Yoga-Mimamsa (Jan 2017)
Effects of yoga as a therapy for physical and psychological hazards in dentists in Wardha region
Abstract
Introduction: Yoga is an ancient science of body and mind coordination and is widely practiced as well as researched globally. Various yoga postures are considered therapeutic and can be used to treat physical hazards which have direct relation to dentistry procedures such as musculoskeletal complications and to reduce stress. The ultimate goal of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of yoga in the treatment of psychological and physical hazards among dentists in Wardha region. Objective: This study aims to understand the effect of yoga as a therapeutic aid for the treatment of psychological and physical hazards among dental interns aged between 21 and 24 years in Sharad Pawar Dental College, DMIMS (DU), Wardha region, Maharashtra (India). Method: In this study, dental interns aged between 21 and 24 years were examined to understand the effect of yoga as a therapeutic aid for the treatment of psychological and physical hazards of dental practice. They were subjected to a pretest questionnaire, and then, they were trained and made to undergo yoga session for a month under a trained supervision, after which they were given a posttest questionnaire assessing if there is a reduction in the levels of stress and relief from their musculoskeletal ailments. Results: There was a significant improvement in the quality of life of the participants. Earlier, 64.3% of the interns complained of not being able to provide quality treatment to their patients due to stress and 54.3% could not cope up with their workload previously; after a month of yoga therapy, 62.9% of the interns felt a significant change in the quality of treatment they were providing to the patients and 62.9% of the interns found it easier to cope up with their workload. Previously, 40% of the interns had complained about backaches due to long-standing work hours and 42.9% of the interns had complained of headaches; after the therapy, 44.3% of the interns claimed that their backache had reduced significantly and 42.9% of the interns claimed that the number of times they suffered a headache has reduced. Conclusion: Considering the results, a fair conclusion can be drawn that practicing yoga on a daily basis can have a significant change in the lifestyle of a dentist by allowing them to maintain their health as well as relieving them from their day-to-day stress.
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