Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:22:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 3198.pdf: 3159049 bytes, checksum: 5e8ac93b5a62ff5a959370c795dac4e9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-09-03 / This thesis presents three manuscripts derived of two research projects that were developed during the doctorate program. Project 1. Purpose: To determine the interand intra-rater reliability of nerve conduction studies (NCS) of superficial peroneal, sural and medial plantar nerves. Methods: Two raters performed the bilateral NCS twice in 20 healthy participants (23.5±3.5 years). Reliability was analyzed by the Bland- Altman method and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The Bland-Altman method showed a good level of intra- and inter-rater agreement for all parameters nerves. The amplitude and latency of the medial plantar nerve (rater 1), as well the amplitude of the sural nerve (rater 2) had an intra-rater ICC &#8805;0.75. Inter-rater analysis showed concordance levels between moderate and very low. Project 2. Purposes: a) To compare the effects of three cold modalities on the nerve conduction parameters of the sural (sensory) and tibial (motor) nerves during cooling and post-cooling phases b) To analyze the effect of exercise on recovery of sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity (NCV). Methods: Thirty six healthy young subjects (20.5±1.9 years) were randomly allocated into three groups: ice massage (n=12), ice pack (n=12) and cold water immersion (n=12). Each group received 1 of the 3 cold modalities on the right calf region for 15 minutes. The subjects of each modality group were again randomized to perform a post-cooling activity (30 min rest or walk 15 min followed by rest 15min). Nerve conduction parameters of sural and posterior tibial nerves were evaluated. Results: All 3 modalities reduced amplitude and increased latency and duration of the compound action potential. Ice massage, ice pack, and cold water immersion reduced NCV by 20.4, 16.7, and 22.6 m/s and motor NCV by 2.5, 2.1, and 8.3 m/s, respectively. Cold water immersion, as applied in this study, was the most effective modality in changing nerve conduction parameters. The walk accelerated the recovery of sensory and motor NCV, regardless of the modality previously applied (p<0.0001). Conclusions: The NCS provides quantitative measures that contribute to the objective analysis of neural physiological effects of cryotherapy. All 3 modalities were effective in altering sensory and motor nerve conduction. However, the magnitude and duration of these effects depend on the method applied and the activity after cooling. / Esta tese apresenta três manuscritos derivados de dois projetos de pesquisa que foram desenvolvidos no doutorado. Projeto 1. Objetivo: Avaliar a confiabilidade intra e interavaliador dos testes de condução nervosa (TCN) nos nervos sural, peroneal superficial e plantar medial. Métodos: Dois examinadores realizaram duas vezes os TCN bilaterais em 20 participantes saudáveis (23,5±3,5 anos). A confiabilidade foi analisada pelo método de Bland-Altman e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC). Resultados: O método de Bland-Altman indicou um bom nível de concordância intra e inter-avaliador para todos os parâmetros dos TCN. Foram observados ICC intra-avaliador &#8805; 0,75 para amplitude e latência do nervo plantar medial (avaliador 1) e para a amplitude do nervo sural (avaliador 2). A análise inter-avaliador mostrou níveis de concordância entre moderados e muito baixos. Projeto 2. Objetivos: a) Comparar os efeitos de três modalidades de crioterapia sobre os parâmetros de condução dos nervos tibial posterior (motor) e sural (sensorial) durante as fases de resfriamento e pós-resfriamento b) Analisar o efeito do exercício físico na recuperação da velocidade de condução nervosa (VCN) sensorial e motora. Métodos: Trinta e seis sujeitos jovens e saudáveis (20,5±1,9 anos) foram alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos: criomassagem (n=12), pacote de gelo (n=12); imersão em água gelada (n=12). Cada grupo recebeu uma das 3 modalidades de resfriamento na panturrilha direita, durante 15 min. Os sujeitos de cada grupo foram novamente aleatorizados para realizar uma atividade pós-resfriamento (30min de repouso ou 15min de marcha seguido de 15min de repouso). Avaliaram-se os parâmetros de condução nos TCN dos nervos sural e tibial posterior. Resultados. As três modalidades reduziram a amplitude e aumentaram a latência e duração do potencial de ação composto. Criomassagem, pacote de gelo e imersão em água gelada reduziram a VCN sensorial em 20,4, 16,7 e 22,6 m/s, e a VCN motora em apenas 2,5, 2,1 e 8,3 m/s, respectivamente. Imersão em água gelada, como usada neste estudo, foi a modalidade mais eficaz para alterar os parâmetros de condução nervosa. A marcha acelerou a recuperação da VCN sensorial e motora, independente da modalidade previamente aplicada (P<0,0001). Conclusões. Os TCN fornecem medidas quantitativas que subsidiam análises objetivas e úteis na avaliação dos efeitos fisiológicos neurais da crioterapia. As 3 modalidades de resfriamento foram eficazes para alterar a condução sensorial e motora. Contudo, a magnitude e duração desses efeitos dependem do tipo de modalidade usada e da atividade que se realiza após o resfriamento.

This thesis investigated the development of an EEG-based brain controlled switch and the design of a software for nerve conduction study. For EEG-based brain controlled switch, we proposed a novel paradigm for an online brain-controlled switch based on Event-Related Synchronizations (ERDs) following external sync signals. Furthermore, the ERD feature was enhanced by 3 event-related moving averages and the performance was tested online. Subjects were instructed to perform an intended motor task following an external sync signal in order to turn on a virtual switch. Meanwhile, the beta-band (16-20Hz) relative ERD power (ERD in reverse value order) of a single EEG Laplacian channel from primary motor area was calculated and filtered by 3 event-related moving average in real-time. The computer continuously monitored the filtered relative ERD power level until it exceeded a pre-set threshold selected based on the observations of ERD power range to turn on the virtual switch. Four right handed healthy volunteers participated in this study. The false positive rates encountered among the four subjects during the operation of the virtual switch were 0.8±0.4%, whereby the response time delay was 36.9±13.0s and the subjects required approximately 12.3±4.4 s of active urging time to perform repeated attempts in order to turn on the switch in the online experiments. The aim of nerve conduction simulator software design is to create software that can be used by nerve conduction simulator to serve as a medical simulator or education tool to train novice physicians for nerve conduction study test. The real response waveform of 10 different upper limb nerves in conduction studies were obtained from the equipment used in real patient studies. A waveform generation model was built to generalize the response waveform near the standard stimulus site within study interest region based on the extracted waveforms and normal reference parameters of each study and stimulus site coordinates. Finally, based on the model, a software interface was created to simulate 10 different nerve conduction studies of the upper limb with 9 pathological conditions.

Selective stimulation and conduction block of specific nerve fibers has been a major area of research in neuroscience. The potential clinical and neurophysiological applications have warranted reliable techniques for transiently blocking conduction through nerves. High Frequency Alternating Current (HFAC) waveforms have been found to induce a reversible and repeatable block in peripheral nerves; however the effect of these waveforms on the neural activity of individual fiber types is currently unknown. Understanding this effect is critical if clinical applications are to be pursued. This dissertation work utilized extracellular electrophysiological techniques to characterize the activity of different fiber type populations in peripheral nerves during application of HFAC waveforms. First, we investigated the phenomenon in the homogeneous unmyelinated nerves of the sea-slug, Aplysia californica. Although complete reversible block was demonstrated in these nerves, a non-monotonic relationship of block threshold to frequency was found which differed from previously published work in the field. We then investigated the effect of HFAC waveforms on amphibian mixed nerves and studied the response of specific fiber types by isolating different components of the compound action potential. We validated our results from the Aplysia nerves by determining the block thresholds of the larger diameter, myelinated A-fibers and comparing them with those of the smaller diameter, unmyelinated C-fibers. We also showed that block threshold behavior during application of the HFAC waveform depends on the nerve fiber type, and this property can be used to selectively block specific fiber types. Finally, we examined the recovery time after block induction in unmyelinated nerves and found that recovery from block was dependent on the duration of application of the HFAC waveform. The time-dependent distribution of the recovery time and the non-monotonic threshold behavior in the smaller diameter unmyelinated nerves indicate that multiple mechanisms are involved in block induction using HFAC waveforms, and these mechanisms are dependent not only on the blocking stimulus but also on the characteristics of the nerve fiber. Overall, this work demonstrates that HFAC waveforms may enable inherent peripheral nerve properties to be exploited for potential clinical applications related to the treatment of unwanted neural activity.

Smelter workers who were exposed to air-borne arsenic for a mean of 23 years, and age-matched referents, were examined with clinical, physiological, and neurophysiological methods. Exposure to arsenic in workroom air was estimated to have been around the Swedish occupational limits, which were 500 yg/m before 1975 and 50 yg/ra thereafter. An increased preval ence of Raynaud's phenomenon and a reduced finger systolic blood pressure (FSP) during local and general cooling were found in the smelter workers. Slight, but significant sub-clinical neuropathy, in the form of slightly reduced nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in two or more peripheral nerves, was more common among the arsenic workers than among the referents. There were positive correlations between cumulative exposure to arsenic, reduced NCV in three peripheral motor nerves, and decrease in FSP during cooling. Arsenic levels in urine were 1 ymole/1 (75 yg/1) in the arsenic workers and 0.1 ymole/1 in the referents. In 21 arsenic workers with no or very low exposure to vibra ting hand tools, the FSP during cooling had increased significantly after 3 years wit h the lower arsenic exposure. There was no change in FSP during the summer vacation, whereas urinary levels of arsenic decreased to normal values. Thus there seems to be a slow improvement of finger blood circ ulation which is independent of short-term fluctuations in the exposure to arsenic. No seasonal variation was found in FSP during cooling with the standardized method used. When the NCV-measurements were repeated five years later the difference between arsenic workers and referents had increased, despite the fact that 14 of the 47 arsenic workers had had no exposure to arsenic during the last 1-5 years. These observations indicate, that in subjects with long term exposure to arsenic, sub-clinical neuropathy is not reversible. Ten milligrams of Ketanserin, a serotonin receptor antagonist, was given intravenously to five arsenic workers with cold-induced vasospasm. Skin temperature and FSP during cooling increased significantly with Ketanserin as compared wit h saline solution. After oral treatment, 2 x 40 mg /day for four weeks, no significant increase of FSP during cooling or rise in skin temperature was found in six arsenic workers and eleven patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. The decrease of vasospastic tendency after intravenous injection of Ketanserin indicated that similar mechanisms might operate in arsenic-induced and other types of Raynaud's phenomenon. A general co nclusion from the five studies in this dissertation is that long-term occupational exposure to arsenic has had adverse effects on the peripheral circulation and nerve conduction. The tendency to vasospasm, but not the sub-clinical neuropathy, seemed to be reversible with decreasing exposure. / <p>S. 1-54: sammanfattning, s. 55-112: 5 uppsatser</p> / digitalisering@umu

A neuropatia hansênica e a neuropatia hereditária com suscetibilidade à pressão (Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsies - HNPP) são mononeuropatias múltiplas em que os estudos da condução nervosa (ECN) mostram geralmente alentecimento focal em topografias muito semelhantes. Na ausência de uma história familiar de HNPP e das manifestações na pele típicas da hanseníase, o diagnóstico diferencial entre elas pode ser muito difícil. Procurando identificar características que ajudassem a distinguir essas doenças, revisamos e catalogamos os dados da história clínica e dos ECN de 39 pacientes com HNPP e 78 pacientes com neuropatia hansênica. A manifestação inicial mais frequente na hanseníase foi o déficit sensitivo (43 pacientes-55.1%) e na HNPP foi a fraqueza muscular localizada indolor (24 pacientes-61%). Fraqueza muscular foi significativamente superior na HNPP e déficit sensitivo foi significativamente superior na hanseníase (p<0.001). A evolução clínica foi estável ou progressiva até o tratamento em todos os pacientes com hanseníase e na HNPP dez pacientes (25.6%) tiveram um curso progressivo e 29 (74.4%) uma evolução com flutuações. O padrão predominante ao exame neurológico foi a mononeuropatia múltipla: 66 pacientes (84.6%) na hanseníase e 26 pacientes (66.7%) na HNPP. Espessamento neural foi mais frequente na hanseníase (p=0,001) e déficit sensitivo intradérmico foi observado somente na hanseníase (p<0,001). Episódio prévio ou atual de paralisia aguda de nervo foi referido somente na HNPP (p<0,001). O padrão dos ECN prevalente foi a neuropatia sensitivo-motora assimétrica com alentecimento focal da condução (NSMAAF): 44 pacientes (56.4%) na hanseníase e 31 pacientes (94.0%) na HNPP. Os parâmetros clínicos mais úteis em distinguir as duas doenças foram: a perda sensitiva intradérmica com comprometimento precoce das fibras finas e ocorrência de reação hansênica na hanseníase; o envolvimento motor inicial predominante, episódios de paralisia aguda de nervo e a evolução com flutuações na HNPP. Se o paciente a ser avaliado apresentar mononeuropatia múltipla com alentecimentos focais da velocidade de condução, os seguintes achados neurofisiológicos sugerem hanseníase: a não detecção de potenciais sensitivos ou motores, a redução da amplitude dos potenciais de ação sensitivos dos nervos sural, fibular superficial e radial superficial (< 8,8 ?V), a redução da amplitude do potencial de ação muscular composto dos nervos ulnar e tibial posterior, a redução da velocidade de condução do potencial de ação muscular composto do nervo ulnar motor no segmento do antebraço (< 43 m/s) e a presença de dispersão temporal frequente; enquanto os seguintes achados sugerem HNPP: aumento desproporcional da latência distal do nervo mediano motor e a presença de bloqueio de condução. / The Hansen\'s disease neuropathy (HDN) and the Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsies (HNPP) are multiple mononeuropathies whose nerve conduction studies (NCS) usually show focal slowing at very similar topographies. In the absence of a family history of HNPP and the typical skin manifestations of HD, the differential diagnosis between them may be very difficult. In order to identify characteristics that may distinguish these diseases, we reviewed the data of 39 patients with HNPP and of 78 patients with HDN. The most frequent presenting sign was a sensory deficit in 43 patients (55.1%) in the HDN and a localized painless muscular weakness in 24 patients (61%) in the HNPP. Muscle weakness was significantly higher in HNPP and sensory deficit was significantly higher in leprosy (p<0.001). The disease was stable or progressive until treatment in all patients with HDN and among HNPP ten patients (25.6%) had a progressive course and 29 (74.4%) an intermittent evolution. Neural thickening was more frequent in leprosy (p=0.001) and intradermal sensory deficit was observed only in leprosy (p<0.001). Previous or current episode of acute nerve palsy was reported only in HNPP (p<0.001). The predominant pattern on neurological examination was the multiple mononeuropathy: 66 patients (84.6%) in the HDN and 26 patients (66.7%) in the HNPP. The most prevalent pattern of NCS was an asymmetric sensorimotor neuropathy with focal slowing (ASMNFS): 44 patients (56.4%) in HDN and 31 patients (94.0%) in HNPP. The most helpful clinical parameters in distinguishing these diseases were the presence of leprosy reaction and the intradermal sensory loss with predominant early involvement of small nerve fibers in HDN; the initial predominant motor involvement, episodes of acute nerve palsies and the intermittent evolution in HNPP. If the patient evaluation show a pattern of multiple mononeuropathy with focal slowing, the following neurophysiological findings suggest HDN: no detection of sensory or motor potentials, amplitude reduction of the sural, superficial fibular and superficial radial (<8.8 ?V) nerves, amplitude reduction of the motor ulnar and posterior tibial nerves, reduction of the conduction velocity of the motor ulnar nerve at the forearm segment (<43 m/s) and the presence of frequent temporal dispersion; while the following findings suggest HNPP: a disproportionate increase in the motor distal latency of the median nerve and the presence of conduction block.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A hanseníase, uma doença conhecida por suas lesões de pele anestésicas, é a principal causa de neuropatia periférica nos países endêmicos. Os episódios reacionais são classicamente conhecidos por promover piora da função nervosa através das chamadas neurites que variam de quadros exuberantes a assintomáticos. Estas características da neuropatia tornam o diagnóstico precoce excepcionalmente desafiador assim como a necessidade de se intervir para se prevenir lesões permanentes nos nervos. Este estudo clínico, prospectivo, foi realizado selecionando-se pacientes com hanseníase, independente da forma clínica, no Ambulatório Souza Araujo, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, que apresentavam episódios reacionais. O objetivo foi estudar o perfil neurológico clínico, eletroneurofisiológico e por imagem do nervo antes e após o tratamento das reações. Foram avaliados vinte e cinco pacientes levando-se em conta: exame neurológico, avaliação fisioterápica, estudo de condução nervosa, avaliação de espessura e ecogenicidade nervosa pelo método ultrassonográfico, fluxometria por laser Doppler e teste quantitativo da sensibilidade durante e um ano após o tratamento da reação. Estes pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: oito pacientes com neurite aguda, nove pacientes com neurite silenciosa e oito pacientes com reação cutânea sem neurite. Nos pacientes com episódios reacionais, observou-se predomínio do sexo masculino (60%), do grupo multibacilar (80%) e da forma clínica borderline-lepromatosa (36%). A neurite isolada foi o tipo de reação mais frequente, seguida de neurite associada à reação do tipo1, seguida da neurite associada à reação do tipo 2. O nervo motor mais acometido por neurite foi o fibular seguido pelo ulnar, enquanto o nervo sensitivo mais acometido foi o sural. O padrão eletroneuromiográfico característico dos episódios reacionais foi a mononeurite múltipla. A ultrassonografia, a fluxometria por laser Doppler e o teste quantitativo de sensibilidade, associados à clínica e ao estudo da condução nervosa, foram tidos como exames úteis para avaliação inicial e para acompanhar o tratamento dos episódios reacionais. Após o tratamento, foi constatada melhora nos parâmetros referentes à função motora, mas o mesmo não ocorreu para sensibilidade. Com esse estudo, observa-se a necessidade de acompanhamento multidiciplinar com exames especializados para os pacientes com hanseníase a fim de diagnóstico de reação e tratamento precoce evitando sequelas neurológicas. / Leprosy, a disease known for its characteristic insensitive skin patches, is the main cause of peripheral neuropathy in endemic countries. Leprosy reactions are well-known for promoting nerve function impairment by neuritis which range from asymptomatic to exuberant clinical pictures. These neuropathy characteristics make early diagnosis exceptionally challenging as the need to intervene in order to prevent permanent nerve damage. This prospective clinical study was done selecting leprosy patients regardless their clinical form, who had presented leprosy reaction at the Souza Araújo Out-patient clinic, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro. The objective was to study the neurologic, the neurophysiological, and the nerve image pattern before and after the treatment of leprosy reactions.Twenty five patients at the time of leprosy reactions and one year after the reaction treatment had been evaluated by means of neurologic examination, physiotherapyc examination, nerve conduction study, evaluation of thickness and echogenicity of the committed nerves through the use of ultrasound, Laser Doppler fluxometry, and also by the quantitative sensory test. The patients were divided in three groups: eight patients had acute neuritis, nine had silent neuritis, and eight had skin reaction without neuritis.This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.In the evaluated patients presenting reactional episodes there had been a male predominance (60%), a multibacillary group predominance (80%) and a borderline-lepromatosus (36%) clinic form predominance. The isolated neuritis was the most frequent leprosy reaction, followed by neuritis associated with type 1 reaction, and by neuritis associated with type 2 reaction. The most common motor nerve affected by neuritis was peroneal, followed by ulnar nerve whereas most common sensory nerve affected was sural.The characteristic electroneuromyography pattern of leprosy reactions was multiplex mononeuropathy. The ultrasound, Laser Doppler fluxometry, and the quantitative sensory test together with the clinical examination and with the nerve conduction study were helpful exams for initial evaluation and follow-up treatment of leprosy reaction. A motor function improvement had been observed after the treatment but the same didnt occur regarding the sensory function.Throughout these studies it had been observed a need of a multidiscipline follow up for leprosy patients with specialized exams in order to have reaction diagnoses and early treatment avoiding neurological sequelae

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A hanseníase, uma doença conhecida por suas lesões de pele anestésicas, é a principal causa de neuropatia periférica nos países endêmicos. Os episódios reacionais são classicamente conhecidos por promover piora da função nervosa através das chamadas neurites que variam de quadros exuberantes a assintomáticos. Estas características da neuropatia tornam o diagnóstico precoce excepcionalmente desafiador assim como a necessidade de se intervir para se prevenir lesões permanentes nos nervos. Este estudo clínico, prospectivo, foi realizado selecionando-se pacientes com hanseníase, independente da forma clínica, no Ambulatório Souza Araujo, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, que apresentavam episódios reacionais. O objetivo foi estudar o perfil neurológico clínico, eletroneurofisiológico e por imagem do nervo antes e após o tratamento das reações. Foram avaliados vinte e cinco pacientes levando-se em conta: exame neurológico, avaliação fisioterápica, estudo de condução nervosa, avaliação de espessura e ecogenicidade nervosa pelo método ultrassonográfico, fluxometria por laser Doppler e teste quantitativo da sensibilidade durante e um ano após o tratamento da reação. Estes pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: oito pacientes com neurite aguda, nove pacientes com neurite silenciosa e oito pacientes com reação cutânea sem neurite. Nos pacientes com episódios reacionais, observou-se predomínio do sexo masculino (60%), do grupo multibacilar (80%) e da forma clínica borderline-lepromatosa (36%). A neurite isolada foi o tipo de reação mais frequente, seguida de neurite associada à reação do tipo1, seguida da neurite associada à reação do tipo 2. O nervo motor mais acometido por neurite foi o fibular seguido pelo ulnar, enquanto o nervo sensitivo mais acometido foi o sural. O padrão eletroneuromiográfico característico dos episódios reacionais foi a mononeurite múltipla. A ultrassonografia, a fluxometria por laser Doppler e o teste quantitativo de sensibilidade, associados à clínica e ao estudo da condução nervosa, foram tidos como exames úteis para avaliação inicial e para acompanhar o tratamento dos episódios reacionais. Após o tratamento, foi constatada melhora nos parâmetros referentes à função motora, mas o mesmo não ocorreu para sensibilidade. Com esse estudo, observa-se a necessidade de acompanhamento multidiciplinar com exames especializados para os pacientes com hanseníase a fim de diagnóstico de reação e tratamento precoce evitando sequelas neurológicas. / Leprosy, a disease known for its characteristic insensitive skin patches, is the main cause of peripheral neuropathy in endemic countries. Leprosy reactions are well-known for promoting nerve function impairment by neuritis which range from asymptomatic to exuberant clinical pictures. These neuropathy characteristics make early diagnosis exceptionally challenging as the need to intervene in order to prevent permanent nerve damage. This prospective clinical study was done selecting leprosy patients regardless their clinical form, who had presented leprosy reaction at the Souza Araújo Out-patient clinic, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro. The objective was to study the neurologic, the neurophysiological, and the nerve image pattern before and after the treatment of leprosy reactions.Twenty five patients at the time of leprosy reactions and one year after the reaction treatment had been evaluated by means of neurologic examination, physiotherapyc examination, nerve conduction study, evaluation of thickness and echogenicity of the committed nerves through the use of ultrasound, Laser Doppler fluxometry, and also by the quantitative sensory test. The patients were divided in three groups: eight patients had acute neuritis, nine had silent neuritis, and eight had skin reaction without neuritis.This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.In the evaluated patients presenting reactional episodes there had been a male predominance (60%), a multibacillary group predominance (80%) and a borderline-lepromatosus (36%) clinic form predominance. The isolated neuritis was the most frequent leprosy reaction, followed by neuritis associated with type 1 reaction, and by neuritis associated with type 2 reaction. The most common motor nerve affected by neuritis was peroneal, followed by ulnar nerve whereas most common sensory nerve affected was sural.The characteristic electroneuromyography pattern of leprosy reactions was multiplex mononeuropathy. The ultrasound, Laser Doppler fluxometry, and the quantitative sensory test together with the clinical examination and with the nerve conduction study were helpful exams for initial evaluation and follow-up treatment of leprosy reaction. A motor function improvement had been observed after the treatment but the same didnt occur regarding the sensory function.Throughout these studies it had been observed a need of a multidiscipline follow up for leprosy patients with specialized exams in order to have reaction diagnoses and early treatment avoiding neurological sequelae

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2018-06-19T13:41:01Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Fabiana Sarilho de Mendonca.pdf: 960484 bytes, checksum: be95fe89cc95556dccc9a63e7868ac13 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-19T13:41:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fabiana Sarilho de Mendonca.pdf: 960484 bytes, checksum: be95fe89cc95556dccc9a63e7868ac13 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-12-15 / Although the low level light therapy (LLLT) irradiation is indicated for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders like muscle fatigue, tissue repair and as anti-inflammatory agent, its effects on muscle activity are still poorly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of LLLT of irradiation on the nerve conduction velocity and electromyographic activity of the muscle upper trapezius (UT) in healthy subjects. Twenty healthy women (mean age 23.54  2.51) were included in this study, cross-over, controlled, randomized, double blind. Each volunteer has received two types of treatment with continuous LLLT (LLLT) and the other one with LLLT placebo (LLLTP). The treatment order was randomized by raffle, being included an interval of 7 days between each laser intervention (wash-out) to prevent residual effects. The surface electromyography (EMG) was used to verify the nerve conduction velocity (CV) and muscle activity UT during shoulder elevation in isometric contraction to 5 different levels of contraction (10, 15, 20, 25, 30% of maximum voluntary contraction), via visual feedback provided through a driving line. The collects of the EMG signal were performed before and after 30 minutes of treatment (LLLT or LLLTP). In the analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA) it was possible to observe a significant decrease in the amplitude of the EMG signal to treatment with LLLT (p = 0.0001) but not to the placebo treated group (p < 0.05). Regarding of the CV, no change was observed for both treatments (LLLT: p > 0.05; LLLTP: p > 0.05 - ANOVA). In this study it could be observed an immediate effect of LLLT irradiation on the amplitude of the electromyographic signal of the trapezius muscle descending fibers in healthy individuals, but not on the nerve conduction velocity. / Embora a irradiação com laser de baixa potência (LBP) seja indicada para vários tipos de disfunções musculoesqueléticas como fadiga muscular, reparo tecidual e como agente anti-inflamatório, seus efeitos sobre a atividade muscular ainda são pouco conhecidos. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o efeito imediato da irradiação do LBP sobre a velocidade de condução nervosa e a atividade eletromiográfica do músculo trapézio fibras descendentes (TFD) em indivíduos saudáveis. Vinte mulheres saudáveis (idade média: 23,54  2,51) foram incluídas nesse estudo, cruzado, controlado, randomizado duplo cego. Cada voluntária recebeu 2 tipos de tratamento com LBP (LBP) contínuo e outra com LBP placebo (LBPP). A ordem de tratamento foi randomizada por sorteio, sendo incluído um intervalo de 7 dias entre cada intervenção de laser (wash-out) para evitar efeitos residuais. A eletromiografia (EMG) de superfície foi utilizada para verificar a velocidade de condução nervosa (VC) e atividade no músculo TFD durante a elevação do ombro em contração isométrica em 5 diferentes níveis de contração (10, 15, 20, 25, 30% da contração voluntária máxima), por meio de feedback visual proporcionado por uma linha de treino. As coletas do sinal EMG foram realizadas antes e após 30 minutos do tratamento (LBP ou LBPP). Na análise de variância para medidas repetidas (ANOVA) foi possível observar diminuição significativa na amplitude do sinal EMG para o tratamento com LBP (p = 0,0001) porém não para o grupo tratado com LBPP (p < 0,05). Em relação à VC, nenhuma alteração foi observada para ambos os tratamentos (LBP: p > 0,05; LBPP: p > 0,05 - ANOVA). Nesse estudo foi possível observar um efeito imediato da irradiação com LBP sobre a amplitude do sinal eletromiográfico do músculo trapézio fibras descendentes em indivíduo saudáveis, porém, não sobre a velocidade de condução nervosa.

Bakgrund: Nervus medianus är armens mittersta nerv med både efferenta och afferenta nervfibrer. För att undersöka perifera nerver används neurografi. N. medianus sensorik går att undersöka både ortodromt och antidromt där den antidroma metoden framförallt används vid karpaltunnelsyndromfrågeställning. Vanligtvis stimuleras nerven då 7 respektive 14 cm från registreringspunkten på digitorum III, men det finns fördelar med att istället för 7 cm-punkten använda sig av proximal stimulering ovanför armvecket. För denna metod finns dock ont om referensvärden. Syftet med denna studie var därför att samla in referensvärden för latenstider och amplituder.  Metod: Försökspersonerna bestod av 34 personer mellan 22 och 65 år. N. medianus undersöktes sensoriskt med proximal stimulering och registrering på dig III med både 0,1 och 0,2 ms impulsduration.  Resultat: Peaklatenstider varierade mellan 5,94 och 8,7 ms (x̄=7,00 ms) och amplituder varierade mellan 7,2 𝜇V och 72,6 𝜇V (x̄=35,6) vid 0,1 ms impulsduration. Det fanns ett signifikant bidrag av både längd och ålder på både latenstider och amplituder och en signifikant könsskillnad mellan män och kvinnor kunde uppmätas. Det fanns en signifikant, men mycket liten, skillnad i latenstid för impulsduration, men inga skillnader i amplituder. Variationskoefficienten för tre upprepade mätningar varierade mellan 0,9 och 5,3 % för peaklatens och 1,0 och 15,6 % för amplitud.  Slutsats: Hos friska försökspersoner ses en viss variation för amplituder medan latenstider ligger mer samlat. Ålder och längd bör tas med i beräkning av individuella normalvärden och en könsaspekt kan inte heller uteslutas. Impulsduration bör inte ha någon klinisk relevans. Reliabiliteten är bättre för latenstider än amplituder. / Background:. Sensory nerves can be examined both orthodromic and antidromic with nerve conduction studies. In the mixed median nerve is the antidromic method mainly used for evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome. Usually the nerve is stimulated 7 and 14 cm from the recording at digitorum III, but there are some advantages in changing the 7 cm stimulation point to a more proximal one. The purpose of this study was to collect reference values for peak latency times and amplitudes with a proximal stimulation.  Methods: 34 test subjects in the age of 22-65 years were recruited for the study. Sensory nerve conduction studies of the median nerve with proximal stimulation and recording at digitorum III were performed with both 0,1 and 0,2 ms stimulus duration.  Results: Latency times varied between 5,94 and 8,7 ms (x̄=7,00 ms) and amplitudes varied between 7,2 𝜇V and 72,6 𝜇V (x̄=35,6) when 0,1 ms stimulus duration was used. There was a significant contribution by both length and age on latency times and amplitudes and a significant sex difference. There was a small difference in latency times by stimulus duration, but not in amplitudes. The coefficient of variation varied between 0,9 and 5,3 % for peak latency time and 1,0 and 15,6 % for amplitude.  Conclusion: There was some variation in amplitudes, but the latency times were more gathered together. Age and length have to be taken in consideration while individually reference values are calculated and a sex difference cannot be ruled out. Stimulus duration probably does not have a clinically relevant impact. The reliability is better for latency times than for amplitudes.

Introduktion: Elektroneurografi används för att bedöma nervfunktion och påvisa patologiska förändringar i det perifera nervsystemet. Det är en metod känslig för störningar och registreringarna kan påverkas av temperaturen i huden och underliggande vävnad, då värme ökar de perifera nervernas nervledningshastighet.   Fysisk aktivitet har bevisats ha positiva effekter på hälsan och involverar många av kroppens organsystem. En sådan effekt är en ökad metabolism i skelettmusklerna, vilket genererar värme.   Syfte och frågeställning: Syftet är att undersöka de perifera nerverna i en nedre extremitet hos en grupp neurologiskt friska individer utan diagnosticerad diabetes med elektroneurografi, för att se om fysisk aktivitet har någon effekt på den perifera nervfunktionen.   Metod och material: Tre perifera nerver i individernas (n=18) dominanta ben; nervus (n) suralis, n. peroneus och n. tibialis undersöktes med elektroneurografi före och efter måttlig fysisk aktivitet. N. suralis undersöktes sensoriskt och n. peroneus och n. tibialis undersöktes motoriskt och F-respons registrerades. Hudtemperatur och kroppstemperatur mättes inför samtliga registreringar och ansträngningsgrad vid den fysiska aktiviteten uppskattades.   Resultat: Signifikant skillnad mellan registreringarna från n. suralis kunde ses vad gäller latenstid och ledningshastighet, och den distala amplituden, proximala latenstiden samt ledningshastigheten för n. peroneus. Dessutom kunde signifikant skillnad ses i den proximala latenstiden för n. tibialis, och i F-M-latenstiden för n. peroneus och n. tibialis.   Slutsats: En positiv effekt kan ses i en del variabler, troligtvis beroende på temperaturskillnaderna mellan registreringarna. Dock skulle en större undersökningsgrupp potentiellt ge tydligare resultat. / Introduction: Electroneurography is used to assess nerve function and detect pathological changes in the peripheral nerve system. The method is sensitive to interference and measurements can be affected by temperature of the skin and underlying tissue, because heat increases nerve conduction velocity of the peripheral nerves.   It has been concluded that physical activity have a positive effect on health and involves many of the body´s organsystems. One of these effects is an increase in metabolism in skeletal muscles, which generates heat.   Purpose: The purpose is to examine the peripheral nerves in a lower extremity in a group of neurologically healthy individuals without diagnosed diabetes with electroneurography, to determine if physical activity has any effect on the peripheral nerve function.   Method and material: Three peripheral nerves in the individuals (n=18) dominant leg; nervus (n) suralis, n. peroneus and n. tibialis, were examined with electroneurography before and after moderate physical activity. N. suralis were examined for sensory function and n. peroneus and n. tibialis were examined for motor function and F-response. Skin temperature and body temperature were measured before every registration and the individuals assessed their degree of physical effort.   Results: Significant diffrence between the registrations could be seen in the latency and conduction velocity for n. suralis, in the distal amplitude, proximal latency and conduction velocity for n. peroneus, in the proximal latency for n. tibialis and the F-M-latency for n. peroneus and n. tibialis.   Conclusion: A positive effect can be seen on some variables, probably because of temperature diffrences between the registrations. However a larger test group could potentially yield more distinct results.