Study Suggests Significant Stress Reduction Using Ergo Loupes.

Haifa, Israel – Admetec , a leader in the design, development and production of custom loupes and LED lamps for dentists, surgeons, veterinarians and their staff, partners with an Italy-based dental professor in its study of the ergonomic significance of the company's Ergo series of magnifiers. Professor Maria Grazia Piancino , Associate Professor at the University of Turin-Italy, CIR Dental School, Department of Surgical Sciences, as well as a practicing orthodontist, has published extensive research on the functional control of the neuromuscular system, especially skull and jaw movements, and the mutual impact on the overall body.

The idea for the study came when Professor Piancino, who is well versed in proper posture for dentists, noticed a colleague wearing a pair of Admetec Ergo loupes. She suspected that the improved working position of the loupes could significantly reduce neuromuscular strain and recommended evaluating the physical benefits of the ergonomic loupes. Professor Piancino explains: “People are often unaware of the enormous impact that balance and symmetrical muscle activation have on physical comfort – and by extension, mental focus and overall well-being. Dentists tend to work in asymmetrical positions for extended periods of time, placing demands on their physiology that go against the biomechanical design of the body. Professor Piancino goes further and discusses the gradual negative impact this can have on dentists.

“In the short term, asymmetric muscle activation can cause pain and discomfort. In the long term, the result can be cumulative damage, such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) or musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Because the neurological and muscular systems are so closely linked, as clearly demonstrated by recent research, imbalanced overload negatively impacts not only the physical well-being of physicians, but also their ability to concentrate and do their best work. feed. Discovering that these common injuries could be preventable would be very important for dentists and other medical professionals. “

In preliminary research with both dental and postgraduate students, Professor Piancino compared the amount of stress on eight symmetrical back muscles when working with Admetec's Ergo loupes with conventional, through-the-lens (TTL) loupes. The use of the Ergo magnifiers illustrated a more symmetrical activation of the muscles, as well as a significant reduction in muscle peaks and reduction of stress in both the back and neck. The use of the TTL magnifiers resulted in greater stress levels, with muscles being strongly activated asymmetrically and continuously, rather than with postural activity. In other words, these results indicate that the use of non-refractive TTL magnifiers forces the body to work against its biomechanical design, leading to fatigue, pain, discomfort, difficulty maintaining mental focus, and ultimately cumulative trauma that can impact performance and career longevity.

Danny Katz , COO of Admetec: “We were pleased when Professor Piancino chose to investigate the physical impact of using ergonomic magnifiers versus classic TTL magnifiers. It's one thing to receive feedback from doctors about how they feel better with our Ergo loupes. It's another thing to have a scientific explanation of why they feel better.”

Professor Piancino and Admetec have agreed to collaborate on further research into the health implications of using standard TTL magnifiers versus ergo magnifiers.

Admetec's popular Ergo loupe glasses are customized to each individual wearer through a multi-factor process, offering an unparalleled combination of magnification potential and user comfort. The precision vision and exceptionally light weight of the Ergo series helps caregivers work more comfortably and effectively for longer periods of time, maximizing concentration by minimizing physical discomfort. The magnifiers are available in six different magnification levels: 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7.5x, and 10x magnification. The model with 10 times magnification is the world's only ergonomic loupe with such a high magnification level.

Also Published on:
Decisions in Dentistry Online
Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Online