Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders and associated pains are represent significant and prevalent factors contributing to occupational injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of online upper cross syndrome-based exercises and the posture retraining on pain, disability, fatigue, and mental workload of experienced by dentists in Shahrekord city.
Methods: A total of 33 dentists were selected as the statistical sample and randomly assigned to three groups including, control (n = 11), Online National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) based corrective exercises (n=11), and posture retraining (n=11) groups. Baseline assessments were conducted, and outcomes were examined immidietly after the interventions. The experimental groups underwent the study interventions for six weeks, while the control group maintained their regular daily activities during this period. Primary outcome measure was pain, and secondary measures included disability, perceptual fatigue, mental workload, and quality of life. Within-group comparisons were analyzed using paired sample t-tests, and between-group comparisons utilized one-way analysis of variance.
Results: The results indicated that both exercise interventions positively affected pain, disability, perceptual fatigue, mental workload, and quality of life among dentists (P<0.05). Notably, correction of the upper crossed syndrome demonstrated a more significant effect compared to the posture retraining intervention (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The utilization of online NASM-based corrective exercises and posture retraining could have positive effects in reducing pain and disability and also improving the overall performance of dentists.
