Abstract

Objective. The aim of our study is to assess the relationship between physical activity levels, pain, and anxiety among dental students.

Materials and methods. A total of 237 volunteer participants from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th-year students of Sakarya University Faculty of Dentistry were included in the study. Students who participated in the study completed a demographic form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine physical activity levels, the Beck Anxiety Inventory to assess anxiety levels, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to identify pain areas.

Results. Of the 237 students, 81 were in the 2nd year, 59 were in the 3rd year, 60 were in the 4th year, and 37 were in the 5th year. The physical activity levels of the 2nd-year students were significantly higher than those of the 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-year students (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were found for all painful areas: shoulder, upper back, elbow, lower back, knee, and ankle. However, only the upper back correlation was statistically significant (r = −0.152, p < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between physical activity level and upper back pain and lower back pain experienced on the last day (r=0.217, p<0.001; r= − 0.152, p < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between physical activity level and lower back pain experienced in the last month (r = −0.109, p < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was also found between physical activity level and hip pain experienced in the last 12 months (r = −0.129, p < 0.05).

Conclusion. Dental students’ physical activity levels have been observed to decrease as they approach their professional lives. A negative correlation was observed between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain, but this correlation was weak and fragmented. Furthermore, no significant relationship was found between physical activity level and anxiety. Further studies in this area are recommended.

Key words

dentistry, students, physical activity, anxiety, pain