Objetivo: O propósito deste trabalho é comparar o posicionamento da cabeça e o alinhamento da coluna cervical em indivíduos sem e com DTM miogência (grupo I do eixo I) e mista (grupo I, II e III do eixo I) e comparar os resultados das análises feitas por fotografias, radiografias e avaliação visual. Métodos: 90 mulheres foram diagnosticadas por meio do RDC/TMD por um examinador treinado e a severidade da DTM determinada pelo Índice Anamnésico de Fonseca. Em seguida, foram fotografadas em vista anterior e perfil por um único examinador. Para a realização das fotografias, foram demarcados sobre a pele os seguintes pontos anatômicos: protuberância occiptal, C4, C7, articulação acromioclavicular e esternoclavicular. A partir desses pontos, foram analisados diferentes ângulos por intermédio do aplicativo ALCimagem-2000. Em seguida, foi solicitada uma telerradiografia e uma radiografia da coluna cervical em perfil. O experimentador era cego na análise destes dados. Para a comparação dos resultados, foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado, a análise de variância e o coeficiente de correlação Resultados: Independentemente do método utilizado, os resultados revelaram que a postura da cabeça e da coluna cervical não difere entre o grupo com DTM e sem DTM, independentemente do grupo diagnosticado. Os parâmetros avaliados por meio da avaliação postural visual e da fotogrametria não condizem com os achados radiográficos. Conclusão: A postura do indivíduo com DTM não é diferente do indivíduo sem DTM, independentemente do tipo desta. A fotografia e a avaliação visual permitem uma avaliação do conjunto cabeça - cervical, mas não possibilitam avaliar isoladamente cervical alta e baixa, bem como a rotação do crânio. Para isso, deve ser utilizada a radiografia. / Objective: The purpose of this study was to verify if head\'s posture and cervical spine alignment were influenced by different types of TMD and compared if a correlation among the different forms of evaluating the head\'s positioning and cervical spine alignment. Methods: 90 women were evaluated using RDC/TMD by a trained examiner and Fonseca\' s Anamnesis Index and were divided in 3 groups: with miogenic TMD (group 1); with mixed TMD (group 2) and without TMD (control). After, anterior and lateral view photographs were taken by a single examiner. For the realization of these photos the skin was marked in the following anatomic places: occipital protuberance, C4, C7, acromion clavicular joint and sternoclavicular joint. From these points different angles were analyzed threw the ALCimagem-2000 applicative. These same photos were later qualitatively analyzed (visual evaluation). Later on a teleradiography and radiography of the cervical spine in a lateral position was requested. The examiner was blind when analyzing the images. For the comparison of the results the chi square test and analyze of variance with significant levels of 5% was used. Results: Regardless of the method used the results revealed that the head and the cervical spine posture didn\'t differ among the TMD group and the group without TMD, regardless being group diagnosis. Conclusion: The posture of individuals with TMD isn\'t different than to TMD individuals. The photograph and visual evaluation permits the evaluation of cervical - head region, but doesn\'t permit high and low cervical isolated evaluation, as well as cranio rotation, in this case radiography should be used.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a confiabilidade do método de avaliação postural usandose o Software de Avaliação Postural SAPO que consiste em um programa de avaliação por meio de fotografias digitais baseando-se nos princípios da fotogrametria computadorizada. Para isso, 20 escolares com idade 8,3 ± 0,8 anos de idade foram fotografados na vista anterior, lateral direita, lateral esquerda e posterior. Foram demarcados, sobre a pele dos sujeitos, pontos que normalmente são utilizados na avaliação postural, propostos pelo protocolo SAPO. A partir desses pontos, foi realizada a análise de diferentes ângulos pelo Software de Avaliação Postural SAPO. Na análise intraexaminador, as mesmas fotos foram avaliadas por um único examinador, duas vezes com um intervalo de um mês entre elas. Para a análise interexaminadores, três profissionais diferentes avaliaram as fotografias, e os resultados foram comparados. O método utilizado para comparação dos resultados intra e interexaminadores foi o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse. Os resultados mostraram que o SAPO pode ser considerado uma ferramenta confiável para avaliar a postura em escolares, pois a maioria dos ângulos analisados, tanto na análise intra como interexaminadores, apresentou-se confiável. Dos ângulos estatisticamente confiáveis, houve alguns ângulos com baixo nível de confiabilidade, sendo os principais, na vista lateral, referentes ao alinhamento da pelve, da cabeça, do tornozelo e do quadril, e, na vista posterior, os referentes ao ângulo perna e retropé. Portanto, o Software de Avaliação Postural SAPO sugere ser um método confiável para avaliação postural, entretanto necessita de mais estudos a fim de verificar melhor a confiabilidades na vista lateral e posterior, principalmente em ângulos que envolvam as curvaturas vertebrais no plano sagital. / This study aimed to verify the reliability of the postural evaluation method using the Postural Assessment Software SAPO. This software consists of an assessment program with digital photographs, through computerized photogrammetry. Twenty students with 8.3 ± 0.8 years of age were photographed on the anterior, left and right laterals and posterior views. The points usually used for postural assessment, proposed by the SAPO protocol, were marked on the subjects skin. Through these points, the analysis from different angles was done by the Postural Assessment Software SAPO. The intraexaminer analysis was done by one single examiner, who evaluated the same photos twice, in a one-month interval. The interexaminer analysis was done by three different professionals, who evaluated the photographs and had their results compared. The method used for intra- and inter-examiner comparison of results was the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results showed that SAPO can be considered a reliable tool to assess students posture, as in both intra- and inter-examiners analysis most angles were reliable. Among the statistically reliable angles, some had low level of reliability, mostly in the lateral view, regarding the alignment of the pelvis, head, ankle and hips, and in the posterior view, the leg and hindfoot angles. Thus, it is suggested the Postural Assessment Software SAPO is a reliable method for postural assessment. Nevertheless, further studies are needed in order to better verify its reliability in lateral and posterior views, especially in angles involving sagittal plan spinal curvatures.

Orientador: Paulo Henrique Ferreira Caria / Texto em português e inglês / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-24T18:34:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rocha_CamilaPinhata_D.pdf: 2293185 bytes, checksum: 1a8225d4fe8bdc9f77d02b66f33febf0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: Ao longo da evolução humana, as estruturas que formam a articulação temporomandibular, particularmente o osso temporal, têm apresentado algumas características que nos permitem diferenciar espécimes de hominídeos, e embora a morfologia dessas estruturas tenham sido bem apreciadas ao longo da evolução humana, a distribuição das tensões mastigatórias no osso temporal é apenas parcialmente compreendida, especialmente no que diz respeito às forças incidentes na fossa mandibular. Uma preocupação crescente com as alterações nessa articulação tem estimulado as pesquisas para a elucidação do complexo, função e disfunção da articulação temporomandibular. Acreditar-se que os principais fatores contribuintes que afetam a saúde dos tecidos articulares sejam as características das cargas que incidem sobre esta articulação, além disso, alguns autores reportam que problemas envolvendo postura de cabeça e pescoço também podem causar disfunções temporomandibulares. Os Objetivos deste estudo foram realizar uma revisão sistemática a fim de encontrar evidências suficientes para aceitar ou negar a associação entre postura de cabeça e pescoço e disfunções temporomandibulares e analisar as tensões mastigatórias na fossa mandibular de diferentes hominídeos. A revisão sistemática sobre o tema disfunções temporomandibulares e postura de cabeça e pescoço foi realizada nas bases de dados Medline, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed e Lilacs. Dezessete artigos preencheram os critérios de inclusão, os quais tiveram sua qualidade metodológica avaliada. As evidências encontradas na revisão sistemática mostraram que a relação entre disfunções temporomandibulares e postura de cabeça e pescoço ainda é controversa e o número insuficiente de artigos considerados de excelente qualidade metodológica é um fator que dificulta a aceitação ou negação desta associação. Para analisar as tensões mastigatórias na fossa mandibular dos hominídeos estudados, foi desenvolvido 1 modelo analítico tridimensional a partir de imagens tomográficas de um crânio e uma mandíbula secos de um homo sapiens sapiens; em seguida foram construídos 3 modelos do tipo CAD tridimensional, a partir do modelo analítico tridimensional gerado pelo crânio e mandíbula secos do homo sapiens sapiens e de arquivos em formato esteriolitográfico dos fósseis La Ferrassie 1 e Cro-magnon 1 obtidos junto ao Museu Nacional de História Natural de Paris. Os modelos foram posteriormente convertidos em malhas de elementos finitos (Ansys 1.4) e cargas simulando a ação dos músculos masseter, temporal e pterigoideo medial foram aplicadas. Os resultados dessas simulações nos permitiram verificar que as tensões ficaram menos intensas e ocuparam uma área mais ampla na fossa mandibular dos hominídeos ao longo do tempo, e os locais com maior incidência de tensões foram os que mais sofreram modificações morfológicas / Abstract: Throughout human evolution, the structures that form the temporomandibular joint , particularly the temporal bone , have shown some characteristics that allow us differentiate hominid specimens , and although the morphology of these structures have been well appreciated throughout human evolution, the masticatory stress distribution at the temporal bone is partially understood, especially with regard to incident forces at the mandibular fossa. A growing concern about the changes in this joint has stimulated research to elucidate the function and dysfunction complex of temporomandibular joint. Believe that the main factors that affect the health of joint tissues are the characteristics of the loads imposed on this joint, moreover, some authors report that problems involving the head and neck posture can also cause temporomandibular disorders. The objectives of this study were to conduct a systematic review in order to find sufficient evidence to accept or deny the association between head and neck posture and temporomandibular disorders and to analyze the masticatory stresses in the mandibular fossa of different hominids. The systematic review on temporomandibular disorders and posture of the head and neck was performed in Medline, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE , PubMed and Lilacs; Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria, which had assessed their methodological quality. The evidence found in the systematic review showed that the relationship between temporomandibular disorders and posture of the head and neck is still controversial and the insufficient number of articles considered of excellent methodological quality is a factor that hinders accept or deny of this association. To analyze the masticatory stresses in the mandibular fossa, one dimensional analytical model was developed from CT images of a dried skull and jaw of a Homo sapiens sapiens; Then 3 dimensional CAD models were developed, from the dimensional analytical model generated by the dry skull and mandible of Homo sapiens sapiens and esteriolitográfico format files of fossils La Ferrassie 1 and Cro-magnon 1, obtained from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. Then, the models were converted into finite element mesh (Ansys 1.4) and loads simulating the action of the masseter, temporalis and medial pterygoid were applied. The results of these simulations allowed us to verify that the voltages were less intense and occupied a wider area in the mandibular fossa of hominids over time and the locals with higher incidence of tensions were that suffered more changes morphological / Doutorado / Anatomia / Doutora em Biologia Buco-Dental

Orientador: Frederico Andrade e Silva / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-23T00:59:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DelAguila_LuzmilaRojas_M.pdf: 4957531 bytes, checksum: 9a0913c1dabb644fdf490db1d29b7c43 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar por meio da cefalometria a influência da dimensão vertical de oclusão (DVO), utilizando um aparelho oclusal liso e plano, no espaço aéreo faríngeo, na posição do osso hioide e na postura da cabeça. Foram selecionados trinta voluntários desdentados totais, usuários de próteses totais, com dimensão vertical deficiente, inscritos no banco de pacientes do CETASE (Centro de Estudos e Tratamentos das Alterações Funcionais do Sistema Estomatognático) da Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba. Foram realizadas tomadas radiográficas cefalométricas de perfil com a cabeça em posição natural, antes e após o uso dos aparelhos por um período de 90 dias. Foram obtidas medidas lineares e angulares do espaço aéreo faríngeo, da posição do osso hioide e da postura da cabeça. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise estatística pelo teste t de Student com nível de significância de 5%. As medidas iniciais e finais do espaço aéreo faríngeo, da posição do osso hioide e da postura da cabeça apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes após o tratamento instituído. Os resultados demonstraram que existe relação entre essas estruturas e, que a restauração da DVO com aparelhos oclusais lisos e planos tem influência nestas relações / Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze by means of cephalometry the influence of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD), using a flat and plane occlusal appliance, in the pharyngeal airway space, in the position of the hyoid bone and head posture. Thirty healthy, complete edentulous, denture wearers, with deficient vertical dimension volunteers were selected through patients enrolled in the bank's CETASE (Center for the Study and Treatment of Functional Alterations of the stomatognathic system) of the Dentistry School of Piracicaba. Cephalometric radiographs were taken in profile with the head in a natural position, before and after using the flat and plane occlusal appliance during a period of time of 90 days. We obtained linear and angular measurements of the pharyngeal airway space, the position of the hyoid bone and head posture. The collected data were statistically analyzed by Student's t test with level of significance by 5%. The initial and final measurements of the pharyngeal airway space, the position of the hyoid bone and head posture showed significant statistically differences after treatment. The results showed that there is a relationship between these structures and the restoration of OVD using flat and plane occlusal appliances / Mestrado / Protese Dental / Mestra em Clínica Odontológica

Mathematical modelling is widely used in the field of biomechanics. The traditional approach to investigate spine related injuries is to check the strength of the components of the spine. Spinal stability approach focuses on the force polygons formed by the body weight, muscle forces, ligament forces and external load. This force polygon is expected to stay within the boundaries of the spine to ensure stability. Proving the possibility of one force polygon within the spine boundaries proves the stability of the spine. This study focuses on the full curvature of the spine for spinal stability investigations in a lifting activity. An experiment has been designed to investigate the postural differences in males and females by measuring the full spinal curvature with a skin surface device. Distributed body weight force, with increased detail of muscle and ligament forces acting on the spine have been modelled by writing a code in Visual Basic, while lifting a load from the boot of a car in the sagittal plane. This model is flexible enough to reflect changes in body weight parameter. Results show that there is a difference between male and female postures during the full span of lifting activities. Application of individual muscle forces provides greater control of stability at each vertebral level. By considering the elongation of the ligaments and the force requirements of the muscle groups, it is possible to diagnose soft tissue failure. The differences in posture result in different moment arms for muscles and ligaments causing different loading on the spine. Most critical postures have been identified as the fully flexed postures with external load acting on the spine. Conceptual design ideas have been proposed to assist lifting a load from the boot of a car to eliminate the excessive flexion and loading on the spine.

The temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a prevalent disease, with manifestations and symptoms involving the structures of the cranio-cervical-mandibular complex and damage of stomatognathic functions. The etiology is multifactorial and, among the factors triggering or perpetuating, has been referred to the body posture. However, a consensus does not exist in the literature about the relationship posture and TMD. In the view of these controversies, this study aimed to evaluate the body posture, the distribution of plantar pressure and the electrical activity of masticatory and cervical muscles in individuals with and without TMD. Sixty individuals of both genders were classified by the Instrument Diagnostic Criteria for Research on Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and divided into study group (SG - 30 individuals, mean age 25 ± 4 years) and control group (CG - 30 individuals, mean age 22 ± 2 years). The body posture was evaluated by photogrammetry (software SAPo v 0.68®) in the anterior, lateral left and posterior view, the plantar pressure distribution by baropodometry(software Footwork) and electrical activity of masticatory muscles (masseter and anterior temporal) and neck (sternocleidomastoid and trapezius), bilaterally. These last evaluations accomplished in the situations of rest and maximal intercuspal jaw position. The SG was characterized by presenting TMD of mixed origin (muscular and articular). Significant differences were observed in 33.33% of photogrammetric measurements between individuals with and without TMD. The cervical distance (p= 0,0043), trunk inclination (p= 0,0038) and valgus of the calcaneus (right p= 0,0087, left p= 0,0444) were significantly larger in the SG and CG individuals showed significant anterior displacement of the vertical alignment of the body (p= 0,033) and anterior pelvic tilt (p= 0,0031). In baropodometric evaluation differences between groups were not found. However, the TMD patients were significantly different between rest and maximum intercuspal position (p= 0,0274), with anterior displacement of the center of pressure in the latter tending to normalization of the distribution of plantar pressure. On electromyographic examination only the left temporal muscle was significantly more active at rest, in individuals of SG (p= 0,0147), with no difference in maximum intercuspal between the groups. The electrical activity increased significantly from the rest to the maximal intercuspal jaw position on the cervical muscles in all individuals. It was observed significant correlations between the posture of the upper cervical spine and the electromyographic activity of right and left masseter in the SG (p= 0,0440, p= 0,0430, respectively), during maximal intercuspal position. From the results it is concluded that the relationship between posture and TMD can not be fully clarified. Although individuals with TMD present more misalignment of the overall body posture, no difference in the distribution of plantar pressures and in the electrical activity of most muscles tested between the groups was observed. However, in the maximal intercuspal, the results of baropodometry and the correlations between photogrammetry and electromyography, in individuals with TMD, suggest the functional relationship of stomatognathic and postural systems. / A disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) é uma patologia prevalente, com manifestações e sintomas que envolvem as estruturas do complexo crânio-cérvico-mandibular e prejuízo das funções estomatognáticas. A etiologia é multifatorial e, dentre os fatores desencadeantes e perpetuantes, tem sido referida a postura corporal. Porém, não existe um consenso na literatura da relação entre postura e DTM. Diante dessas controvérsias, esse estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a postura corporal, a distribuição das pressões plantares e a atividade elétrica dos músculos mastigatórios e cervicais em indivíduos com e sem DTM. Sessenta indivíduos, de ambos os gêneros, foram classificados pelo instrumento Critérios de Diagnóstico para Pesquisa de Desordens Temporomandibulares (RDC/TMD) e divididos em grupo estudo (GE - 30 indivíduos, com idade média 25 ±4 anos) e grupo controle (GC - 30 indivíduos, com idade média 22 ±2 anos). Avaliou-se a postura corporal por fotogrametria (software SAPo v 0.68®) nas vistas anterior, lateral esquerda e posterior; a distribuição das pressões plantares por baropodometria (software Footwork) e a atividade elétrica dos músculos mastigatórios (masseter e temporal anterior) e cervicais (esternocleidomastóideo e trapézio superior), bilateralmente. Estas últimas avaliações realizadas nas situações de repouso mandibular e máxima intercuspidação. O GE caracterizou-se por apresentar DTM de origem mista (muscular e articular). Observaram-se diferenças significantes em 33,33% das medidas fotogramétricas entre os indivíduos com e sem DTM. A distância cervical (p=0,0043), inclinação do tronco (p= 0,0038) e valgismo dos calcâneos (direito p=0,0087; esquerdo p=0,0444) foram significativamente maiores no GE e os indivíduos do GC apresentaram significante deslocamento anterior do alinhamento vertical corporal (p=0,033) e anteversão pélvica (p=0,0031). Na avaliação baropodométrica não houve diferenças entre os grupos. Porém, os indivíduos com DTM apresentaram diferença significante entre repouso e máxima intercuspidação (p=0,0274), com deslocamento anterior do centro de pressão nesta última, tendendo a normalização da distribuição das pressões plantares. Na avaliação eletromiográfica, somente o músculo temporal esquerdo estava significativamente mais ativo, no repouso, nos indivíduos do GE (p= 0,0147), não havendo diferença na máxima intercuspidação entre os grupos. A atividade elétrica aumentou significativamente do repouso para a máxima intercuspidação nos músculos cervicais em todos os indivíduos. Observaram-se correlações significantes entre a postura da coluna cervical alta e a atividade eletromiográfica dos masseteres direito e esquerdo no GE na máxima intercuspidação (p=0,0440; p= 0,0430, respectivamente). A partir dos resultados encontrados concluiu-se que a relação entre postura e DTM não pode ser totalmente esclarecida. Apesar dos indivíduos com DTM apresentarem maior desalinhamento na postura corporal global, não houve diferença na distribuição das pressões plantares e na atividade elétrica da maioria dos músculos avaliados entre os grupos. Entretanto, na máxima intercuspidação, os resultados da avaliação baropodométrica e as correlações entre fotogrametria e eletromiografia, em indivíduos com DTM, sugerem a relação funcional entre os sistemas estomatognático e postural.

This study aimed to verify the relationship of postural control and oral skills. The mixed longitudinal study, consisted of 43 children ages 4, 6 and 9 months of corrected age, a total of 80 ratings. The positions of prone, supine, sitting and standing, were evaluated according to the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). The sitting and prone were classified as appropriate and not appropriate for the ages assessed in accordance with the senior representative of each position of the AIMS, which demonstrated the month in which 90% of children had each position. The development of oral skills was through the movement of lips, tongue and jaw during bottle-feeding / breast withdrawal pasty the spoon, the use of the cup and biscuits. The planes of movement, sagittal, frontal and transverse behavior were analyzed in the postural and oral skills. All evaluations were videotaped and analyzed by 3 physiotherapists and speech therapists 3. The parents answered a questionnaire with closed questions on eating behavior and attitudes usual, the child during the day. Later, there was a statistical analysis to test interrater reliability, Fisher's test to verify the relationship between postural control and oral skills and Kruskal-Wallis test for comparison between ages. The motor development was late, especially at 4 and 6 months and an evolution from the sixth month. In analyzing the survey, found that no family had the habit of placing the child in a prone position. Most parents are not encouraged to sit at 6 months, while at 9 months, most children were encouraged in this position. In relation to oral skills, some of them were not complete in all children, like, lip seal, lip pressure, lateralization of language and rotation of tongue and jaw. However, there was a progressive development of these movements over the months. In analyzing the data of postural control and oral skills has not been verified relationship between them, because the movements of the oral structures were more developed than postural control. / Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a relação do controle postural e das habilidades orais. O estudo longitudinal misto, constituiu-se de 43 crianças com idades de 4, 6 e 9 meses de idade corrigida, totalizando 80 avaliações. As posições prono, supino, sentado e em pé, foram avaliadas de acordo com a Alberta Motor Infant Scale (AIMS). O prono e o sentado foram classificados em adequada e não adequada para as idades avaliadas, de acordo com os quadros representativos de cada posição da AIMS, que demonstrou o mês em que 90% das crianças adquiriram cada posição. O desenvolvimento das habilidades orais verificou-se através dos movimentos de lábios, língua e mandíbula, durante o uso da mamadeira/seio, da retirada do alimento pastoso da colher, do uso do copo e da bolacha. Os planos de movimento, sagital, frontal e transversal foram analisados no comportamento postural e nas habilidades orais. Todas as avaliações foram filmadas e analisadas por 3 fisioterapeutas e 3 fonoaudiólogas. Os pais responderam a um questionário, com perguntas fechadas sobre o comportamento alimentar e posturas usuais, da criança, durante o dia. Posteriormente, realizou-se a análise estatística, com o teste de concordância entre avaliadores, teste de Fisher para verificar relação entre o controle postural e as habilidades orais e teste de Kruskal-Wallis para comparação entre as idades. O desenvolvimento motor apresentou atraso, principalmente aos 4 e 6 meses e uma evolução a partir do sexto mês. Ao analisar o questionário, verificou-se que nenhum familiar apresentou o hábito de colocar a criança em prono. A maioria dos pais não estimulou o sentar aos 6 meses, enquanto que aos 9 meses, a maioria das crianças foi estimulada nesta posição. Em relação às habilidades orais, algumas delas não estavam completas em todas as crianças, como vedamento labial, preensão labial, lateralização de língua e rotação de língua e mandíbula. Apesar disso, houve um desenvolvimento progressivo destes movimentos, ao longo dos meses. Ao analisar os dados do controle postural e das habilidades orais, não foi verificado relação entre eles, pois os movimentos das estruturas orais estavam mais desenvolvidos que o controle postural.

The influence of mouth breathing to the adequate performance of the stomatognathic system functions and about the body posture have been discussed in the scientific environment. Mouth breathing is a pathologic condition, whose etiology is multifactorial, being able to be subcategorized as obstructive/organic and functional/vicious. The purpose of this study was to verify the relationship between global body posture and the stomatognathic functions in obstructive and functional oral breathers. For this, we evaluated 21 children, aged between 8 and 9 years old, 8 male and 13 female. We evaluated the structure and functions of the stomatognathic system; of the body posture, through the digital biophotogrammetry, processed by the software SAPo® and otorrinolaringologic, through rhinoscopy and nasofibroscopy. After processing and analyzing the study data, we applied the Chisquare, Fisher, or Mann-Withney Tests, and the Student s t-test, with level of significance of 5% (p < 0.05). We also carried out group analyses or cluster. The proper chewing, that is alternate bilateral, was observed in a higher level in OOB (Obstructive Oral Breathers) (12.5%) compared to VOB (Vicious Oral Breathers) (7.7%). The chewing noise presented a high frequency in both groups (VOB 61.5%; OOB 75%). The OOBs also presented a higher frequency related to the noise and speed alterations. Regarding the other atypical characteristics, the group of VOBs obtained a higher frequency, but the results were not statistically significant. In swallowing, as the normal patterns as the atypical characteristics are more frequent in VOB, except the noise which was the only observed statistical difference in OOBs. In dendograms, anterior and lateral views, as well as in the biophotogrammetry, the head was anteriorized in the groups. We could observe the prevalence of head anterior deviation and the presence of cephalic movements in OB (Oral Breathers) during swallowing (p=0.016) and a longer time of chewing (p=0.047). So, there is no difference if the oral breather is obstructive or vicious, to the harmful effects to the stomatognathic system and to the body posture, as well as the little significant relation between posture and stomatognathic functions. Therefore, it is extremely important that during the evaluation of the stomatognathic functions we consider the way of breathing and the body posture of each individual, because some results were statistically sig nificant. / A influência da respiração oral no adequado desempenho das funções do sistema estomatognático e sobre a postura corporal tem sido discutida no meio científico. A respiração oral é uma condição patológica, cuja etiologia é multifatorial, podendo estas serem subcategorizadas em obstrutivas/orgânicas e funcionais/viciosos. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação entre a postura corporal global e as funções estomatognáticas em respiradores orais obstrutivos e funcionais. Para tanto, avaliou-se 21 crianças, de 8 e 9 anos, 8 do sexo masculino e 13 do sexo feminino. Realizou-se avaliação das estruturas e funções do sistema estomatognático; da postura corporal, por meio da biofotogrametria digital, processada pelo software SAPo® e otorrinolaringológica, através da rinoscopia e nasofibroscopia. Após os dados do estudo serem processados e analisados, aplicou-se o Teste Qui-quadrado ou de Fisher ou o de Mann-Withney, e o teste T de Student, com nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). Também foram realizadas análises de agrupamento ou cluster. A mastigação adequada, ou seja, bilateral alternada, foi mais observada nos ROO (12,5%) em relação aos ROF (7,7%). Já o ruído na mastigação apresentou freqüência elevada em ambos os grupos (ROF - 61,5%; ROO - 75%). Os ROOs também apresentaram maior freqüência no que se refere ao ruído,e à alteração da velocidade. Nas demais características atípicas o grupo de ROF obteve maior freqüência, contudo nenhum dos resultados foi estatisticamente significante. Na deglutição, tanto o padrão de normalidade quanto as características de atipia são mais freqüentes nos ROF, com exceção do ruído que foi a única diferença estatística observada nos ROOs. Nos dendogramas, na vista anterior e lateral, assim como na biofotogrametria, a cabeça encontrou-se anteriorizada nos grupos. Pode-se verificar a prevalência de desvio anterior da cabeça e a presença de movimentos cefálicos nos RO durante a deglutição (p=0,016) e o maior tempo de mastigação (p=0,047). Assim, não há diferença se o respirador oral é obstrutivo ou vicioso, quanto aos efeitos nocivos no sistema estomatognático e à postura corporal, bem como pouca relação significante ente postura e funções estomatognáticas. Apesar disso, julga-se necessário que durante a avaliação das funções estomatognáticas seja levado em conta o modo respiratório e a postura corporal de cada indivíduo, já que alguns resultados mostraram-se estatisticamente significativos.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Mechanical neck pain is the most common type of cervical spine pain encountered. It is also referred to as simple or non-specific neck pain and is common in all groups of people (Plaugher, 1993). A majority of individuals with neck pain do not experience a resolution in their pain and disability and this thus results in chronicity (Cote, Cassidy, Carrol and Kristman, 2004). Chiropractic manipulative therapy (CMT) is a specific form of articular manipulation, especially of the vertebral column. This is performed either manually, mechanically, actively or passively in order to restore normal articular alignment and function (Gatterman, 2005). Proprioceptive neck exercises are designed to retrain the cervical musculature to regain its position sense in space. Specific exercises are designed to locate the head to a neutral position and then to do a series of movements in other planes, and then to return the head to the neutral position (Revel, Minguet, Gergoy, Valliant and Manuel, 1994). Chiropractic manipulative therapy does have documented positive effects on the proprioceptive system within the cervical spine (Palmgren, 2006) as does proprioceptive exercises (Sarig-Bahat, 2003; Revel, Minguet, Gergoy, Vaillant, Manuel, 1994). The desired effects of combining both these treatments would be to increase the response rate in patients suffering from chronic mechanical neck pain. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Chiropractic manipulative therapy (CMT) and proprioceptive neck exercises as stand-alone treatment protocols, as well as a combination treatment protocol with regards to neck pain, disability, cervical spine range of motion and Head Repositioning Accuracy (HRA). Participants were recruited from the University of Johannesburg Chiropractic Day Clinic. They were eligible to participate in the study once they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were recruited by means of advertisements that were placed around the respective campuses of the University of Johannesburg as well as by word of mouth. Thirty participants, who presented with chronic mechanical neck pain, volunteered for this randomised comparative clinical study. The participants, aged between 18 - 40, were randomly divided into three groups of ten, with a half female to male ratio. Group 1 received Chiropractic manipulative therapy to the restricted joints in the cervical spine, Group 2 received proprioceptive neck exercises and Group 3 received a combination of both treatments. Participants were treated for a total of 6 visits over a three week period. Subjective and objective measurements were taken at the beginning of visits 1, 4 and at a final visit 7 during which only measurements were taken. Subjective measurements consisted of the Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index (VMNPDI) and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) to assess the participants‟ neck pain and disability as well as their perception of pain. Objective measurements were obtained by using the Cervical Range of Motion device (CROM) as well as measuring the Head Repositioning Accuracy (HRA) as described by Revel, Andre-Deshays and Minguet (1991). Based on the results of the study, it could be concluded that both Group 1 (Chiropractic manipulative therapy to the restricted joints in the cervical spine) and Group 3 (a combination of cervical spine manipulation and proprioceptive neck exercises) can be used effectively to treat chronic mechanical neck pain and improve HRA. Group 1, 2 and 3 showed statistical improvements in certain areas and clinical improvements in all areas over time. It could not be statistically concluded whether one treatment is superior to the other, although clinically, Group 1 and Group 3 seemed to be more effective. Considering that Group 3 is a combination of cervical spine manipulation and proprioceptive neck exercises, it could be considered as a valid treatment protocol for chronic mechanical neck pain and improving HRA and could thus be used in a clinical setting.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of Bruegger’s exercise on chronic low back pain in association with lower crossed syndrome and compare it to spinal manipulation alone or a combination of Bruegger’s exercise and spinal manipulation with regards to pain and disability, hip and lumbar range of motion as well as degree of lumbar lordosis. Method: Thirty participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to one of three different groups of ten participants each. Group one was only instructed on how to perform Bruegger’s exercise. Group two only received a spinal manipulation/s over the restricted joint/s in the lumbar spine. Group three received a spinal manipulation/s over the restricted joint/s in the lumbar spine in conjunction to being instructed on how to perform Bruegger’s exercise. All participants were assessed over a four week period. All groups attended six treatment sessions over three weeks of which Bruegger’s exercise and/or spinal manipulation were performed. The participants who needed to perform Bruegger’s exercise were also advised to continue doing the exercise out of the treatment session where applicable. In the fourth week only measurements were taken and no treatment was administered. Procedure: Subjective data was collected at the first and fourth consultations prior to treatment, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire to assess pain and disability. Objective data was collected at the first and fourth consultations prior to treatment, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a universal goniometer for assessing passive hip flexion and extension, a digital inclinometer for assessing active lumbar range of motion and a flexible ruler for measuring the degree of lumbar lordosis. Analysis of collected data was performed by a statician. Results: Clinically significant improvements in group 1, group 2 and group 3 were noted over the duration of the study with regards to pain, disability, hip and lumbar range of motion as well as degree of lumbar lordosis. Statistically significant changes were noted in group 1 and group 2 with regards to pain, disability, hip and lumbar range of motion as well as degree of lumbar lordosis, and in group 3 with regards to hip and lumbar range of motion as well as degree of lumbar lordosis. Conclusion: The results show that Bruegger’s exercise, spinal manipulation and the combination of Bruegger’s exercise and spinal manipulation are effective treatment protocols both clinically and significantly in decreasing pain and disability (not statistically for the combination of Bruegger’s exercise and spinal manipulation), increasing hip and lumbar range of motion as well as decreasing the degree of lumbar lordosis. However, there was no treatment protocol that proved to be preferential over the other. Because spinal manipulation alone showed the greatest overall clinical improvements, it may be suggested that spinal manipulation alone is the most effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain associated with lower crossed syndrome with regards to pain and disability, hip and lumbar range of motion as well as degree of lumbar lordosis. Also, the addition of Bruegger’s exercise may help in some instances to further assist in treatment once the full effects of the spinal manipulation has occurred and allowed for the muscles to be in their optimum state for exercise.