ; adjusted RR 2.34 , 95 % CI 1.05 to 5.21 ) . A trend for a positive relation between neck flexion and neck pain was found , suggesting an increased risk of neck pain for people working with the neck at a minimum of 20 ° of flexion for more than 70 % of the working time ( crude RR 2.01 , 95 % CI 0.98 to 4.11 ; adjusted RR 1.63 , 95 % CI 0.70 to 3.82 ) . No clear relation was found between neck rotation and neck pain . CONCLUSION Sitting at work for more than 95 % of the working time seems to be a risk factor for neck pain and there is a trend for a positive relation between neck flexion and neck pain . No clear relation was found between neck rotation and neck pain
CONCLUSIONS Based on a limited number of studies , the use of ergonomic saddle seats and dental loupes leads to improved working postures .
The use of loupes appears to relieve shoulder , arm and h and pain .
However , their effect on neck pain is scarce .
None of the studies reported on the effect of the saddle seats on musculoskeletal pain .
OBJECTIVES Musculoskeletal disorders affect a high percentage of dentists , dental hygienists and therapists .
Static and awkward working postures are considered as major risk factors .
Proper seat selection and use of magnification loupes are promoted for their ergonomic benefits .
The aim of this review was to evaluate the existing empirical evidence on the effect of the above interventions on ( i ) correction of poor posture and ( ii ) reduction in musculoskeletal pain .