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. 2024 Jun 15;29(1):329.
doi: 10.1186/s40001-024-01895-4.

How does the consecutive use of intraoral scanners affect musculoskeletal health? A preliminary clinical study

KeunBaDa Son  1 , Ji-Min Lee  1 , Jin-Wook Kim  2 , Myoung-Uk Jin  3 , Kyu-Bok Lee  4   5
Affiliations

How does the consecutive use of intraoral scanners affect musculoskeletal health? A preliminary clinical study

KeunBaDa Son et al. Eur J Med Res. .

Abstract

Background: Minimizing muscle strain and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with intraoral scanner (IOS) usage require ergonomic awareness, device selection, and workplace adjustments in dental practice. This preliminary clinical study aimed to simulate intraoral scanning tasks using wired and wireless IOSs and assess muscle activation and fatigue for both types.

Materials and methods: Fourteen participants performed intraoral scanning tasks using wired and wireless IOSs (i700; MEDIT), with weights of 280 g and 328 g, respectively. The same computer system and software conditions were maintained for both groups (N = 14 per IOS group). Electrodes were placed on arm, neck, and shoulder muscles, and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was measured. Surface electromyography (EMG) was performed during the simulation, and EMG values were normalized using MVC. The root mean square EMG (%MVC) and muscle fatigue (%) values were calculated. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U and Friedman tests, with the Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05).

Results: Arm (flexor digitorum superficialis) and neck muscles (left sternocleidomastoid and left splenius capitis) showed significantly higher EMG values with wireless IOS (P < 0.05). The neck (left sternocleidomastoid and right levator scapulae) and shoulder muscles (right trapezius descendens) demonstrated significantly higher muscle fatigue with wireless IOS (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The consecutive use of heavier wireless IOS may increase the risk of muscle activation and fatigue in certain muscles, which may have clinical implications for dentists in terms of ergonomics and musculoskeletal health.

Keywords: Intraoral scanner; Muscle fatigue; Musculoskeletal health; Surface electromyography.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of the data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic representation of electrode attachment positions. EDC, extensor digitorum communis; FDS, flexor digitorum superficialis; SCM, sternocleidomastoid muscle; SC, splenius capitis; T, trapezius descendens
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Intraoral scanners (IOS) used in this study. A Wired IOS. B Wireless IOS
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Scanning simulation using a wireless intraoral scanner
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Comparison of the median frequency of EMG signals in muscles during four consecutive tasks using both wired and wireless intraoral scanners (IOSs) in male and female participants. EDC, extensor digitorum communis; FDS, flexor digitorum superficialis; SCM, sternocleidomastoid muscle; SC, splenius capitis; T, trapezius descendens
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