Syfte: Målsättningen med studien är att hos friska kvinnor utvärdera om intensiv tuggning leder till en proprioceptiv allodyni i massetermuskulaturen. Följande hypoteser testades i studien: 30 minuters intensivt tuggande leder till (1) ökad trötthet och smärta, (2) sänkt smärttröskel, (3) ökad vibrotaktil känslighet (4) samt träningsvärk i massetermuskulaturen bilateralt. Material och Metod: 16 friska kvinnor (medelålder 25.8 ± 5.0 år) deltog i studien som bestod av två 60-minuters sessioner med 24-timmars uppföljning. Vid ena sessionen tuggade försökspersonerna på ett grekiskt tuggummi (Masticha Chios) i 5-minuters intervaller under 30 minuter, och vilade vid den andra sessionen. En vibrameter användes för att mäta vibrationströskel, upplevd vibrationsintensitet och upplevd vibrationsobehag. Upplevd trötthet och upplevd smärtintensitet värderades enligt en visuell analog skala 0-100 mm (VAS skala). Smärttröskeln mättes med en algometer som applicerades på massetermuskelns fäste. Två vägs variansanalys användes för att testa utfallsvariabler för upprepade mätningar och Dunnett’s posthoc-test. Resultat: En signifikant skillnad kunde ses mellan tuggning och icke tuggning för vibrationströskeln (P < 0.001); upplevda tröttheten (P < 0.001); smärttröskeln (P < 0.01); upplevda vibrationsobehaget (P < 0.05). Inga signifikanta skillnader observerades för upplevd smärta och upplevd vibrationsobehag. Däremot kunde en signifikant ökning ses över tid för vibrationströskeln och den upplevda tröttheten. Konklusion: Våra fynd indikerar att det ej finns något samband mellan intensiv tuggning och träningsvärk i massetermuskulaturen. Däremot resulterade tuggningen i ökad muskeltrötthet och vibrationsobehag, samt signifikant högre trösklar för smärta och vibration under försökets gång. Proprioceptiv allodyni kunde ej påvisas. / Aims: To evaluate if intense chewing leads to proprioceptive allodynia in the masseter muscle, and test if (1) pain and fatigue are increased after intense chewing, (2) pressure pain thresholds are decreased after intense chewing, (3) vibration thresholds are increased after intense chewing, (5) intense vibrations exacerbate pain after intense chewing. Materials and Methods: 16 healthy female volunteers (mean age 25.8 ± 5 years) participated in two 60-minute sessions, each with 24-hour follow-ups. In the first session, the subjects were instructed to chew on a viscous chewing gum (Masticha Chios). In the other session the participant were assigned a control task where no chewing was performed. Perceived intensity of vibration and perceived discomfort were assessed with a Vibrameter® on a 0-50-100 visual analog scale (VAS). Two 0-100 mm visual analog scales measured pain intensity and perceived fatigue. The pain threshold was measured with an electronic algometer. These variables were measured to assess delayed onset muscle soreness. All measurements were made on the masseter muscles. Two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures and Dunnett’s post hoc test was used to test for significant alterations in the outcome variables. Results: Significant differences were observed between chewing and no-activity for vibration threshold (P<0.001); perceived fatigue (P<0.001); pain threshold (P<0.01) and vibration discomfort (P<0.05). No significant differences were seen for perceived pain and perceived intensity of vibration. A significant increase over time could only be observed for vibration threshold (P<0.01) and perceived fatigue (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there is no relation between intense chewing and delayed onset muscle soreness in the masseter muscles. Intense chewing evoked moderate levels of fatigue and discomfort, and a hypoalgesia to mechanical stimulation, and reduced vibrotactile sensitivity.

No description available.

Title: Algometric analysis of influence of crimp grip on soft tissues of hand and forearm. Objectives: The main aim of this thesis is comparison and evaluation of changes of nociceptors sensitivity treshold in chosen points of upper extremities area before and after defined strain using pressure algometer. Methods: Data for the experiment was obtained using pressure algometr. Pain threshold was measured in defined 42 points in the order given at each subject firstly before strain and again immediately after defined strain of upper extremities (one minute hangig by the both hands in crimp grip on a campus board in this way: 10 sec strain plus 10 sec break, all six times). Then were measured values statisticaly analysed. Sources for processing of theoretical part of this work were obtained from expert articles and literature which follow up the given task. Results: Statisticaly important results show, that decreasing of pain threshold (on average by 100 - 160 kPa) comes about in tissues of upper extremity immediately after its loading in crimp grip, which means increasing of nociceptors sensitivity. At the same time it has been proved that nociceptors sensitivity in the area of tendon pulleys correlates with frequency of their injury quoted in a literature (that is the highest sensitivity in the...

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a prevalência de subgrupos da Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) e hábitos parafuncionais orais em indivíduos portadores de zumbido subjetivo, sendo comparados com indivíduos sem zumbido. Duzentos indivíduos, de ambos os gêneros, com idade entre 18 a 60 anos, participaram do estudo. Inicialmente, foram subdivididos, com auxílio do exame otorrinolaringológico, em grupo experimental (n=100), indivíduos portadores de zumbido subjetivo, e grupo controle (n=100), voluntários sem qualquer queixa de zumbido. A análise da prevalência de DTM, bem como o estudo dos seus sinais e sintomas, foi feita segundo os critérios de diagnóstico Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). O Limiar de Dor à Pressão (LDP) dos músculos masseter e temporais (anterior, médio e posterior) foram medidos bilateralmente, por meio de um algômetro KRATOS®, e a dor subjetiva pela Escala de Análise Visual (EAV). O estudo da presença dos hábitos parafuncionais orais, apertamento dentário diurno e bruxismo do sono, foi feito através do auto-relato e da aplicação de exame clínico de bruxismo, respectivamente. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística (Testes Qui-Quadrado, t de Student e Mann-Whitney e Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman), em um nível de significância de 5%. Foi encontrada uma maior prevalência de DTM no grupo experimental quando comparado ao grupo controle (p<0,05). De uma maneira geral, os sinais e sintomas de DTM avaliados foram mais prevalentes no grupo experimental em comparação ao grupo controle, como a presença de dor à palpação na ATM e de ruídos articulares na abertura bucal, maior tempo de dor e maior grau de severidade de dor crônica. O resultado médio da EAV encontrado foi estatisticamente maior no grupo experimental (p<0,05), contudo os LDPs não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os grupos. A análise dos hábitos parafuncionais mostrou diferença estatisticamentente significativa da presença de bruxismo noturno entre os grupos, sendo mais prevalente no grupo experimental (p<0,05). Houve uma correlação positiva estatisticamente significativa entre a severidade do zumbido e a severidade da dor crônica (p<0,05) e entre o tempo de zumbido e o tempo de dor (p<0,05). Conclui-se que parece existir uma forte correlação entre os sinais e sintomas da DTM e o zumbido de caráter subjetivo. / The aim of this study was to study the prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) subgroups and oral parafunctional habits, daytime clenching and sleep bruxism, in patients with subjective tinnitus when compared to a group of asymptomatic volunteers. Two hundred patients (ages between 18-60 years-old) participated in this study, divided into two groups, according to the presence (experimental) or not (comparison) of subjective tinnitus. According to the RDC/TMD criteria, the subgroups were determined. The Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) values of masseter and temporalis (anterior, middle, and posterior regions) muscles were recorded bilaterally with an algometer and a visual analog scale (VAS) was used to address subjective pain. The severity of the TMD was determined by using an anamnestic questionnaire while a self-reported questionnaire detected parafuncional habits. Data were submitted to statistical analysis (Chi-square, t Student, Mann-Whitney and Spearmans Correlation), at a 5% significance level. The prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMD was significantly associated with the presence of tinnitus (p.001). The three most prevalent TMD subgroups in tinnitus patients (p<.05) were myofascial pain with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (39%), disc displacement with reduction (44,33%) and arthralgy (53,54%). The PPT values were lower (p>.05) while VAS was statistically higher (p<.05) for tinnitus patients. The severity of TMD was associated with tinnitus (p0.001). Both, the report of sleep bruxism (58%), as well as of daytime clenching (60%) were found more frequently in tinnitus patients. Significant difference, however, was detected only for the report of bruxism (p<.05). These results suggest that an association exists between TMD and subjective tinnitus.

O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi testar a hipótese de que o tratamento através de aparelhos oclusais é benéfico na melhora dos sinais e sintomas da Dor Miofascial (DMF) de origem mastigatória quando comparado a um grupo controle. Para isso, 51 indivíduos foram avaliados segundo os critérios estabelecidos pelo Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/ TMD) para determinar a presença de Dor Miofascial. Essa amostra foi então dividida de maneira randomizada e estratificada em três grupos: 21 pacientes receberam tratamento com placa estabilizadora rígida com cobertura total e técnicas de aconselhamento e mudanças comportamentais para pacientes com DTM (Disfunção Temporomandibular), 16 receberam o dispositivo NTI e técnicas de aconselhamento e mudanças comportamentais para pacientes com DTM e 14 participaram como grupo controle, recebendo apenas técnicas de aconselhamento e mudanças comportamentais para pacientes com DTM. Os dispositivos foram instalados e utilizados em uso parcial (noturno), os controles realizados após duas, seis semanas e três meses. Nos retornos, os pacientes foram avaliados quanto a EAV (Escala de Análise Visual), abertura bucal ativa e algometria (exame para análise do limiar de dor a pressão (LDP) realizado com o auxílio de um algômetro da marca KRATOS capaz de medir a pressão em Kgf). Ainda foram avaliados possíveis efeitos colaterais como desconforto ao uso dos aparelhos oclusais. Os resultados foram analisados com os testes estatísticos: Teste Qui-Quadrado, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA e Turkey, adotando-se um nível de significância de 0,05. Os três grupos apresentaram melhora nos sinais e sintomas de DMF, sugerindo que o tratamento com aparelhos oclusais e técnicas de aconselhamento e mudanças comportamentais parece ser benéfico ao paciente. No entanto, o uso de aparelhos oclusais parece levar a uma melhora mais rápida. O tratamento através das placas estabilizadoras oclusais parece ser mais seguro e efetivo e os dispositivos NTI necessitam de mais estudos em longo prazo para confirmar sua eficácia, assim como a ausência de efeitos adversos. / The aim of this research was to test the hypothesis that the treatment with intraoral appliances with different occlusal designs is beneficial in the management of symptoms and signs of masticatory Myofascial Pain (MMP) when compared to a control group. 51 patients were analyzed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/ TMD) in order to obtain the diagnostic of Myofascial Pain. Then the sample was randomly divided into three groups: 21 patients were treated with acrylic stabilization occlusal splint ; 16 received an anterior device (NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibitory System)) and 14 patients received couseling and orientations for behavioral changes (control group). The two previous groups also received orientations and counseling. The devices were installed and weared in partial time (only during sleep), and the follow-ups were performed after 2, 6 weeks and three months. In these sessions, patients were evaluated according the visual scale of pain (VAS), maximum mouth opening and masticatory muscle algometry, able to determine the pain pressure threshold (PPT)(KRATOS, Brazil). Possible adverse effects were also analyzed such as comfort in the use of the appliance and occlusal alterations. The results were analyzed with Chi-Square test, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA and Turkey, with significance level of 5%. The three groups showed improvement in signs and symptoms of MMP, suggesting that occlusal appliances and behavioural orientations may be benefical in the treatment of this condition. However, the management with occlusal appliance and orientations seems to have an earlier effect. Long term studies with the NTI device are needed to establish its safety and absence of adverse dental effects.

Greater trochanteric pain (GTP) is a regional pain syndrome characterized by lateral hip pain and tenderness. Its incidence after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is variable. Bursal inflammation, degenerative changes of the attachment of the gluteal muscles, direct operative trauma and biomechanical disturbance of the operated hip have been discussed as being related to GTP. The diagnosis is purely clinical because radiological and laboratory investigations show no definite pathology. Although most treatment modalities are conservative, some patients may develop refractory complaints leading to surgical intervention. In study I we studied the incidence of GTP in 172 consecutive patients who underwent THA during 2002 at Sundsvall Hospital. Patients with GTP (n=21, incidence 12%) were matched with controls from the same cohort. The THA outcome was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthrosis (WOMAC) Index. Trochanteric tenderness was studied using an electronic pressure algometer. We found an association between the occurrence of GTP and postoperative uncorrected lengthening of the operated limb of ≥ one centimetre. The WOMAC index revealed a reduction of the clinical outcome in the GTP group. In Study II we tested the value of using an algometer in the diagnosis of GTP after THA. We measured the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) over the greater trochanter and ilio-tibial band in 18 patients and 18 matched controls. Both groups were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). We found the algometer to have a good predictive validity and reproducibility. However, there was large inter-individual variability across subjects. The PPT ratio of 0.8 (affected vs. unaffected side) can be used as a cutoff ratio to establish GTP. There was no correlation between PPT measurements and VAS. Because of a low positive predictive value and large inter-individual variability, the pressure algometer has a limited value as a screening tool. In study III we proposed a new surgical treatment for refractory GTP after THA consisting of distal lengthening of the ilio-tibial band (ITB) by Z-plasty under local anaesthesia. This method was used in 12 women between March 2004 and June 2006. The patients were followed up by phone interview 3-4 months postoperatively and by an EQ-5D questionnaire and clinical examination including evaluation with the algometer at 1-3 years postoperatively. We found that the patients‘ quality of life was markedly improved following the operation (EQ-5D = 0.26 preoperatively vs. 0.67 postoperatively; p &lt;0.005). There were no postoperative complications. In study IV we evaluated the accuracy of a commonly used clinical method of LLD measurement (anterior superior iliac spine-medial malleolus) by comparing it to a reliable radiological method (tear drop-lesser trochanter) in 139 patients before and after THA. We found the correlation between the clinical and radiological methods to be weak preoperatively (r=0.21, ICC= 0.33) while the correlation was moderate postoperatively (r= 0.45, ICC=0.62). It is therefore recommended that the radiological method be used to measure leg length discrepancy in patients who undergo THA.

Thesis (M.Ost.)--Unitec New Zealand, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 92-99).

Introdução: A mensuracão da dor através de testes psicofísicos, entre eles o teste de quantificação sensitiva, definido como a determinação de limiares a estímulos álgicos controlados, possibilita o estudo de inúmeras variáveis que influenciam a percepção final da dor. Entre essas variáveis encontram-se o BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor), o gênero e sistemas modulatórios não classicamente descritos como o melatonérgico. Objetivos: Validar um equipamento para realização do teste de quantificação sensitiva usando amostra de voluntários brasileiros saudáveis e estudar fatores e sistemas neurobiológicos que alteram os limiares nociceptivos como sexo, BDNF e melatonina. Métodos: O novo equipamento (Heat Pain Stimulator-1.1.10; Brazil) foi utilizado em 20 voluntários saudáveis e em pacientes com neuropatia periférica, em duas sessões separadas, para acessar a reprodutibilidade dos limiares e a concordância com os equipamentos clássicos. Em etapa posterior, os limiares de dor foram medidos em voluntários e correlacionados com o gênero e os níveis de BDNF. Em estudo sucessivo 61 sujeitos foram randomizados em 1 dos 4 grupos: placebo, 0,05 mg/kg de melatonina sublingual (SL), 0,15 mg/kg de melatonina SL ou 0,25 mg/kg de melatonina e foram testados quanto aos limiares e tolerância à dor aos estímulos térmico e de pressão no tempo basal e 30 min após a intervenção. A sedação foi quantificada através de escala análogo-visual e pela análise do índice bispectral. Resultados: Os resultados iniciais mostraram concordância com a literatura e adequada reprodutibilidade dos limiares de dor térmica em indivíduos saudáveis (44.5±2.5°C ) e em indivíduos com neuropatias de fibras finas (49.9±3°C) em sessões separadas. Quando analisados em modelo de regressão linear multivariada, os limiares de dor térmica e de pressão mostraram um efeito significativo do gênero (p=0,01 para ambos os modelos), BDNF (p<0,04 para ambos os modelos) e interação entre BDNF e gênero (<0,001 para ambos os modelos). Altos níveis de BDNF foram correlacionados com alto limiar de dor em mulheres e essa relação foi inversa em homens. No estudo com a melatonina, os níveis plasmáticos foram proporcionais à dose administrada, e o modelo de regressão linear mostrou uma relação entre a concentração sérica de melatonina e as modificações nos limiares (R2=0,56 para o limiar de dor ao estímulo térmico e R2=0,518 para o limiar de dor na algometria de pressão). Uma dose única de melatonina igual ou acima de 0,15 mg/kg propiciou um delta médio dos limiares de dor ao estímulo térmico e à pressão maiores que placebo (MANOVA, p<0,05 para todas as análises). Além disso, dose igual ou acima que 0,15 mg/kg produziu maior escore de sedação. Conclusões: O equipamento desenvolvido produz resultados confiáveis para avaliação das vias nociceptivas em voluntários saudáveis e em pacientes com alterações sensitivas. O BDNF está associado a maiores limiares de dor nas mulheres (menos dor), mas tem efeito oposto nos homens, suportando a ideia de que ele modifica o efeito que o gênero exerce sobre os limiares de dor. A melatonina possui efeito analgésico dose-dependente no modelo de dor experimental desenvolvido, havendo correlação entre a concentração plasmática e as alterações nos limiares avaliados. O adequado perfil farmacocinético, e a ausência de efeitos colaterais significativos reforçam a sua consolidação como um fármaco modulador da dor. / Background: The measurement of pain through psychophysical tests, including quantitative sensory testing, allow for the study of many variables that influence the final perception of pain. Among these variables are BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor), in addition to gender and modulatory systems not classically described as melatonergic. Objectives: To validate a device to perform the quantitative sensory testing in a cohort of Brazilian healthy volunteers in order to study factors and neurobiological systems that alter the nociceptive thresholds including gender, BDNF, and melatonin. Methods: The new equipment (Heat Pain Stimulator, 01/01/10, Brazil) was tested on 20 healthy volunteers and patients with peripheral neuropathy in two separate sessions to access the reproducibility of thresholds with the classic features. In later stage, the pain thresholds were measured in volunteers and correlated with gender and levels of BDNF. 61 successive study subjects were randomized into one of four treatment groups: placebo, 0.05 mg / kg of melatonin sublingual (SL), 0.15 mg / kg of melatonin SL or 0.25 mg / kg of melatonin SL, and were tested for thresholds and pain tolerance to thermal and pressure stimuli at baseline and 30 min post intervention. Sedation was quantified by visual analog scale and the bispectral index analysis. Results: Initial results showed agreement with the literature and adequate reproducibility of thermal pain thresholds in healthy subjects (44.5 ± 2.5 ° C) and in patients with neuropathies of fine fibers (49.9 ± 3 ° C) in separate sessions. When analyzed in a multivariate linear regression model, the thermal and pressure pain thresholds showed a significant effect of gender (p = 0.01 for both models), BDNF (p <0.04 for both models) and correlation between BDNF and gender (<0.001 for both models). High levels of BDNF were correlated with high pain threshold in women and this relationship was reversed in men. In the study with melatonin, plasma levels were proportional to dose, and linear regression model showed a relationship between serum melatonin and changes in thresholds (R2 = 0.56 for pain threshold to thermal stimulation and R2 = 0.518 for the threshold of pain on pressure algometry). A single dose of melatonin at or above 0.15 mg / kg led to a delta average pain thresholds to thermal stimulation and a pressure greater than placebo (MANOVA, p <0.05 for all analyzes). Furthermore, a dose equal to or greater than 0.15 mg / kg produced the highest score of sedation. Conclusion: The heat pain stimulator produces reliable results for assessment of nociceptive pathways in healthy volunteers and in patients with sensory changes. BDNF has a facilitatory effect on pain thresholds in women, but has the opposite effect in men, supporting the idea that it modifies the effect gender has on the threshold of pain. Melatonin has a dose-dependent analgesic effect in the experimental pain model developed, there was no correlation between plasma concentration and changes in the thresholds evaluated. The appropriate pharmacokinetic profile, and the absence of significant side effects reinforce its consideration as a pain modulator drug.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:19:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 6742.pdf: 1859845 bytes, checksum: 55f9adab2f16f9d072fe52a977ca84e7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-24 / Background: Hypoalgesia related to hypertension has been described and studied by many authors over the last few decades, but little is known about how it behaves in the elderly. Therefore the aim of this study was to establish whether there are differences in pain sensitivity between hypertensive and normotensive older adults. For this, we selected seventy-two elderly of which 36 were normotensive and 36 were hypertensive and the pressure pain threshold (PPT) was assessed on seven points bilaterally in both groups by means of pressure algometry. Two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) group and gender was performed, and the effect size was calculated using Cohen s index. Results: The PPT values were higher in the group of hypertensive older adults compared to the normotensive ones; that difference was significant (P < 0.05) for the following points: right and left trochanters, left trapezium, left L3/L4 and left anterior tibialis muscle. The correlations exhibited by the PPTs were stronger in the group of hypertensive older adults; hypoalgesia was more generalized among the hypertensive adults compared to the normotensive ones. Gender did not influence that difference, although the magnitude of the difference was greater among males compared to females. Conclusion: Hypoalgesia, as assessed by means of PPT, exhibited a relationship with arterial hypertension in older adults. The influence of gender on hypoalgesia exhibited by hypertensive individuals is controversial. / Contextualização: A hipoalgesia relacionada à hipertensão arterial tem sido descrita e estudada por muitos autores ao longo das últimas décadas, porém sabe-se pouco sobre o como ela se comporta na população idosa. Por isso o objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar se existem diferenças entre a sensibilidade dolorosa de idosos normotensos e a de idosos hipertensos. Para isso, foram selecionados setenta e dois idosos sendo 36 normotensos e 36 hipertensos e foi avaliado o limiar de dor à pressão (LDP) em ambos os grupos em 7 pontos bilaterais por algometria de pressão. Foi realizada a análise de variância (ANOVA) de dois fatores (grupo e gênero) e cálculo de tamanho da diferença pelo índice de Cohen. Resultados: O grupo de idosos hipertensos apresentou LDP maior do que o grupo de idosos normotensos, sendo significativas as diferenças (p<0,05) nos pontos trocanteres direito e esquerdo, trapézio esquerdo, L3-L4 esquerda e tibial anterior esquerdo. As correlações entre os LDPs no grupo de hipertensos foram maiores, sendo a hipoalgesia mais generalizada, que nos normotensos. O gênero não influenciou nessa diferença ainda que os idosos tenham apresentado tamanhos de diferença maiores entre os grupos do que as idosas. Conclusão: A hipoalgesia avaliada pelos limiares de dor à pressão encontra-se relacionada à hipertensão arterial em idosos. A influência do gênero no comportamento da hipoalgesia do hipertenso é controversa.

Resumo: A hiperatividade muscular associada ou não a alterações oclusais pode ser um fator desencadeante das desordens temporomandibulares (DTMs). Qualquer alteração nas estruturas do aparelho estomatognático pode promover um desequilíbrio funcional da mandíbula. A algometria por pressão bem como a eletromiografia tem sido utilizadas como métodos de diagnóstico e controle da evolução terapêutica dos músculos da mastigação. Diversos tratamentos buscam diminuir os sintomas característicos das DTMs pelo restabelecimento do equilíbrio, dentre os quais vale citar a terapia oclusal por meio da placa interoclusal. Uma das dificuldades durante a confecção dos dispositivos interoclusais é determinar a sua espessura. Este critério pode influenciar a eficiência, o desempenho da função de relaxamento e o tratamento da dor muscular. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da espessura da placa, da consistência do alimento e do gênero, na atividade elétrica e no limiar de dor à pressão (LDP) nos músculos masseter e temporal anterior. Para verificar o efeito de diferentes espessuras de placas interoclusais foram selecionados 20 pacientes assintomáticos que utilizaram placas com espessuras 3 e 6 mm. Foram obtidas médias a partir dos valores encontrados em cada paciente, sendo avaliados lados de trabalho e não-trabalho, por meio de registros da atividade elétrica durante a mastigação de dois tipos diferentes de látex e limiar de sensibilidade dos músculos masseter e temporal anterior. Após sua obtenção, os dados foram tabulados e submetidos à análise estatística, a um nível de 5% de significância (p<0,05). Pode-se concluir que as placas de diferentes espessuras (tratamentos) e o gênero não alteraram a atividade elétrica, porém a maior consistência do alimento proporcionou atividades elétricas mais elevadas. O limiar de dor à pressão... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The muscular hyperactivity with or without occlusal changes can is a trigger of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Any change in the structures of the stomatognathic system can promote a functional imbalance of the jaw. The algometry pressure and electromyography has been used as methods of diagnosis and therapy control of the evolution of the muscles of mastication. Several treatments seek to reduce the symptoms characteristic of TMD by restoring the occlusal, among which worth mentioning the occlusal therapy through the plate interocclusal. One of the difficulties during the construction of the splint device is to determine its thickness. This criterion can influence the efficiency, performance of the function of relaxation and treatment of muscle pain provided by interocclusal devices. The objective of this study was to evaluate the thickness of the plate, consistency of the food and gender, in the electric activity and threshold of pain to the pressure (LDP) in the muscles to masseter and anterior temporal. patients in whom signs were established with thickness 3 and 6 mm. Medium were obtained from each side to work and working from records of electrical activity during mastication of two latex sensitivity threshold of the masseter and anterior temporal of all patients. After obtaining the data, the data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis, a 5% level of significance (p <0.05). It It was observed that the plates of different thicknesses (treatments) and the gender had not modified the electric activity, however the biggest consistency of the food provided higher electric activities. The threshold of pain to the pressure was modified with the use of the plates of different thicknesses only for the temporal muscle of the work side, as well as was superior for the men in all the muscles evaluated, however the mastication activity did not influence in the LDP / Orientador: Paulo Renato Junqueira Zuim / Coorientador: Alicio Rosalino Garcia / Banca: Karina HelgaTúrcio de Carvalho / Banca: Vinícius Pedrazzi / Mestre