increased back and hip fatigue. Stools are not a one-size-fits-all situa-tion. Seating principles used in busi-ness and other industries for ergonomics apply also in dentistry. Stools should support natural move-ment and be easily adjustable to avoid initiating MSD and CDT. Saddle Stools Include: í Increased hip angle to an even greater decline (up to 135 degrees) í Places the clinician halfway between fully sitting and standing í Forces abdominal muscles to engage and provide support to lower back í User activated seat improves balance with legs spread wider apart than seated stools í Increases leg circulation with a decrease in foot swelling due to the increase in angle between the upper and lower legs í Increases mobility of reach due to the ease of maneuvering in smaller spaces í Uses trunk, pelvis and leg muscles in an active manner í Uses postural muscles so no back rest is required í Preserves the spinal curves using a balanced, relaxed stance 7 Virtù Stool: A New Concept in Seating The Virtù creates a new alterna-tive in seating for clinicians. It combines the ergonomic principles utilized in traditional dental stools and task chairs along with declined seating principles. It provides alter-natives for those individuals who are not quite ready to sit in a full declined position; thereby allowing one to choose upright seating, slightly declined seating, or a full forward declined seating position. This new stool concept utilizes breathable mesh materials, increas-ing the airflow and circulation maintained throughout the day. Unique materials of the stool repli-cate that of a sleek executive chair. As the clinician leans forward the tensioned mesh material convexes to assist maintaining an active/dynamic working posture following the user’s back into a passive or reclined posture when at rest. Another beneficial feature is a floating, lumbar shaped backrest. Most backrests are concave or flat. Stool Features Should Include: í Adjustable backrest support with movement that follows the clinician í Contoured seat pan or saddle to fit the buttocks í Seat pans with a waterfall edge to relieve pressure on the back of the knees í Seat height should be adjustable to allow for proper declined seat-ing í Seat tilt tension adjustment allows controlling the amount of active/passive movement by the clinician í Stools should have a wide base of support, usually a five pronged or spokes 38 November/December 2012 JAOS
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society November-December 2012: Page 38
