The Role of Treating Musculoskeletal Disorder and Stress in Dental Hygiene Students

Abstract

This feasibility trial examined the potential of a 10-week adapted yoga intervention protocol for pain and stress management among dental hygiene students. Yoga has demonstrated to be effective in the prevention and treatment of pain and stress, both of which have been implicated as significant negative moderators of student performance and experience. Students self-selected into a yoga treatment or control condition. They completed stress and pain measures at the beginning, midpoint, end, and 1-month following treatment. Results suggested that a yoga intervention was feasible for this population and that active yoga practice can lower stress across multiple domains. A X-week yoga protocol appears to be an accessible option for dental hygiene programs that seek to support their students in improving their overall wellbeing