All trunk muscles are important contributors to spine stability. However, the deepest abdominal muscle, transversus abdominis (TrA), with its characteristically horizontal fibre orientation seems to serve a unique function in trunk motor control. The main mechanical role of TrA is believed to be to contribute to vertebral alignment during imposed moments on the trunk, executed mainly via either regulating the pressure level within the abdominal cavity and/or transmit forces to the spine via the thoracolumbar fascia. However, the complete function of TrA and what factors affect its activation are still not fully understood. The purpose of the present thesis was to investigate the role of TrA in trunk motor control, specifically in relation to the presence or absence of postural demand on the trunk. The timing and magnitude of TrA activation were investigated, in relation to other trunk muscles, with intramuscular fine-wire electrodes in different loading situations and body positions with varying postural demand. In a side-lying position, with no postural demand of keeping the trunk upright, the activation of TrA was delayed relative the superficial abdominal muscles compared to previous experiments performed in a standing position. The timing and magnitude of activation of TrA did not depend upon the direction of perturbation. In the standing position, different static arm positions revealed that the activation of TrA co-varied with variations in the degree of postural demand on the trunk and also the imposed moments, regardless of moment direction. Finally, a study on rapid arm flexion movements confirmed that TrA is part of the pre-programmed anticipatory response in advance of known perturbations. The activation magnitude of TrA was the same regardless if the arm movement induced flexion or extension  moments on the trunk. In conclusion, the activation of TrA is associated with the upright postural demand on the trunk and with balancing imposed moments acting on the spine, regardless their direction. The findings are in support of the beliefs that TrA act as a general, direction non specific, stabilizer of the lumbar spine.

Master thesis "The effect of incentive spirometry and postural lability on activity of respiratory muscles" deals mainly with electromyographic activity of respiratory muscles while using incentive spirometry. In the first part the following aspects of breathing are covered: kinesiology, pattern, work, and the respiratory and postural function of respiratory muscles. The next section describes the main types of incentive spirometers and indications and contraindications of their usage. Furthermore, the thesis defines neurophysiological basics needed for electromyographic usage and the influence on its signal quality. The main part of the thesis deals with the issues of incentive spirometer usage and postural lability and the effects on activity of the respiratory muscles. The final section suggests recommendations regarding the suitable position for effective respiratory-postural function training using incentive spirometry. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

The aim was to highlight the context of developmental dysplasia therapy with postural hip locomotor development for children aged 4 weeks to 12 months. General examination was carried out in 9 children with disabilities in hip joints, degrees IIa- III. without contractures of adductors. We investigated spontaneous activity, and spontaneous reactivity. We compared the clinical picture of hip joints with the ultrasound image. Investigation of spontaneous activity was done by aspection. The test of spontaneous reactivity was taken using video and photos. Experimental results of our study showed the incidence of pathology in the spontaneous activity of 88.89 % children. Spontaneous reactivity was pathology in all cases, with various tests are discussed in the work. Ultrasound findings correlated with clinical manifestation in 66,67 %, but we cannot say that the proportion of patients will generally be higher than 60 %. Hypotheses were tested using the relative frequency parameter. The results are further discussed and compared with the assumptions by other authors. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

La rupture du ligament croisé antérieur du genou est très fréquente, notamment dans les activités qui impliquent des contraintes en rotation. Une dégénérescence du cartilage articulaire du genou peut par la suite engendrer une arthrose. Le but de cette étude était d’une part dans les pathologies traumatiques et d’autre part dans les pathologies dégénératives, atteignant cette articulation, d’analyser les facteurs prédictifs du contrôle postural et de la récupération fonctionnelle. Les effets d’une rééducation innovante combinant une rééducation conventionnelle réduite avec une rééducation en milieu aquatique ont été comparés à ceux d’une rééducation conventionnelle définie par la Haute Autorité de Santé, sur la cinétique de récupération des compétences proprioceptives et sur l’amélioration fonctionnelle. Le contrôle postural par posturographie et la motricité au moyen de tests cliniques ont été quantifiés chez 67 patients ayant présenté une rupture du ligament croisé antérieur, avant intervention et jusqu’à six mois après intervention chirurgicale. Les effets des paramètres météorologiques sur le contrôle postural et la douleur dans la gonarthrose ont été évalués chez 113 patients, par posturographie et échelle de douleur. Pour une même qualité globale du contrôle postural six mois après ligamentoplastie du genou, les patients ayant suivi le protocole de rééducation innovant utilisaient davantage la somesthésie que ceux ayant suivi une rééducation conventionnelle, qui devaient recourir plus à un mécanisme de compensation. La proprioception était améliorée deux mois après l’intervention chirurgicale par rapport à l’évaluation pré-opératoire chez les patients ayant suivi le protocole innovant. La force musculaire était plus importante chez les patients ayant suivi le protocole de rééducation innovant un mois, deux mois et six mois après intervention. Un mois après l’intervention, la distance de marche parcourue était plus importante chez les patients ayant suivi la rééducation innovante que chez les patients ayant suivi la rééducation conventionnelle. Chez les patients présentant une gonarthrose, une dégradation du contrôle postural était observée lorsque la pression atmosphérique et l’humidité maximale diminuaient au cours de la matinée et lorsque la pression atmosphérique diminuait au cours de la journée. L’augmentation de la douleur était corrélée avec l’augmentation de la température sur la matinée et avec l’augmentation de la température et de l’humidité sur la journée. L’environnement dans lequel évolue le sujet (ex : milieu aquatique, ambiance climatique) a donc une influence sur la performance du contrôle postural. Une meilleure prise en charge en rééducation post-ligamentoplastie du genou permettrait de limiter la nécessité de compensation sur le membre contralatéral par une meilleure utilisation de la somesthésie et ainsi prévenir la survenue de l’arthrose et d’une rupture ligamentaire contralatérale. Ceci permettrait de limiter les coûts socio-professionnels / The knee can suffer damage from either traumatic or degenerative pathology. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries frequently occur, especially in activities that including rotational stresses. Degeneration of the articular cartilage of the knee can subsequently result in osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive factors of postural control and recovery in traumatic injuries and also in degenerative pathologies of the knee. The effects of an innovative rehabilitation protocol combining reduced conventional rehabilitation with aquatic rehabilitation were compared with conventional rehabilitation defined by the National French Health Authority on the kinetics of recovery of proprioceptive skills and functional improvement. Postural control and motor control using clinical tests were quantified in 67 patients with ACL surgery before and up to six months after surgery. The effects of meteorological parameters on postural control and pain in knee osteoarthritis were evaluated in 113 patients, using posturography and also a pain scale. Six months after knee ligament surgery, both groups attained the same quality of postural control. However, patients who followed the innovative protocol made more used of proprioceptive inputs compared to the group who underwent conventional rehabilitation who made more use of a compensation mechanism. In patients following the innovative protocol proprioception was improved two months after surgery compared to before surgery. Muscle strength was higher in patients who followed the innovative rehabilitation protocol at one, two and six months after surgery. One month after surgery, the walking distance traveled was higher in patients who underwent innovative rehabilitation than in patients who had undergone conventional rehabilitation. In patients with knee osteoarthritis, degradation of postural control was observed when atmospheric pressure and maximum humidity decreased during the morning and when atmospheric pressure decreased during the entire day. Increased pain was correlated with increased temperature in the morning and with increased temperature and humidity during the entire day. The environment in which evolves the subject (aquatic, climatic) thus has an influence on postural control performance. A better management in post-ligamentoplasty rehabilitation of the knee would reduce the need for compensation using the contralateral limb, by better use of somesthesia. This could prevent the occurrence of osteoarthritis and a contralateral ACL injury, which would also reduce costs to the society and health care

A fadiga de músculos estabilizadores do tornozelo pode piorar o desempenho nas atividades funcionais e no controle postural. É necessário na prática clínica dispor de testes quantitativos que auxiliem na avaliação de possíveis déficits funcionais para proporcionar maior nível de evidência na tomada de decisões clínicas. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o desempenho de pessoas saudáveis em testes funcionais de salto e de equilíbrio estático nas condições pré e pós fadiga dos músculos inversores e eversores do tornozelo. Foram avaliados 30 voluntários saudáveis, de ambos os gêneros com média de idade de 24,3 ± 2,0 (20 - 28) anos de idade, praticantes de atividade física de 2 a 3 vezes na semana e média 1,7 ± 0,6 (1-3) horas por dia. Foram realizados dois dias de avaliação, sendo um dia na condição sem fadiga e outro dia com fadiga dos músculos inversores e eversores do tornozelo. O intervalo mínimo entre os dias de avaliação foi de 48 horas. Os testes realizados foram a posturografia estática na plataforma de força (AMTI) em apoio bipodal olhos abertos e fechados e em apoio unipodal olhos abertos e os testes funcionais de salto (figura em oito, cruzado, lateral e quadrado). A fadiga foi induzida pela dinamometria isocinética (Byodex) nos músculos inversores e eversores de tornozelo com 30 repetições na velocidade de 120°/seg. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e analisados no software estatístico SPSS, considerando o p <= 0,05. Os resultados demonstraram piora no desempenho dos testes funcionais e do controle postural em todas as condições, após indução de fadiga muscular. A fadiga prejudica a propriocepção e cinestesia da articulação do tornozelo pelo aumento do limiar de descarga do fuso muscular, diminuição da aferência e senso de alerta articular. Os testes funcionais de salto podem ser considerados úteis para a prática clínica, sendo ainda considerados de baixo custo / Muscle fatigue of the stabilizing muscles of the ankle may influence in the performance of functional activities and postural control. It is important to have quantitative tests that helps assess the function of individuals to provide highest level of evidence for clinical practice decisions. This study aimed to evaluate the performance in jumping functional tests and static equilibrium of healthy people in the conditions pre and post fatigue of invertors and evertor ankle muscles. Thirty healthy volunteers of both genders were evaluated with a mean age of 24.3 ± 2.0 (28 - 20) years old and physically active, 2-3 times a week and average 1.7 ± 0.6 (1-3 ) hours per day. Two days of evaluation were performed, one day in the condition without fatigue and the other day with fatigue of invertor and evertor muscles. The minimum interval between the days of evaluation was 48 hours. Tests included: static posturography on the force platform (AMTI) in bipedal support with open and closed eyes and; unipodal support with eyes open; and jumping functional tests (figure eight, cross, side and square). The fatigue was induced by isokinetic dynamometry (Byodex) of the invertor and evertor ankle muscles with 30 repetitions at 120°/sec. Data were analyzed with the statistical software SPSS and p <= 0.05. The results showed worsening in the performance of functional tests and postural control in all conditions, after induction of muscle fatigue. Fatigue impairs proprioception and kinesthetic ankle joint by increasing the threshold for discharge of muscle spindle, decreased articular afference and sense of alert. The jumping functional tests can be considered useful for clinical practice and also is considered low-cost

As avaliações de postura craniocervical podem ser realizadas através de métodos qualitativos e quantitativos. Apesar das vantagens no emprego das análises quantitativas, a ausência de valores clínicos de referência para determinação da presença/ausência de desalinhamentos posturais é uma limitação para uso do recurso na prática clínica. Objetivo: Identificar os valores de acurácia, sensibilidade e especificidade da fotogrametria em relação inspeção visual para avaliação da postura craniocervical através da análise de fotografias no plano sagital, além de verificar a confiabilidade destes métodos. Método: Foram avaliadas 157 imagens no plano sagital de mulheres (35,6 DP:10,36 anos). As imagens foram analisadas através da avaliação qualitativa (inspeção visual) e através da análise quantitativa (fotogrametria) considerando-se dois ângulos: ângulo craniovertebral (ACV) e lordose cervical (ALC). Os voluntários com dor cervical também foram submetidos a avaliação de intensidade de dor e incapacidade relacionada à dor cervical. A inspeção visual foi realizada por 5 fisioterapeutas experientes. Da mesma forma a avaliação por fotogrametria foi realizada por 2 avaliadores. Todas as avaliações foram repetidas após uma semana. Para análise estatística foi utilizado o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI) para analisar a confiabilidade e o Kappa de Cohen para a concordância. Além disso, os valores de acurácia, sensibilidade e especificidade foram identificados através do Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). Resultados: Foram observados níveis aceitáveis de confiabilidade para o ACV e ALC (CCI<0,98) por meio da fotogrametria e valores de PABAK para a concordância intra-examinador entre 0,63-0,91 (ACV) e 0,46-0,89 (ALC) e para a concordância interexaminadores de 0,51-0,85 (ACV) e 0,16-0,59 (ALC). Foi observada uma acurácia moderada (0,7 ROC<0,9) para os valores de corte do ACV (42°, EPM±0,73º) e ALC (12º-15º, EPM±0,42º) com níveis aceitáveis de sensibilidade e especificidade (<0,63). Assim, foi encontrada uma acurácia moderada (0,7<ROC<0,9) para os valores de corte dos ACV (± 42°) e ALC (± 13°) estabelecidos pelo estudo, com níveis adequados de sensibilidade e especificidade dos mesmos. Também não foram verificados níveis aceitáveis de sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia dos ângulos de postura craniocervical para detecção dos grupos sintomático vs. assintomático para dor cervical, e para identificação dos subgrupos com e sem incapacidade relacionda a dor cervical. Conclusão: Nossos resultados dão suporte para o uso de ângulos na análise postural quantitativa que discriminam indivíduos com protrusão da cabeça moderada/severa e indivíduos com alterações da postura cervical em hiperlordose e retificação/cifose cervical em relação à postura considerada normal através da avaliação qualitativa. Entretanto, ambos os ângulos estudados não demonstraram bons índices para discriminar indivíduos sintomáticos vs. assintomáticos para dor cervical ou subgrupos com e sem incapacidade relacionda à dor cervical. / Evaluations of craniocervical posture can be performed through qualitative and quantitative methods. Although the advantages in the use of quantitative analyzes, the absence of clinical reference values to determine the presence / absence of postural misalignments is a limitation for the use of the resource in clinical practice. Objective: To identify the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity values of the photogrammetry in relation to the visual inspection to evaluate the craniocervical posture through the analysis of photographs in the sagittal plane, besides verifying the reliability of these methods. Method: 157 images were evaluated in the sagittal plane of women (35.6 SD: 10.36 years). The images were analyzed through qualitative evaluation (visual inspection) and quantitative analysis (photogrammetry) considering two angles: craniovertebral angle (CVA) and cervical lordosis (LCA). Cervical pain volunteers were also assessed for pain intensity and disability related to cervical pain. Visual inspection was performed by 5 experienced physiotherapists. Likewise, the evaluation by photogrammetry was performed by 2 evaluators. All evaluations were repeated after one week. For statistical analysis, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze reliability and Cohen\'s Kappa for agreement. In addition, the values of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were identified through the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). Results: Acceptable levels of reliability for CVA and LCA (ICC <0.98) were observed by photogrammetry and PABAK values for intra-examiner agreement between 0.63-0.91 (CVA) and 0.46- 0.89 (LCA) and for the inter-examiner agreement of 0.51-0.85 (CVA) and 0.16-0.59 (LCA). A moderate accuracy (0.7 < ROC <0.9) was observed for the cut values of the CVA (42 °, SME ± 0.73 °) and LCA (12 ° -15 °, SME ± 0.42 °) with acceptable levels of Sensitivity and specificity (<0.63). Thus, a moderate accuracy (0.7 <ROC <0.9) was found for the cutoff values of the CVA (±42°) and LCA (± 13 °) established by the study, with adequate levels of sensitivity and specificity. Also, no acceptable levels of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the craniocervical posture angles were detected for symptomatic groups vs. Asymptomatic for cervical pain, and to identify the subgroups with and without disability related to cervical pain. Conclusion: Our results support the use of angles in the quantitative postural analysis that discriminate individuals with moderate / severe head protrusion and individuals with altered cervical posture in hyperlordosis and rectification / cervical kyphosis in relation to the posture considered normal through the qualitative evaluation. However, both angles studied did not show good indices to discriminate symptomatic individuals vs. Asymptomatic for cervical pain or subgroups with and without disability related to cervical pain.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os efeitos obtidos por meio de um treinamento fisioterapêutico associado a jogos do Nintendo® Wii Fit, com um treinamento fisioterapêutico convencional sobre o equilíbrio e a cognição de idosos saudáveis. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico controlado, aleatorizado e cego realizado no Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional da Universidade de São Paulo. Participaram do estudo 32 idosos saudáveis da comunidade que foram aleatorizados em grupos controle e experimental, 16 em cada grupo. Todos os sujeitos foram submetidos a 14 sessões individuais de treinamento, duas vezes por semana, por sete semanas. Cada sessão foi composta de 30 minutos de exercícios globais, incluindo alongamento e fortalecimento muscular e mobilidade axial. Após os exercícios globais, os grupos realizaram mais 30 minutos de exercícios de equilíbrio, sendo que o grupo experimental realizou o treinamento associados aos jogos do Nintendo® Wii Fit, e o grupo controle exercícios de equilíbrio convencional. As principais medidas do estudo foram: (1) Mini-Balance Evaluation System (Mini-BEST) Test e (2) Unipedal Stance Test para avaliação do equilíbrio; (3) Escala Internacional de Eficácia de Quedas (FES-I) para avaliação da autoconfiança no equilíbrio; (4) Escala de Atividade de Vida Diária (EAVD) para avaliar a autonomia nas atividades de vida diária; e (5) Avaliação Cognitiva Montreal (MoCA) para avaliação cognitiva. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio da ANOVA one-way e para os efeitos que alcançaram nível de significância, foi realizado o Pós-hoc teste de Tukey-Kramer para a verificação de possíveis diferenças entre os grupos e avaliações realizadas antes, depois e após 60 dias do final do treinamento. Os resultados mostraram que houve uma interação estatisticamente significativa entre os fatores avaliação e grupo confirmados pelo Pós-hoc teste de Tukey, mostrando que o treinamento com o videogame proporcionou melhora significativa nas medidas avaliadas depois treinamento, sem perdas significativas na avaliação após 60 dias. Assim, o treinamento fisioterapêutico associados aos jogos do Nintendo® Wii Fit mostrou-se mais eficiente para melhorar o equilíbrio, cognição e funcionalidade de idosos saudáveis em comparação ao treinamento convencional atualmente preconizado, o que indica que o 9 videogame pode ser uma ferramenta complementar útil ao tratamento fisioterapêutico voltado para a prevenção precoce das alterações cognitivas e motoras em idosos / The aim of this study was to compare the effects obtained through a physical therapy training associated with games Nintendo® Wii Fit with physical therapy training alone on balance and cognition in older adults. It was a prospective, controlled, single blinded randomized clinical trial performed at Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Department of São Paulo University. 32 healthy older adults in the community participated of this study and were randomized in control and experimental groups, 16 each one. All subjects performed 14 individual training sessions, twice a week, for seven weeks. Each session was composed of a 30 minutes global exercises series including stretching, muscles strengthen and axial mobility exercises. After the exercises global, both groups performed more 30 minutes of balance training: the experimental group performed the balance training associated with games of Nintendo® Wii Fit, and the control group standard balance exercises. The main outcome measures were: (1) Mini-Balance Evaluation System (Mini-BEST); (2) Unipedal Stance Test; (3) Efficacy Scale International Falls (FES-I); (4) Scale of Activities of Daily Living (EAVD) and (5) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Statistical analysis was done by one-way ANOVA in order to assess possible differences among the analyzed variables. Results showed statistically significant improvement in the measures evaluated in the experimental group, without any significant changes after 60 days. Wii Fit training appears to improve balance, cognition and functionality of healthy elderly compared to conventional training preconized, which indicates that videogame mat be a useful additional tool to physical therapy toward the early prevention of cognitive and motor changes in the elderly

Introdução: Tem se afirmado que não há a possibilidade de haver melhora da estabilidade dinâmica postural utilizando exercícios na água, isto é, onde a gravidade apresenta-se diminuída. Neste estudo randomizado e controlado avaliamos e comparamos a estabilidade dinâmica postural em indivíduos saudáveis que realizaram exercícios sensório-motor no solo ou na água. Métodos: Através do Biodex Balance System®, foram avaliados os limites de estabilidade postural, antes e após um programa de exercícios, de 60 indivíduos saudáveis do sexo masculino divididos em 3 grupos (solo, piscina e controle). Os indivíduos dos grupos solo e piscina realizaram um treinamento sensório-motor por 2 meses no solo e na água respectivamente; o grupo controle não realizou nenhum tipo de exercício. Resultados: 1) Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na estabilidade dinâmica entre o grupo solo e controle; 2) Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na estabilidade dinâmica entreo grupo piscina e controle; 3) Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre o grupo solo e piscina. Conclusões: realizar exercícios sensório-motor melhora a estabilidade postural em indivíduos saudáveis do sexo masculino, sem diferenças significativas entre os ambientes de treino (solo e água) comparados / Introduction: It has been stated that there is no way to improve dynamic postural stability using exercises in water, i.e. where there is reduced gravity. In this controlled, randomized study, we evaluate and compare postural dynamic stability in healthy individuals who performed sensory-motor exercises on the ground or in water. Methods: Through the Biodex Balance System®, the limits of postural stability were evaluated before and after a program of exercises, in 60 healthy males, divided into three groups (ground, swimming pool and control). The individuals in the ground and swimming pool groups carried out sensorial-motor training for two months, on the ground and in the water, respectively; the control group did not perform any kind of exercises. Results: 1) Significant differences were found in dynamic stability between the ground and control groups; 2) Significant differences were found in dynamic stability between the swimming pool and control groups; 3) No significant differences were found between the ground and swimming pool groups. Conclusions: performing sensory-motor exercises improves postural stability in healthy males, without significant differences between the training environments (ground and water) compared in this study

A desordem temporomandibular (DTM) de origem multifatorial pode estar associada a fatores oclusais e também a alterações posturais. O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar os efeitos do uso da placa sobre o equilíbrio postural em indivíduos dentados, não reprogramados, com sinais e sintomas de desordem temporomandibular (DTM). Colaboraram com a pesquisa 70 pacientes (59 placa e 21 controle), entre 18e 84 anos, de ambos os gêneros, diagnosticados com DTM por meio do questionário do RDC/TMD além de ressonância magnética da articulação temporomandibular. O estudo foi de ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado, prospectivo e de intervenção. Foram respondidos os questionários de risco de quedas - FES-I e de qualidade de vida - SF-36 antes que fosse realizada a avaliação do equilíbrio postural por meio da plataforma de força. Cumprida estas etapas eram feita a randomização: o grupo da amostra recebia placa oclusal com critérios de estabilidade oclusal além de orientação para que fizesse exercícios terapêuticos, enquanto o grupo controle era orientado para fazer apenas exercícios terapêuticos. Após 12 semanas, os dois grupos eram reavaliados. A análise estatística foi feita por frequências, avaliação da associação entre grupos por teste de Fisher; medidas quantitativas considerando por média, mediana, desvio padrão, percentis 25 e 75 além de valores máximo e mínimo; as comparações entre os tempos fez uso de teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon enquanto a entre grupos usou o teste de Mann-Whitney, com nível de significância de 5%. O total de pacientes, que completou o estudo de risco de queda e qualidade de vida, era composto por 77% de mulheres, com média de idade de 42,5 anos. Os itens significantes do risco de queda contribuíram para reduzir a preocupação em cair da mesma forma que os de qualidade de vida auxiliaram o aumento dos domínios saúde mental, dor e vitalidade. Dos setenta pacientes, 64 completaram o RDC/TMD (47 placa e 17 controle), com diferenças significativas no que diz respeito ao diagnóstico de dor miofascial, deslocamento do disco, artralgia direita e esquerda, grau de dor crônica, depressão esomatização relacionada a placa. Dentre os mesmos 70 pacientes, 49 completaram o estudo sobre o equilíbrio postural (36 placa e 13 controle), que apresentou aumento significante na velocidade anteroposterior do CP nas condições olhos abertos e fechados (VAPoa e VAPof), durante a postura em pé no grupo placa. Concluiu-seque o uso da placa foi eficaz no tratamento da DTM sendo que seu efeito pode ser observado no equilíbrio postural a ponto de diminuir a preocupação em cair além de melhorar os domínios de saúde mental e dor, com consequente repercussão sobre a qualidade de vida. / Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) of multifactorial origin may be associated with occlusal factors but also with changes in posture. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the use of the occlusal splint on the postural equilibrium of non-reprogrammed, dentate individual with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder. The research group consisted of 70 patients (59 with occlusal splints, 21 in the control group) between 18 and 84 years of age, of both genders, diagnosed with TMD by way of the RDC/TMD questionnaire and magnetic-resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint. The research was performed via a randomized, controlled, prospective clinical study and intervention. The questionnaires regarding risk of falls - FES-I and quality of life - SF-36 were filled out before evaluating postural equilibrium by way of a force platform. In the randomization, the sample group received occlusal splint, occlusal-stability criteria, and advice about therapeutic exercises; the control group only received advice about therapeutic exercises. After 12 weeks, the groups were re-evaluated qualitatively by frequency, evaluation of the association between the group via Fisher testing; quantitatively via average, median, standard deviation, 25 and 75 percentiles, and minimum and maximum values; comparison between the times via non-parametric Wilcoxon testing and between the groups via Mann-Whitney testing with a threshold of significance of 5 %. Of the universe of the patients who completed the risk-of-fall and quality-of-life study, 77 % were women with an average of of 42.2 years. The items that were significant to the risk of falling contributed to reducing fear of falling, and those significant to quality of life to increasing the domains of mental health, pain, and vitality. Out of the 70 participants, 64 completed the RDC/TMD (47 occlusal splint and 17 controls) with differences that were significant to the diagnosis of miofascial pain, slipped disc, left and right arthralgia, degree of chronic pain, depression, and somatization related to the oclusal splint. Of the 70, 49 completed the postural-equilibrium study (36 occlusal splint and 13 controls), a significant increase in anteroposterior speed of the COP with eyes open and eyes closed (AVPeo and AVPec) occurring in the oclusal splint group while standing. It is therefore concluded that use of the oclusal splint was efficacious in the treatment of TJM and that there was an effect on the postural equilibrium, with improvement occurring in regards to fear of falls and in the domains of mental health, pain, and the quality of life.

Esta dissertação parte da premissa de que o desalinhamento dos arcos plantares estão associados ao mal funcionamento do pé e a subseqüentes desequilíbrios mecânicos gerados por compensações na cadeia cinética e articulações adjacentes. A bandagem plantar é uma das técnicas comumente utilizadas no tratamento e prevenção de lesões decorrentes destes desalinhamentos; no entanto, sua eficácia no controle postural ainda é incerta. Nossas hipóteses são: (i) que sujeitos com arco rebaixado apresentariam déficits do controle postural que se acentuariam em condições de perturbação sensorial, e (ii) que a bandagem aplicada no médio-­pé para melhorar a acuidade sensorial traria benefícios para o controle postural destes sujeitos, principalmente nas condições de perturbação. Assim, apresentaremos nesta dissertação dois estudos, um para investigar as alterações no controle postural de indivíduos com rebaixamento do arco plantar (estudo 1), e outro para investigar as consequências da utilização bandagem plantar nestes indivíduos (estudo 2). Para ambos os estudos, avaliamos a velocidade média e o root mean square da trajetória do centro de pressão durante a manutenção da postura quasi-­-estática em quatro condições de perturbação sensorial: (1) plataforma fixa, olhos abertos; (2) plataforma fixa, olhos fechados; (3) plataforma móvel, olhos abertos; e (4) plataforma móvel, olhos fechados. No estudo 1, 24 mulheres com arcos normais foram comparadas a 13 mulheres com arco rebaixado. No estudo 2, a comparação foi feita entre as condições sem e com a bandagem plantar para as 13 mulheres com arco rebaixado. Os resultados indicam que mulheres com rebaixamento do arco oscilam menos e mais lentamente que mulheres com arco normal, em particular na condição de maior perturbação sensorial, o que pode representar uma resposta pior, ou mais lenta de um sistema com desequilíbrios mecânicos decorrentes de um pé pouco funcional. Já a utilização da bandagem plantar resultou em aumento da oscilação do centro de pressão para a maioria das condições de perturbação sensorial, principalmente na direção médio-­-lateral, o que pode ser explicado por uma dificuldade dos sujeitos em se ajustar a uma nova postura, ou indicar um ganho de confiança e um melhor funcionamento do pé, traduzido pelo aumento da utilização dos ajustes posturais. / This dissertation is based on the premise that misalignment of plantar arches are associated to poor foot function and to subsequent mechanical compensations in the kinetic chain and adjacent joints. Foot taping is a commonly used technique in the treatment and prevention of injuries caused by these misalignments; however, its efficacy on postural control is still uncertain. Our hypotheses are: (i) subjects with low plantar arch would present postural control deficits, detectable by center of pressure sway measurement, that would be worsened in conditions of sensory perturbation, and (ii) foot taping, applied on midfoot with the intention to improve the cutaneous sensorial acuity, would bring benefits to the postural control of these subjects, especially under conditions of sensory perturbation. Thus, two studies will be presented: the first meant to investigate postural control alterations in individuals with low plantar arch (study 1), and the second, to investigate the effects of foot taping use in these subjects (study 2). For both studies, the mean velocity and root mean square of center of pressure trajectory were assessed during the maintenance of quasi-static stance in four conditions of sensory perturbations: (1) fixed support, eyes opened; (2) fixed support, eyes closed; (3) moving support, eyes opened, and (4) moving support, eyes closed. In study 1, 24 women with normal plantar arch were compared to 13 with low plantar arch. For study 2, the same 13 low arched subjects were assessed with and without foot taping. Results indicate that women with low plantar arch have less and slower center of pressure sway, particularly in the condition of highest sensory perturbation level, which may indicate a worsened, or slower, response of a mechanically altered system. When foot taping was applied to the low arched individuals, a higher and faster center of pressure sway was observed in most of the sensory perturbation conditions, especially in the medio-lateral direction. This could be explained either by a difficulty for the subjects to adapt to a new imposed postural condition, or by a gain in confidence while using the taping, reflected by the increase in postural adjustments.